Cathay Pacific Airways Premium Economy & Does CX have a strategy to revitalize it's brand? скачать в хорошем качестве

Cathay Pacific Airways Premium Economy & Does CX have a strategy to revitalize it's brand?

Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @ewanwilsonairlinetravelchannel   Welcome to our channel! I'm Ewan Wilson ‪@ewanwilsonairlinetravelchannel‬ and together with Monique, we explore the world of travel, reviewing airlines and other modes of transport. With our extensive backgrounds in the airline and travel industries, we bring valuable insights into what happens behind the scenes. As a former commercial pilot and senior airline executive, as well as a qualified human factors investigator, I offer expert analysis of airline operations. Our goal is to provide impartial airline reviews to help you make informed decisions on which airlines to fly—and which to avoid. I’m also the author of three books, including two bestsellers: ✈️ Good Night Malaysian 370 ✈️ Dogfight: The Inside Story of the Kiwi Airlines Collapse Both are available on Amazon. Monique has served as an Airport Country Manager for Kiwi International Airlines and has owned and operated her own travel business. Today's Review: Cathay Pacific Premium Economy (A350) In this video, we’re flying Cathay Pacific Premium Economy on their A350. ✔️ We'll visit The Pier, one of Cathay’s three business class lounges at Hong Kong International Airport. ✔️ We'll try out their premium economy seat, now equipped with a full leg rest. ✔️ And of course, we'll test the in-flight catering and overall experience as Cathay Pacific works to rebuild its reputation. Airport & Lounge Experience With no checked bags, I quickly printed my boarding pass and lounge invitation at the kiosk. As a Star Alliance Gold member on an Air New Zealand codeshare, I had access to three Cathay Pacific lounges—but I chose The Pier. This is an elegantly designed, spacious lounge with all the amenities you'd expect from a world-class airline. I couldn’t resist trying the pork belly, washed down with a glass of Pero. Onboard: The Seat & Comfort I was excited to get my first look at the Premium Economy seat. Though Cathay Pacific's newer Boeing 777s feature an upgraded version, the A350's seat is still impressive. ✅ Full-length leg rest—a real game-changer for comfort. ