Cathay Pacific has rolled out an upgraded version of its newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER (77J), enhancing the travel experience for passengers. The newly revamped Cathay Pacific business class features the much-awaited Cathay Pacific Aria Suites, designed to offer top-notch comfort and privacy.
The first flight with these retrofitted aircraft took off on October 18, 2024, flying from Hong Kong to Beijing. You’ll love the different seating options available, especially in business class!
Cathay Pacific New Retrofitted 777-300ER
The introduction of the Cathay Pacific new retrofitted 777-300ER marks a significant milestone in the airline’s fleet modernization efforts. Cathay Pacific intends to retrofit a total of 30 Boeing 777-300ERs at a rate of one per month. By the end of 2024, they expect to complete three retrofits. The rest should be completed by end of 2027.
Initially, these retrofitted aircraft will be deployed on regional routes, which currently include destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Tokyo, and Singapore. Starting from January 2025, they plan to introduce long-haul flights.
It has taken Cathay Pacific six years to reach this point with their retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER due to the significant impact of COVID-19. As travel demand continues to grow, the airline is working hard to overcome its challenges and enhance its services for passengers.
Cathay Pacific 777-300er (77J) Seat Map
Here is the Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER seat map which allows for an easy overview of the cabin layout, helping travelers make informed choices when booking their flights. The aircraft has five sections:
Two Business Sections, One Premium Economy Section and Two Economy Sections.
Cathay Pacific Business Class 777-300er Seat Map
45 Aria Suites in a 1-2-1 layout.
Direct aisle access for all seats, enhancing convenience.
Baby bassinet is located in Row 19.
Cathay Pacific Premium Economy Class 777-300er Seat Map
48 Seats arranged in a 2-4-2 layout.
Provides a comfortable experience with additional legroom.
Baby bassinet is located in Row 30
Cathay Pacific Economy Class 777-300er Seat Map
268 Seats arranged in a 3-4-3 layout.
Designed to ensure comfort, even in the economy section.
Baby bassinet is located in Row 39 and 60
Extra Leg Room Seats are located in Rows 39 and 59
Is there First Class on the New Cathay Pacific 777-300ER?
No there is not.
It’s important to note that unlike Emirates, which offers a first-class cabin in their Game Changer product, the retrofitted Cathay Pacific 777-300ER does not include a first-class option. However, similar to Qatar Airways’ QSuites, which are classified as “first in business”, Cathay’s Aria Suites essentially provide a first-class experience within the business cabin. The design allows passengers to enjoy a premium level of comfort and privacy, making their travel experience feel more luxurious.
Cathay is not eliminating the first-class seat completely though. It is expected to introduce their new first class seat on the Boeing 777-900’s in a couple year’s time (somewhere in 2026 without further delays).
Cathay Pacific Aria Suite
The new Cathay Pacific Aria Suite is a significant highlight of the retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER. Each suite is designed to maximize comfort, featuring a sliding door for enhanced privacy and a spacious layout.
There are 45 Aria Suites arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, allowing direct aisle access for all passengers. Unlike the JAL A350-1000 Suites the Cathay Pacific Aria Suites are a reverse herringbone design. This stye of seating is quite similar to their business class seating on board their Airbus A350-1000.
The suites are equipped with a 24-inch 4K in-flight entertainment monitor, wireless charging capabilities, storage compartments, Bluetooth connectivity for personal devices, and adjustable lighting options. Each passenger also received an amenity kit.
An exciting feature of the Cathay Pacific Being 777-300ER Aria Suites is a touch screen that can control the seat and display the status of lavatories, showing whether they are occupied.
Additionally, the middle suites include a privacy divider, allowing solo travelers to enjoy their own space while enabling families or those travelling with kids to lower the divider for a shared experience.
Cathay Pacific 777-300er Premium Economy
In addition to the Cathay Pacific Aria Suites, the retrofitted aircraft includes 48 premium economy seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration.
The premium economy section features a total of 6 rows, with each seat boasting a 15.6-inch 4K screen, ensuring passengers enjoy a comfortable and entertaining journey.
Cathay Pacific 777-300er Economy
The economy section, designed to accommodate 268 passengers, is laid out in a 3-4-3 configuration.
How Do I Know If I Am Flying The New Retrofitted Cathay Pacific 777-300ER?
Easy. You can figure this out two ways.
- Seat Map:
You can tell from the seat map on the official site of Cathay when booking your ticket. Here’s what that looks like.
2. Tail Number:
A tail number is the unique identification code painted on an aircraft, usually on its tail section, much like a car license plate. It helps identify each plane in a fleet and can be used to track specific aircraft.
The tail number of the new retrofitted cathay pacific 777-300ER is B-KPO. If you search this on flight aware you will see that it took its first flight as mentioned above, on the 18th October 2024 from Hong Kong to Beijing and Beijing to Hong Kong. It is flying this route daily until the 31st October. The flight numbers are CX332 and CX331.
Summing Up
In summary, Cathay Pacific is elevating its travel experience with the introduction of the Aria Suite on its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. This new business class product features sleek reverse herringbone seats, complete with privacy doors and advanced technology. This is a significant enhancement over the previous seating arrangements. It’s a promising preview of what travelers can expect not only on the retrofitted 777-300ERs but also potentially on future Boeing 777-9s.
Starting in January 2025, the Aria Suite will expand its availability to long-haul routes. It’s likely London will be among the first destinations. This rollout comes at a crucial time for Cathay Pacific, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. This includes the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their commitment to investing in premium products like the Aria Suite showcases a dedication to providing quality service and comfort to passengers, which is undoubtedly exciting for travelers.
I consider Cathay Pacific to be one of the top airlines out there. Additionally, Hong Kong Airport stands out as one of the best I’ve experienced, boasting some amazing lounges like The Wing and The Pier. I was given a lounge pass to the Pier many years ago and I will never forget the experience. It makes a great and unique gift to travellers.
I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of Cathay Pacific’s newly retrofitted 777-300ER with the Aria Suites to Australia, hopefully sooner rather than later. With a good redemption rate of American Membership to Asia Miles, this is definitely a flight I look forward to boarding.
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Happy travels!
