Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350-1000 is a state-of-the-art aircraft designed to enhance passenger comfort and operational efficiency. This aircraft is part of Cathay Pacific’s strategy to modernize its fleet. It offers improved fuel efficiency, a quieter cabin, and enhanced onboard features.
The Cabins
The A350-1000 is configured to carry up to 334 passengers. Unlike the 4 class cabin on JAL A350-100, Cathays A350-1000 has three classes. Business Class has 46 seats, 32 in Premium Economy, and 256 in Economy. The Business Class features the latest version of the Cirrus III seats. They are arranged in a reverse-herringbone 1-2-1 configuration, providing direct aisle access and enhanced privacy. These seats are designed by Studio F.A. Porsche and include additional storage, improved comfort, and a sleeker design.
This reverse herringbone set is also a feature of the new retrofitted 777-300ER that Cathay recently deployed with the new Aria Suites.
Compared to the A350-900, the A350-1000 is longer. This allows it to carry more passengers while maintaining a similar level of comfort and space. This aircraft is deployed on several long-haul routes, connecting Hong Kong with major cities such as Amsterdam, Washington D.C., and Manchester.
Cathay Pacific emphasizes the aircraft’s excellent operating economics, which contribute to its ability to offer competitive services on these routes. The A350-1000’s quieter engines and advanced air systems are designed to provide a more comfortable flying experience, with reduced noise and better cabin air quality, making it a preferred choice for long-haul flights.
As you prepare for your travels onboard Cathay, don’t forget to check out my ultimate travel packing list to make sure you have everything you need.
Seat Map of A350 1000 and Best Seats
When evaluating the best seats on Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350-1000 across all cabin classes, it’s important to consider factors like privacy, legroom, proximity to restrooms, and cabin noise. Here’s a breakdown:
Business Class
Best Seats: Rows 18 and 19 (Seats 18A/K and 19A/K)
- These seats are located towards the middle of the cabin, away from the galleys and lavatories, providing a quieter experience. They also offer direct aisle access and extra privacy, especially for solo travelers.
- The reverse-herringbone layout ensures that every seat has direct aisle access, but the middle seats (D/G) are better suited for couples traveling together.
- Avoid: Row 11 (Seats 11D/G) due to proximity to the lavatories, which can be disruptive.
Premium Economy
Best Seats: Row 30 (Seats 30A/C and 30H/K)
- These seats are located in the first row of Premium Economy, offering extra legroom. Additionally, they have a bulkhead in front. This means no seats are directly in front of you, providing a more spacious feeling.
- Avoid: Row 33 (Seats 33A/C and 33H/K) as these are near the lavatories, which can cause frequent disturbances from other passengers.
Economy Class
Best Seats: Row 40 (Seats 40A/B/C and 40H/J/K)
- These seats are in the exit row, providing significantly more legroom. Being in the middle of the economy cabin, they also strike a balance between proximity to the restrooms and distance from noise.
- Avoid: Rows 60-62 (Seats 60A/B/C and 60H/J/K) as these are at the very back of the plane, near the lavatories. You will often experience more noise from both passengers and crew. Additionally, the cabin narrows towards the rear, making these seats slightly less comfortable.
General Tips
· Window Seats: Always good for travelers who prefer a view and don’t need to get up often.
· Aisle Seats: Ideal for those who value easy access to the aisle and lavatories.
Comfort, Cleanliness and Culinary Brilliance
On a recent bleisure trip to the Greek Island of Amorgos my first flight was from Auckland to Hong Kong. I had the opportunity to experience Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350-1000 in Business Class. The use of Air New Zealand Kora business lounge was an additional bonus and experience in itself!
The 11.5 hour flight was incredibly comfortable. The the lie-flat bed offered an exceptional level of comfort that made it easy to relax and get some quality rest.
The food served on board was outstanding, with a menu that exceeded my expectations in both variety and flavour.
The business class seats were thoughtfully designed, featuring spacious compartments that were perfect for storing personal items. Additionally, the large TV screen provided excellent entertainment throughout the flight. I was also impressed by the consistently spotless lavatories, which were meticulously maintained by the cabin crew.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience that highlighted the attention to detail and quality service that Cathay Pacific is known for.
What made this journey even more rewarding was that I was able to secure a Business Class reward ticket using my Qantas Frequent Flyer points. There are a number of ways to accumulate Qantas points. The most common is through the use of credit cards and shopping with every day rewards. Other not so common ways is enrolling in a utility partner that pays point for every dollar you spend. Red Energy and Qantas have a partnership which gives you 2 points per dollar spent.
Knowing when Qantas release their seats is critical. Having mastered the points game, I always travel for free business or first class, making this luxurious experience even more satisfying.
More importantly i always use my point redemption calculator to ensure I am utilizing my frequent flyer points in the best possible way.
Sum Up
Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350-1000 offers an exceptional flying experience across all cabin classes. With its modern design, enhanced comfort, and top-notch amenities, it stands out as one of the best options for long-haul travel. In Business Class, passengers can enjoy spacious lie-flat beds, gourmet cuisine, and meticulously maintained facilities. The Premium Economy and Economy cabins also provide comfort and value, with strategic seat choices enhancing the experience further.
Having personally flown Cathay Pacific from Auckland to Hong Kong in Business Class, I can confidently say that the airline is among the top in the industry. From the superb in-flight service to the comfortable seating and excellent use of space, Cathay Pacific ensures a premium experience that makes it a preferred choice for both frequent and occasional travelers. If you’re considering your next flight, Cathay Pacific is definitely worth choosing for an unparalleled journey.
