The Pier & The Aria Suite: Cathay Pacific's Human-Centric Ethos Redefines The Flying Experience

WRITTEN BY FÊTE CHINOISE EDITORIAL TEAM (Kayla Lo, with notes from Deborah Lau-Yu)
Images: courtesy of Cathay Pacific, Reposted from Studioilse (Photography by Lit Ma)

Now that the pandemic is behind us, travel is at new heights of demand as families make up for lost time. Cathay Pacific is one of the most coveted carriers for long-haul travel to Asia, and for many of our readers, it is exciting to witness breakthroughs in the flying experience when they make a long trip home or to a place where their family is rooted, dotted with art and culture, and of course, increased comfort during the journey.

Cathay Pacific is set to elevate its in-flight experience with the latest Aria Suite, reinforcing the airline’s human-centric approach and design ethos. A concept video for the new cabin design featuring Business class, Premium Economy, and Economy on Cathay Pacific’s Boeing 777-3000ER has been unveiled, showcasing a focus on maximising travel comfort and enjoyment from the perspective of a passenger. 

At the heart of this innovation is the new business class Aria Suite, designed to provide travellers with a private space that is accessible and thoughtfully designed. With features like a full sliding door and privacy divider, the suite offers enhanced privacy and personalised suite lighting to keep passengers calm and relaxed in the skies. Equipped with large 24-inch 4K screens for in-flight entertainment, the suites are crafted to cater for various onboard activities, including resting, working, dining, and entertainment. 

Of particular note is the sliding door, which is expected to be a game-changer, particularly appealing to business travellers and families. As Cathay Pacific is the airline that flies most frequently to Asia from Canada, the latest suites, while every detail has been carefully considered, guarantee elevated comfort and a pleasant experience for long-haul flights between Canada and Asia. 

In the new cabin, Cathay Pacific is embracing the transformative power of arts with the introduction of Gallery in the Skies, a curated collection of artworks from selected Hong Kong creators, including Victor Wong, William Furniss, and Carla Chan. Reflecting their support for local artists, this in-plane gallery adds a soft touch to the cabin space. 

While the Aria Suite represents the latest in 2024 technology and design, Cathay Pacific’s commitment to making a difference and standing out as a proud Asian representation is not new. The Pier First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport, which opened in 2015, already exemplified Cathay Pacific's design philosophy of presenting warmth, simplicity, and contemporary Asian values through a human-centric approach.

The Pier, First offers a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere while catering to the diverse needs of passengers. With warm and tactile materials like onyx, limestone, and bronze, complemented by greenery and warm lighting, the lounge provides an inviting space for travellers. Asian influences are evident in the use of wood furniture and walnut and bronze screens, which offer privacy and separate spaces within the lounge. The traditional Asian furniture has been revitalised in a contemporary way. The lounge also offers a range of amenities, including Chinese culinary delights, massage services, and work suites, elevating the overall experience to luxury status.

The Pier, Business takes another step by offering Chinese delicacies such as dim sum and noodles, as well as a Teahouse for sensory tea-tasting experiences, allowing travellers to savour Asian delights even during a brief stopover in Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific's support for local artists is evident in The Pier, with extensive artworks featured throughout, mirroring the concept of the latest Aria Suite's Gallery in the Skies, which highlights Cathay Pacific's dedication to executing its design ethos throughout the years.

By consistently embodying its design philosophy, Cathay Pacific has transformed the entire flying experience from an institutional feeling to one that is enjoyable and comfortable. The airline’s dedication to excellence extends from lounges to in-cabin experiences, allowing Cathay Pacific to differentiate itself from other airlines and proudly position itself as a leading representative of Asia. With these enhancements, Cathay Pacific has set a new standard for in-flight experiences, and we eagerly anticipate flying with them once the new suites are launched!

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