Cathay Pacific has announced plans to remove first class from its 777-300ER aircraft, with the outdated suites being replaced by a brand-new high-privacy business class pod design. This move will eventually make first class exclusive to the upcoming Boeing 777-9 jets scheduled for arrival in 2025, featuring a luxurious new first class concept.
Vivian Lo, Cathay’s General Manager of Customer Experience and Design, confirmed the revamp of the 777 fleet in an interview with Executive Traveller. The refurbished 777-300ERs will now consist of three cabins: business class, premium economy, and economy.
By focusing on upgrading the business class offering with the new Aria Suites, Cathay aims to avoid any complexities in justifying the premium cost of a first class ticket on aircraft where the business class product will offer notably enhanced features in terms of seat comfort and entertainment systems.
While Cathay’s current Boeing 777-300ER first class has been well-received since its debut in 2007, the decision to transition to the new business class pods reflects the airline’s commitment to innovation and passenger satisfaction. The retrofitting process for the 30-strong Boeing 777-300ER fleet is set to commence in the middle of the year and is anticipated to span up to three years, with efforts underway to expedite the timeline.
The good news is that Cathay’s first class suites will continue flying for an extended period, overlapping with the introduction of the 777-9s. The refit will prioritize aircraft currently lacking first class in a three-cabin layout, while initially equipped 777s will undergo upgrades later in the program.
Although the total number of business class seats is not expected to significantly change, the additional space will predominantly accommodate an expansion of premium economy seats from 32 to 48, reflecting Cathay’s optimism in the premium economy segment’s growth.
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