This airline’s ‘next level’ premium economy is more like business-lite

The airline: Cathay Pacific

• Route Sydney to Hong Kong, flight CX162
• Frequency Four daily, with the new cabins currently on CX161/162 five times weekly
• Aircraft Boeing 777-300ER
• Class Premium economy; seat 34D, left aisle on a centre row
• Flight time Bang on 9 hours (departing six minutes early/arriving 30 minutes ahead of schedule)

Checking in

Hello, what do we have here? When did Cathay Pacific install self-tag kiosks with bag drop? Since pre-COVID, apparently. On this heaving Monday morning the economy queue is a lengthy snake but premium economy has its own empty, dedicated lane with one counter for only 48 seats. With zero wait, premium economy already feels like a win worthy of an extra cash splash.

Baggage

Two 23-kilogram bags, a 7-kilogram carry-on plus a small item.

Loyalty scheme

The loyalty program is simply called “Cathay”, and earns Asia Miles. As a OneWorld member, frequent flyers from partner Qantas earn 65 status credits and 6500 points in this class.

The seat

Next level. That’s the only way to describe Cathay Pacific’s brand-new cabins (currently on CX161/162 but rolling out across the fleet) and while all eyes are on the business-class Aria Suites with privacy doors, my money is on the elevated luxury of premium economy for the micro details and value.

Privacy wings make the seat feel enclosed, there’s water waiting in the foot-side bottle holder, a plump duvet and pillow, and seat numbers in brushed metal on the seat sides with wood grain table finishes. Classy.

The plush seats in blue-grey tones with chocolate leather accents are wide enough at 21 inches (53 centimetres) to do The Eagle (elbows out typing), with a snooze-enabling 8-inch (20cm) recline, extendable leg rest and 21-inch (53cm) pitch. With only six rows (and one dedicated bathroom) the feel is “exclusive sky cubby house”; the short-straw seats are E and F because middle seats are still middle seats.

Entertainment + tech

New Aria Suites technology overflows into premium economy; there’s the lavatory map advising occupancy, Bluetooth pairing capabilities and a 15.6-inch (39.6cm) screen with 4K ultra-high definition. Then there are extra features I prefer, like an effective overhead spotlight for working and laptop storage within reach via a slim, hip-height chair pocket complete with USB-C charger.

Extra charging points and universal sockets nestle below a neighbour-shared cocktail table, overlooked if already sucked into the vortex of entertainment options. Cathay won Skytrax’s “World’s Best In-flight Entertainment” in 2023 (runner-up in 2024) and I seat-bop to a Summer of Soul documentary on the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival before an unexpectedly racy Babygirl featuring Nicole Kidman.

Service

The eight crew serving the premium economy and economy cabins embody the legendary Cathay service skills. Simultaneously personable and professional, there’s eye contact and relaxed smiles while maintaining whip-fast efficiency.

Food

Just the scent triggers quivering nostrils – peeling back the foil cover of the kung pao prawns is like unwrapping an airline-food Christmas present, sparking fireworks of joy. Accompanying juicy piping-hot prawns are steamed vegetables including crunchy baby corn and jasmine rice, plus garlic bread and a Tim Tam and Ben and Jerry’s ice-cream.

The pre-landing refreshment is generously more main than refreshment, and despite temporary neighbour meal envy of the braised lamb, the barbecued pork with egg noodles and choy sum is both delicious and a destination palate-preparer. Bonus points for the pastry snacks by a social enterprise employing seniors.

Sustainability

Cathay Pacific is a founding member of the Aviation Climate Taskforce (developing breakthrough technologies in decarbonising air travel), an early SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) adopter and one of the first Asian airlines to commit to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.*

One more thing

Despite being a day flight, it’s run like a night flight with a dark cabin, window shades closed. When queried, a crew member says passengers feel it’s more restful. Hmm, or deliberate passenger sedation? Work plans are scuppered due to “light guilt” (when inconsiderately polluting a dark cabin with your solitary overhead light – the people we love to hate).

The price

From $3304 return.**

The verdict

I’m reluctant to leave. This flight is like being rugged up on my home lounge, but better staffed with restaurant meals (I’d now fly Cathay for the food alone) and more entertainment.

The unexpected bonus of some innovative Aria Suites-level technology and design in every detail make this more business-lite than premium economy, without the carbon creation and cash hit of flying business.

Our rating out of five

★★★★★

The writer flew as a guest of Cathay Pacific.

*For more information about air travel and sustainability, see iata.org

**Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.