Could this be the new world's best business class? A resounding yes
The seat
Standing ovation, gold medal, this cloud-like flat bed with quilted topper and fluffy 400-thread-count duvet is a sky cocoon. There are 45 Aria Suites in a 1-2-1, herringbone pattern divided between a forward and rear cabin and three dedicated bathrooms.
The seats themselves are 21 inches (53.3 centimetres) wide, with a pitch of 43 inches (109.2 centimetres), and 75 inches (190.5 centimetres) long when flat. Every whisker of space is working hard; an armrest flattens, widening the bed at the shoulder, the foot well accommodates knees-bent side sleepers, and a shoulder-high sliding door provides privacy. Leather-clad headrests and oyster hues add to the premium hotel feel.
Entertainment + tech
Woah, now that's a screen, 24 inches (60.96 centimetres) of 4K ultra-high-definition awesomeness. There's even a dedicated 4K movie category and I go into a short-list frenzy, covering all bases with the realistic bloodbath of Gladiator II and more sedate Wilding with phenomenal macro nature images.
There's Bluetooth for personal earphones, an in-table phone charger (the USB-A and USB-C charging ports are faster) and I develop a design crush on the innovative inbuilt control panel and screen app for checking lavatory status. Micro details like the light diffuser (but why no spot lamp for reading?) and the cubby's non-slip pad for potentially sliding items whisper quiet luxury.
Service
A passing staff member responds to a seat belt adjustment request with 'I'll be right back!' and disappears into the void. I press the call button to un-Japanese the TV language and end up waving at a crew member like I'm hailing a taxi. In the witching hours, I do a second call button test (for a hot chocolate) and a crew member appears within milliseconds – a more accurate depiction of the engaging and professional crew's famous standards.
The full cabin of first-time Aria guests unfamiliar with the suites (it's also most of the crew's first Aria flight, one confides, making me immediately empathetic), means initially the five crew are simply run off their feet with questions. Cathay Pacific, do your exceptional staff a favour and add a sixth member until Aria-frenzy settles.
Food
Food is a highlight – a prawn amuse bouche is followed by a silky zucchini soup with deliciously crunchy croutons and tender braised chicken with mushrooms and bamboo shoots in oyster sauce.
Sustainability
Cathay Pacific aims for zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has been a pioneer of sustainable aviation fuel, co-initiating the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition.
One more thing
The business class galley features artwork, a mindscape by Hong Kong artist Victor Wong (of the Gallery in the Skies program), an unexpected cultural nod.
The price
Loading
Return business class tickets (all business cabins are priced the same, including those with Aria Suites) from London to Sydney via Hong Kong are from $9700
The verdict
Could this be the best business class in the skies? A resounding yes. Famed for its design savvy legacy, Cathay has knocked the ball out of the stratosphere with thoughtful technology and style, deservedly the winner of best new business class at TheDesignAir Awards. The last airline to sport such innovation was the Finnair business seat, but the bonuses of privacy doors and exemplary staff in the air and in the stellar lounges make Cathay Pacific the one to beat.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Could this be the new world's best business class? A resounding yes
The seat Standing ovation, gold medal, this cloud-like flat bed with quilted topper and fluffy 400-thread-count duvet is a sky cocoon. There are 45 Aria Suites in a 1-2-1, herringbone pattern divided between a forward and rear cabin and three dedicated bathrooms. The seats themselves are 21 inches (53.3 centimetres) wide, with a pitch of 43 inches (109.2 centimetres), and 75 inches (190.5 centimetres) long when flat. Every whisker of space is working hard; an armrest flattens, widening the bed at the shoulder, the foot well accommodates knees-bent side sleepers, and a shoulder-high sliding door provides privacy. Leather-clad headrests and oyster hues add to the premium hotel feel. Entertainment + tech Woah, now that's a screen, 24 inches (60.96 centimetres) of 4K ultra-high-definition awesomeness. There's even a dedicated 4K movie category and I go into a short-list frenzy, covering all bases with the realistic bloodbath of Gladiator II and more sedate Wilding with phenomenal macro nature images. There's Bluetooth for personal earphones, an in-table phone charger (the USB-A and USB-C charging ports are faster) and I develop a design crush on the innovative inbuilt control panel and screen app for checking lavatory status. Micro details like the light diffuser (but why no spot lamp for reading?) and the cubby's non-slip pad for potentially sliding items whisper quiet luxury. Service A passing staff member responds to a seat belt adjustment request with 'I'll be right back!' and disappears into the void. I press the call button to un-Japanese the TV language and end up waving at a crew member like I'm hailing a taxi. In the witching hours, I do a second call button test (for a hot chocolate) and a crew member appears within milliseconds – a more accurate depiction of the engaging and professional crew's famous standards. The full cabin of first-time Aria guests unfamiliar with the suites (it's also most of the crew's first Aria flight, one confides, making me immediately empathetic), means initially the five crew are simply run off their feet with questions. Cathay Pacific, do your exceptional staff a favour and add a sixth member until Aria-frenzy settles. Food Food is a highlight – a prawn amuse bouche is followed by a silky zucchini soup with deliciously crunchy croutons and tender braised chicken with mushrooms and bamboo shoots in oyster sauce. Sustainability Cathay Pacific aims for zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has been a pioneer of sustainable aviation fuel, co-initiating the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition. One more thing The business class galley features artwork, a mindscape by Hong Kong artist Victor Wong (of the Gallery in the Skies program), an unexpected cultural nod. The price Loading Return business class tickets (all business cabins are priced the same, including those with Aria Suites) from London to Sydney via Hong Kong are from $9700 The verdict Could this be the best business class in the skies? A resounding yes. Famed for its design savvy legacy, Cathay has knocked the ball out of the stratosphere with thoughtful technology and style, deservedly the winner of best new business class at TheDesignAir Awards. The last airline to sport such innovation was the Finnair business seat, but the bonuses of privacy doors and exemplary staff in the air and in the stellar lounges make Cathay Pacific the one to beat.
