If you'd like to ruin the
ordinary flying experience
forever, book yourself into
Cathay Pacific's new Aria
Suite business class offering.
Sure, you'll enjoy the most
comfortable flight of your life,
but returning to the economy-
seat lifestyle will be devastating—
you've been warned.
The luxury airline's new in-
flight service launched in June
for trips between Vancouver
and Hong Kong, and for the
lucky travellers who have had
the pleasure of experiencing
the elevated business class cab-
in, there's no going back. With
the touch of a button, gener-
ously sized seats unfold to lay
fully flat; pull the door of your
"pod" closed and dress the bed
in a crisp fitted sheet and down
duvet to create an inarguably
snuggly nest, roomy enough
even for long-legged folks. Hit
another button to adjust the
mood lighting to suit. Details
like an amenities kit with
Bamford pillow mist, balm
and body gel—plus a cushy eye
mask and ear plugs, of course—
make prep for a snooze some-
thing to look forward to.
The promise of actually
getting a good night's sleep on
a long-haul flight is enough to
SUITE
DREAMS
A good night's sleep on
a flight? Cathay Pacific
makes the dream a
reality. By Stacey McLachlan
64 To p : C a t h a y P a c i f i c ; b o t t o m : S t a c e y M c L a c h l a n
B C B U S I N E S S . C A
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 5
justify the admittedly hefty
price tag—thrice the price of
economy, on average—but
staying awake has its perks,
too. If you're willing to sit
upright, turn on the 24-inch,
4K-definition TV and pull down
your tray table: a multi-course
gourmet dinner (and an all-day
dining menu) will be delivered
(with real cutlery!) along
with signature cocktails (the
refreshing vodka-and-orange
Cloud Nine) or beer specifically
crafted to be enjoyed at 35,000
feet. Cathay even collaborates
with Michelin-starred
restaurants on certain routes.
Find dishes from institutions
Louise and Duddell's on the
return to Vancouver from Hong
Kong. (Of course, the ability to
enjoy all the food assumes that
you're still hungry after hitting
C A R R Y O N
the lounges at YVR or HKG. Try
to pace yourself with the fresh
dim sum and excellent dan
dan noodles available at the
noodle bars in these beautifully
appointed spaces.)
Daily return flights between
the two cities are running now.
Business travellers headed
to Asia: you're in for a dream
come true.
CLOUD NINE
It's a tough assignment
but someone has to do
it: Stacey McLachlan in
Cathay Pacific's new
Aria Suite headed to
Hong Kong.
