As part of the multi-million dollar refurbishment, the airline’s first-class cabin has been removed, replaced with 45 flat-bed Aria Suites, 48 premium economy seats (an increase of 16) and 268 economy seats. The airline is one among many that has ditched first class seats in favour of upgraded business class offerings, with the luxury of first class travel increasingly a rarity in the sky.

The mastermind behind the new premium suite, Cathay Pacific’s general manager for customer experience and design Vivian Lo, said she was most excited about the Aria Suite’s new customisable activity-based chair and lighting presets.

“There are all sorts of airline advancements in terms of the seats or suites, everyone has a door and big TV, but [for Cathay] it’s the execution that makes the difference,” said Lo.

“With one touch, I can choose Movie [mode]. In two seconds, the seat, the lighting is optimised to be the best experience.”

The touchscreen controls feature an array of presets for lighting and seat position, which passengers can adjust at the press of a button by selecting Taxi, Take-off, Landing, Meal, Reading, Lounge or Bed.

With cream and caramel tones and a stylish wrap-around seat design, the new Aria Suite comes with a lie-flat bed, a marble-style side console with built-in wireless charger for smartphones and other devices, multiple storage spaces, charging ports and sliding privacy doors.

Passengers can also pair Bluetooth-enabled headphones and access a screen app for checking lavatory status from the comfort of their suite, to save lining up for the loo.

Another novelty is the “Gallery in the Skies” at the business class cabin’s entrance, featuring works from artists with a connection to Hong Kong, ranging from urban landscapes to vivid dreamscapes.

The airline’s revamped premium economy seats, which come in a palette of cool blues and brown leather, feature a seat pitch of 40-inches (102 centimetres) and a width of 21-inches (53 centimetres), with a swing-up leg rest.

The 4K high-definition touchscreens, with Bluetooth connectivity, measure in at 15.6 inches (40 centimetres) and feel enormous.

The seats feature leather headrests with adjustable privacy wings and an integrated reading light, press-button tray table, and additional cocktail table with extendable surface.

The economy cabin has also been given a refresh, with new dress covers, enhanced ergonomics, and additional overhead bin space. It features the same flexible headrest, tablet holder, USB charging ports, power outlets as the previous design.

October 18 marks the launch of first of 30 refurbished Boeing 777-300ERs to be rolled out from now through to 2027 at a rate of about one per month.

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As part of the major fleet overhaul, Cathay will be taking delivery of 22 new Boeing 777-9 jets from 2026, featuring a new first-class seat.

There are also plans to launch new cabins on its A330s, along with a new flat-bed business class.

The writer travelled to Hong Kong as a guest of Cathay Pacific.