The Aria Suite Business Class, as Cathay Pacific’s latest cabin product, is installed on the existing 777-300ER aircraft. Jesse’s strongest impression is the soft and comfortable cabin color scheme combined with the lighting design, which can be considered one of the most significant changes in this cabin.
Another key difference compared to Cathay Pacific’s existing Business Class products is the addition of sliding doors for the seats. When closed, these doors greatly enhance the privacy of the resting space, making it a standout feature. This has become a standard function for most market-leading Business Class cabins. The retrofit process for the existing 777-300ER fleet will continue progressively.
777-300ER (77J) Seat map
Aria Suite: Welcome Panel
At the Aria Suite, as passengers step into the cabin through Door 1, the iconic “Brushwing” corporate logo is prominently displayed to welcome them to their home for the next few hours. Positioned at an angle pointing toward the cabin, the logo symbolically greets passengers as they enter. At this location, crew members are also on hand to provide seat guidance for a seamless boarding experience.
In the central cabin wall, passengers will find Cathay Pacific’s Aerial Art Gallery, featuring different art pieces on each 777-300ER equipped with the Aria Suite configuration. These artworks are created by various artists who tell their stories through unique forms and mediums. While their creative materials and approaches may differ, these artists share a common connection to Hong Kong, each with their own meaningful narrative.
The Cathay Pacific “Brushwing” corporate logo located at Door 1 of the Business Class cabin warmly welcomes every Aria Suite passenger boarding the flight.On the aircraft with the registration number B-KPO, the featured artwork is created by the world’s first artificial intelligence ink artist, A.I. Gemini. Using data input by its creator, Victor Wong, the AI produces paintings with elegant and precise brushstrokes. The artwork is part of the Paramita series.The galley located at Door 1 is separated from the walkway leading to the restrooms by lattice panels. These lattice panels are a prominent design element in this cabin upgrade, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Aria Suite: Forward and Aft Cabin Spaces
Forward Cabin Spaces
In the 777-300ER (77J), the Business Class cabin is divided into two sections, with a total of 45 seats. The first section of the cabin features an additional row in the K seat column, totaling seven seats, while the ADG columns each have six seats per row. This makes the first section a total of 25 seats.
Business Class Forward Cabin Configuration:The Aria Suite’s unique seat doors offer a complete sense of enclosure, providing both a secure and private experience for passengers.The K-row seats in the forward cabin featureIn the forward cabin, almost everyone can have space for one carry-on suitcase.The view from the second cabin section looking forward into the first cabin section.Seat 11G Jesse must say that the interplay of light and shadow in this cabin is truly elegant. Even when looking at my own photos, I can’t help but marvel at its beauty.
After Cabin Spaces
The aft cabin space, like the forward cabin, features a 1-2-1 configuration, with a total of five rows. The entire aft cabin contains 20 Aria Suite seats. Behind this section is the Premium Economy Class, separated by a cabin wall. During cruising, a curtain is drawn to provide Aria Suite passengers with enhanced privacy.
After Cabin SpacesThe aft cabin wall also features Cathay Pacific’s corporate logo, the Brushwing. I’ve always admired Cathay’s elegant and minimalist design, which is clean and uncluttered while still emphasizing its distinct style.Even without closing the door, everyone still has excellent privacy.The view from the aft Business Class cabin looking toward the Premium Economy cabin. The green seat indicator lights are used by the cabin crew for a quick check of seat statuses during safety inspections.The variation of lighting is the central theme of the Aria Suite. Jesse will share more about this in an upcoming section.The K-row seating area in the aft Aria Suite cabin.Window seats offer each passenger the space of approximately two windows.
Aria Suite: Space Details
Fully Flat Seat
The space for the fully flat seat is designed with the front end of the armrest side table remaining vertical, creating additional clearance to maximize resting space.The space when lying down provides ample room for the shoulders, ensuring comfort.The triangular space at the front of the armrest opens to reveal a storage compartment (rightside of picture).
Aria Suite: Door Locking
The door lock is located at the top of the cabin wall. After reaching cruising altitude, the cabin crew will assist in unlocking it. To unlock, there is an additional button on the cabin wall near the aisle, which must be pressed simultaneously to release the lock.When closed, the cabin door does not fit completely flush, leaving a slight gap to prevent excessive noise caused by turbulence-induced vibrations.The interior of the seat door is lined with a layer of fabric. Made from a semi-velvet material, it also helps to slightly reduce noise levels.
Aria Suite: Detailed Seat Features
After pulling out the table, there is a slot designed for holding a tablet.Many right-angle designs have been eliminated, with all edges rounded into curves.The seat features a shoulder belt safety harness. Compared to the older three-point seatbelt design, it only requires a single buckle. This safety belt does not include an airbag.Clothing HookSmall Tabletop Storage CabinetThe storage cabinet door also includes a makeup mirror.
