Cathay Pacific business class just might be on a path back to its former glory, discovers Maggie Chooi on a recent flight between Singapore and Hong Kong.
Background
With protesters recently shutting down Hong Kong International Airport, Cathay Pacific’s hub, forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights, Cathay Pacific has had a rough time of late. However, years of experience and some quick thinking by operations teams ensured the majority of passengers not only got home safe and quickly, but they did so in style.
The Flight
I was headed back to Hong Kong from Singapore only one day after HKIA had been shut down (for the second time) by protesters camped out in the airport terminal. This was unprecedented and a nightmare situation for any airline. However, my check-in process at Singapore’s Changi International Airport was smooth and I was regularly updated on the situation by the airline through emails and text messages. Arriving at the gate, I was informed that my premium economy ticket had been upgraded to business class due to a change of aircraft – obviously, they didn’t hear any complaints from me. We boarded the two class 777-300 at 9.10am for a posted departure time of 9.50, eventually taking off, after a long taxi, at 10.15am.
The Seat
The 777 we flew on from Singapore to Hong Kong featured Cathay Pacific’s regional business class product, a sleek and modern if not streamlined business class that’s well suited for short to medium-length flights. The cabin featured 42 seats in a 2-2-2 configuration, and my seat, 17H, boasted a 21-inch width, an extended leg rest, an innovative cradle recline, and a six-way headrest, as well as a spacious tray table that opened from the seat in front. There was a 12.1-inch monitor that gave access to the airline’s regularly updated StudioCX inflight entertainment system, as well as iPod, USB and AC connectivity. A single pin jack makes using your own headphones a breeze.
I especially like the accessibility of things like the USB port, which is positioned beside the monitor – I wish more airlines would make these ports easier to access without hiding them under armrests. I’m also a fan of StudioCX’s classic movie selection – not everyone wants to watch the latest superhero blockbuster, sometimes it’s the flicks you know that make for a more enjoyable journey.
Service
Despite the business class cabin being full, the crew were efficient and welcoming, serving pre-departure glasses of Piper-Heidsieck champagne, nuts and menus for our early lunch. Cathay has, like many major carriers, struggled with its service quality over the last few years, but this flight was certainly the happy exception. Cabin attendants Ceci and Mags were attentive, detail orientated, efficient and had great smiles. Throughout the flight the senior cabin crew patrolled the cabin, topping up glasses of champagne and chatting with passengers. In fact, on my flight from Hong Kong to Singapore in premium economy I encountered the same, so perhaps CX has turned a corner and is returning to its former glory.
Dining
The brunch service began at 11 am with smoked salmon tartare with poached prawns and dill crème fraiche; and a mesclun salad with Japanese cucumber, radish, tomato and an Oriental dressing. The salmon tartare was well presented, and light yet flavourful and perfectly proportioned.
Mains were served soon after and included the choice of Kampong Chicken with Chinese ham, flower mushroom, spinach, carrots, black fungus and jasmine rice; grilled hickory smoked Black Angus beef fillet with red wine sauce, chorizo, asparagus spears and fingerling potatoes; and prawn and fish cake laksa. I opted for the laksa, which was served with extra chilli paste and chopped spring onions on the side and was the perfect temperature and consistency, with the soup base light and aromatic. Cheese, Haagen-Das ice cream and coffee was offered to finish a very elegant and well-presented inflight meal.
Summary
We touched down in Hong Kong at 2.05pm, five minutes early. If this flight is anything to go by, Cathay Pacific has begun to circle back to a time when its service levels were among the best in the world. I look forward to future flights when the service is as good as the rest of the business class product.
Cathay Pacific Business Class Hong Kong – Singapore return from US$2,117 per person.
Note: The author travelled on a full-fare ticket without the airline’s knowledge.
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