Cathay Pacific's $19 billion upgrade includes new premium economy and business-class seats. I got a sneak peak — take a look.

• Cathay Pacific is rolling out new premium economy and business-class seats on Boeing 777-300ERs.
• The new premium-economy seats feature a winged, cushioned headrest and a footrest.
• Cathay’s business-class Aria Suite comes with storage bins, lie-flat seats, and an art gallery.

Next, I explored Cathay Pacific’s business-class offering, the Aria Suite.

The Aria Suite, the first version of which debuted in October 2024, comes with a sliding door and divider for maximum privacy.

The seat can also recline all the way back for a lie-flat bed on long-haul flights.

The Touch Screen Passenger Control Unit, or TSPCU, allows passengers to control their lights and seating positions.

Travelers can choose from three light settings — reading, mode, and console — and three seating positions — taxi, takeoff, and landing (TTL), lounge, and bed.

The Aria Suite has several hidden compartments.

A flight attendant told me these are useful for storing headphones or other items during bathroom breaks or walks to get blood flowing.

The Aria Suite also has a wireless charging station indicated by subtle markings in the side console’s marble design.

There’s also a mirror that folds out of a small cabinet that holds the in-flight entertainment remote.

At 24 inches, the Aria Suite’s in-flight entertainment screens are the largest ever offered on Cathay Pacific.

Aside from the upgraded seats, the Boeing 777-300ER business-class cabins include a new amenity: an in-flight art gallery.

Cathay Pacific partnered with Hong Kong artists to display their original works of art in a “Gallery in the Skies.”

“It’s something that we’re very proud of in terms of product differentiation and the experience that we offer in flight, which I think is very unique and also brings us to the next level in terms of customer proposition,” Li said.

Cathay’s retrofitted 777s aim to win over travelers willing to pay for more space, privacy, and elevated amenities.

For passengers willing to pay a premium, Cathay’s new seats could help make long-haul flights a luxurious experience — more than merely bearable.