What would be your first luxury purchase if money were no object? For some, it might be a sleek sports car or a six-figure watch. For this traveller, the ultimate indulgence is the simple guarantee of a business class seat on any flight lasting over five hours. The difference, they argue, is between embarking on a long-haul journey with eager anticipation or with a sense of dread.
First Impressions of the Aria Suite
This philosophy was put to the test on a Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER, bound from London to Perth via Hong Kong—a marathon journey totalling 19.5 hours in the air. On this particular flight, 45 of the 361 passengers were seated in the airline's latest business class product: the Aria Suites.
The battle to sell premium cabins is fiercely competitive. Carriers constantly innovate, offering larger entertainment screens, greater privacy, and superior dining. Cathay's entry features a 24-inch wide personal TV, a fully enclosed suite with a privacy door, complimentary wi-fi, and an ambitious menu promising dishes like pan-fried cod with supreme soy sauce.
Service and Amenities at 40,000 Feet
As with top hotels, service is paramount. The experience began with a dedicated boarding door for business class, bypassing the queues and overhead locker scramble of economy. A friendly exchange with the cockpit crew set a jovial tone, while the attentive cabin service began immediately. Flight Manager Kerry, noting a passenger's slight sniffle, proactively delivered a soothing hot lemon with honey—a gesture repeated ahead of breakfast.
The suite itself is a study in thoughtful design. The natural wool seat and suede walls create a calming environment, with lighting controlled via touch-sensitive screens rather than clunky handsets. A smart leather Bamford amenity kit is provided, filled with premium skincare. The storage is remarkably generous, featuring a sliding drawer and an upper console cabinet housing noise-cancelling headphones and a discreet mirror.
The Crucial Difference: Sleep and Connectivity
Perhaps the most significant advantage on such a long flight is the ability to sleep properly. The Aria Suite's lie-flat bed is complemented by a soft, sumptuous duvet, ensuring genuine rest. Another standout feature is the wire-free charging pad built into the console table, allowing for easy power-up of phones and tablets without fumbling for cables.
The cabin's herringbone configuration is also a win for privacy. Unlike some older business class layouts where you might need to climb over a neighbour, window seats on Cathay are single units. The journey concluded with the passenger rested and refreshed, albeit with the sobering thought of returning to 'steerage' on a future long-haul trip.
Travel Facts
Flying business class from London to Perth with Cathay Pacific costs from approximately £5,640 return. For specific travel periods, such as between 21 April and 22 August 2026, the fare can start from £5,060 if booked before 24 December 2025. It is important to note that the new Aria Suite is currently only available on selected routes and flights.
