The three big changes coming to Cathay business class this year

Cathay Pacific’s been flying essentially the same long-range international business class seat since 2010, although the refined version rolled out in 2016 for the Airbus A350 contained some improvements to make high flyers even more comfortable.

But that’s all about to change – and with not one, not two but three substantial changes planned for Cathay Pacific business class this year.

Here’s what you can expect to see.

1. Cathay ‘Aria Suites’ business class 

Sometime in the second quarter of 2024, Cathay will pull back the curtains on its next-generation business class, which will be marketed as ‘Aria Suites’.

Teaser images released by the airline indicate there’ll be a sliding privacy door – a ‘first class in business class’ touch introduced by Delta Air Lines and Qatar Airways, and now being adopted by almost every airline’s latest business class (including Qantas).

One of the Aria Suites 'sneak peek' images released by Cathay Pacific.

The door on the Cathay Aria Suite is paired with extended ‘wings’ for a degree of privacy even when that door is open – something many travellers prefer when they're not sleeping or working in ‘do not disturb’ mode.

There’ll also be wirelessly charging for smartphones and tablets, alongside AC and USB-C outlets, while the large 4K video screens in each Aria Suite will offer Bluetooth audio streaming to the passenger's own headphones or earbuds – features already built into Cathay’s A321neo business and economy seats.

One of the Aria Suites 'sneak peek' images released by Cathay Pacific.

The Aria Suites will adorn a refit of the long-range Boeing 777 jets as well as the forthcoming Boeing 777X fleet.

While Cathay has yet to confirm exactly when the 777 Aria Suites business class will take wing, Executive Traveller understands it’ll launch alongside a fresh take on premium economy for the 777.

(And if you’re wondering about first class, Cathay also plans to unveil its ‘Halo Suites’ first class in 2025.)

2. Cathay’s new regional business class

It’s not only long-haul that’s set for an overhaul: Cathay Pacific has confirmed some of its Airbus A330 workhorses will move to a bespoke ‘regional business class’ seat for flights within the greater Asia market.

As with Cathay’s current regional business class, the new seat is likely to be a recliner rather than a lie-flat bed, with a more space-efficient and profitable 2-2-2 layout across each row.

Cathay's current A330 regional business class.

Executive Traveller understands Cathay will put out the call to seatmakers around the globe in Q3 this year, inviting them to make their pitch to supply the new seat for launch in 2026.

The move will likely see Cathay streamline its A330 fleet into two groups: one for medium-length flights to the likes of Australia and New Zealand, which will retain lie-flat business class seats to suit overnight legs, and the other fitted with regional business class for shorter flights up to around six hours. 

3. Free WiFi in Cathay business class

From the middle of this year, Cathay’s business class flyers will no longer have to pay to keep connected above the clouds.

Cathay Pacific CEO Ronald Lam has confirmed the airline will make WiFi free for all business class passengers (along with top-tier Cathay Diamond members, although not their Oneworld Emerald siblings).

The free WiFi deal will of course also extend across Cathay’s Airbus A330, A350 and A321 fleet.

Cathay's business class passengers will soon enjoy free WiFi.

Under current pricing, a ‘flight pass’ from beginning to end of a Cathay flight costs up to US$20 depending on the length of the flight (for trips of less than six hours, the tariff is US$13), with a single hour charged at US$10.

On flights under six hours there’s also a US$4 messaging package for text messages (but not photos) on WhatsApp, iMessage, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, LINE and the like.