Aria Suite: Sliding Doors and Central Divider
The entire seat is covered with velvet-like fabric upholstery.For the two center seats, if the passengers are not acquainted, the divider can be raised. If they are familiar, it can be fully lowered for easier conversation.
Do Not Disturb Indicator Light
Under normal conditions, the seat number indicator is located on the aisle side.
After pressing the Do Not Disturb light, it changes to an amber color.
Aria Suite: Light and Shadow Variations & Lighting Control
Another major highlight of the cabin upgrade is the removal of all overhead lights. All necessary lighting is now provided exclusively by the desk lamp at each seat.This desk lamp provides various lighting angles needed for different activities. The design concept stems from the fact that, on long-haul flights, turning on overhead lights can disturb nearby passengers. With this downward-focused design, the light remains concentrated within your own suite, minimizing interference with other travelers.Upon closer examination of the desk lamp, the main light source emits through a white lampshade, making the light softer and more diffused. The black sections house additional smaller lights installed at different angles. These lights illuminate various areas of the seat, catering to specific zones and activities.From the entertainment system’s control panel, the lighting is divided into the following categories: main light, reading light, seat ambient lighting, dining table lighting, side panel lighting, and footwell lighting.The footwell lighting has a slight nightlight effect, providing a soft and subtle illumination.
Aria Suite: Seat Controls
The seat controls can be operated from multiple locations.
The monochrome touch panel located in the armrest area.The icons are very clear and represent the following, from left to right: Do Not Disturb, Call Button, Lighting Control, Fully Flat Seat, Relax Position, and Upright Position for Takeoff.After selecting Lighting Control, different lighting scenarios are available to choose from.The entertainment system also allows you to adjust the lighting modes in sync.The seat armrest on the side can be raised for support or lowered to increase the resting area.
Lowering it creates a flat surface, increasing the resting space.
Raising it provides additional arm support.
In the fully flat seat position, the seat itself features three simple control buttons, making it convenient to adjust the seat while lying down.
Electronic Device Charging
I must say the design of the charging location for this seat is excellent. The plugs and cables are positioned in the space in front of the table, considered a marginal area, so they don’t interfere with the seating position. In contrast, if the plugs were facing the passenger, it would be easy to bump into the adapters and charging cables while moving around in the seat.
There is a set of Type-C and Type-A charging ports located above.A 60W Type-C charging port is available.Additionally, wireless charging is available on the side table.Jesse’s Samsung phone, even with a case, can charge using the wireless charger. However, the phone’s position needs to be properly aligned for charging to work.
Aria Suite: Storage Space
A tabletop with a marble-like pattern.A dedicated space for storing headphones, complete with a reserved cable routing groove.Inside the cabinet, there is an additional layer of fabric to prevent items from sliding. On the side, there is a dedicated space for storing bottled water.A hidden small storage compartment in the side table, perfect for storing a phone or passport.The storage space is also lined with fabric, providing an anti-slip function.Additionally, the triangular space in front of the side table armrest is also designed for storage.
Aria Suite: Entertainment System
In the Aria Suite, the screen is a 24-inch 4K high-resolution touch display. The screen is very large, and the touch functionality is highly responsive.
The entertainment system is the same as in Premium Economy, but with the added feature of a seat indicator, showing various seat settings and customization options.I must say, the background image on the seat control screen is very thoughtfully designed. The seat number displayed is unique for each passenger, matching the exact seat you’re sitting in. Even these small details have been carefully considered.Of course, information about available restrooms is also provided.
Aria Suite: Special Seats
In each section, the first row seats have additional storage space for the cabin crew. In front of the seat, there is a platform, which many passengers appreciate, as it provides extra space to store items.The 19th row AK seats in the aft Business Class cabin lack a window due to the presence of ducts in the cabin wall. However, this does not have a significant impact on the overall experience. This photo shows seat 19K.Reference photo of seat 19A.
Taipei-Hong Kong Route Meal
Cathay Pacific’s menu design has always been simple and elegant. Jesse’s favorite part is the red book cover, which features a red-thread bound book design. It’s a small detail, but it stands out and adds a touch of sophistication.The flight time on the Taipei-Hong Kong route is only one hour, so a tray service model is used.For those who enjoy spicy food, you can request chili sauce from the flight attendants.The cutlery set consists of five pieces: two knives and two forks.
Jesse’s Actual Travel Space
It’s best to check the photos for this part. Jesse is quite large, standing at 183 cm and over 100 kg. As long as Jesse has enough space to move comfortably, most people will find plenty of room to rest comfortably in the seat.
The foot space is ample, allowing for full leg extension.In the fully flat position, there is still a reasonable amount of space around the knees, allowing for some movement.
Moving it upward provides additional space, which is something Jesse really values for legroom and freedom of movement.
For Jesse, only one foot can be fully bent at a time while lying down.