The Age
3 days ago
- The Age
Could this be the new world's best business class? A resounding yes
The seat Standing ovation, gold medal, this cloud-like flat bed with quilted topper and fluffy 400-thread-count duvet is a sky cocoon. There are 45 Aria Suites in a 1-2-1, herringbone pattern divided between a forward and rear cabin and three dedicated bathrooms. The seats themselves are 21 inches (53.3 centimetres) wide, with a pitch of 43 inches (109.2 centimetres), and 75 inches (190.5 centimetres) long when flat. Every whisker of space is working hard; an armrest flattens, widening the bed at the shoulder, the foot well accommodates knees-bent side sleepers, and a shoulder-high sliding door provides privacy. Leather-clad headrests and oyster hues add to the premium hotel feel. Entertainment + tech Woah, now that's a screen, 24 inches (60.96 centimetres) of 4K ultra-high-definition awesomeness. There's even a dedicated 4K movie category and I go into a short-list frenzy, covering all bases with the realistic bloodbath of Gladiator II and more sedate Wilding with phenomenal macro nature images. There's Bluetooth for personal earphones, an in-table phone charger (the USB-A and USB-C charging ports are faster) and I develop a design crush on the innovative inbuilt control panel and screen app for checking lavatory status. Micro details like the light diffuser (but why no spot lamp for reading?) and the cubby's non-slip pad for potentially sliding items whisper quiet luxury. Service A passing staff member responds to a seat belt adjustment request with 'I'll be right back!' and disappears into the void. I press the call button to un-Japanese the TV language and end up waving at a crew member like I'm hailing a taxi. In the witching hours, I do a second call button test (for a hot chocolate) and a crew member appears within milliseconds – a more accurate depiction of the engaging and professional crew's famous standards. The full cabin of first-time Aria guests unfamiliar with the suites (it's also most of the crew's first Aria flight, one confides, making me immediately empathetic), means initially the five crew are simply run off their feet with questions. Cathay Pacific, do your exceptional staff a favour and add a sixth member until Aria-frenzy settles. Food Food is a highlight – a prawn amuse bouche is followed by a silky zucchini soup with deliciously crunchy croutons and tender braised chicken with mushrooms and bamboo shoots in oyster sauce. Sustainability Cathay Pacific aims for zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has been a pioneer of sustainable aviation fuel, co-initiating the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition. One more thing The business class galley features artwork, a mindscape by Hong Kong artist Victor Wong (of the Gallery in the Skies program), an unexpected cultural nod. The price Loading Return business class tickets (all business cabins are priced the same, including those with Aria Suites) from London to Sydney via Hong Kong are from $9700 The verdict Could this be the best business class in the skies? A resounding yes. Famed for its design savvy legacy, Cathay has knocked the ball out of the stratosphere with thoughtful technology and style, deservedly the winner of best new business class at TheDesignAir Awards. The last airline to sport such innovation was the Finnair business seat, but the bonuses of privacy doors and exemplary staff in the air and in the stellar lounges make Cathay Pacific the one to beat.
7NEWS
3 days ago
- 7NEWS
Cult-favourite Bose headphones with ‘exceptional noise cancellation' down from $499.95 to just $299
Dreaming of peace and quiet? Now's your chance to block out the world in style. The Bose QuietComfort SC Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are currently part of a limited-time deal, slashing the price from $499.95 down to just $299 on Amazon Australia. That's a massive 40 per cent saving, and judging by the 200-plus sold in the past month, this deal isn't sticking around. Whether you're tuning into your favourite playlist, zoning out on a long-haul flight, or just trying to drown out the neighbour's lawnmower for the third time this week, these headphones deliver serious noise cancellation with comfort to match. Why are Bose QuietComfort headphones are the real deal? They use a mix of active and passive features to shut off the outside world, meaning you can finally listen to Beyoncé without also hearing bin night roll by. With two listening modes, you can switch between Quiet Mode (for full noise cancelling) and Aware Mode (so you can stay present while still enjoying your soundtrack). It's perfect for city strolls, shared offices or travel. And yes, they sound as good as they look. Thanks to high-fidelity audio and adjustable EQ, you can control the bass, mids and treble to suit your ears. So whether you're vibing to a podcast or a full symphony, every note is crystal clear. Comfort that lasts all day (and night) Forget the days of fiddling with uncomfortable headphones mid-flight. These babies are designed to hug your ears with plush earcup cushions and a padded headband that actually stays put. They're stylish enough to wear all day and comfy enough that you'll forget you're even wearing them. With up to 24 hours of battery life, you're sorted for even the longest playlists. And if you're in a rush, a quick 15-minute charge gives you 2.5 hours of extra playtime. For those who hate fiddly Bluetooth connections, the included audio cable with in-line mic has you covered when the battery runs out or when you just want a good old-fashioned wired setup. Multi-tasker approved Switching between devices is seamless with multi-point connectivity, which means you can jump from your laptop to your phone without the annoying re-pairing dance. It's no surprise that real users are raving. One reviewer said: 'The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are a top-tier choice for anyone seeking exceptional noise cancellation and superb comfort. With a sleek, minimalist design and plush ear cushions, they're ideal for extended use.' Another added: ' Perfect fit. Battery life is amazing, lasts the whole day and charges quick. Noise cancelling is very good.'
