A year ago I wrote that Cathay Pacific planned a new first class product for their Boeing 777-9s on order. That’s worthwhile news because:
- Many airlines are getting rid of first class, this shows a continued commitment to the cabin
- It’s been many years since Cathay did more than change the carpet and seat upholstery in first
Current Cathay Pacific First Class
At the time Cathay indicated they weren’t sure whether the new first class will feature enclosed suites, because according to their research passengers like a ‘society’ element (see and be seen). And it wasn’t clear how many seats the cabin would feature. Current Boeing 777 first class has just six (2 rows of 3 seats each).
Since the planes are still at least 3 years off from delivery they have time on the product. However they aren’t just keeping the design a secret, they actually don’t know what the design will be.
“We are still in the process of working on our options,” explains Vivian Lo, Cathay Pacific’s Head of Customer Experience & Design
…“Ultimately we need to understand what our customers expect, and what they prefer most.”
Current Cathay Pacific First Class
Cathay hasn’t determined whether it will offer enclosed suites. They haven’t settled on a supplier for seats yet either. Once they do, based on the supplier’s current offerings, they’ll “co-create” the seat.
This is the most accurate headline ever. They are talking about it.
Are they talking about how dismal and sad their award availability has become?
They need to replace the monitors ASAP.
I love everything about the current seat except the lack of an air nozzle. Hopefully they’ll include one in the next incarnation.
If they want to understand what customers want it shouldn’t be too hard. It’s prob one of the most reviewed first class products in the world.
Progressive management wants to know what the first class passenger wants. The customer is king. It’s a shame some domestic service in the U.S. is based on what the passenger must endure.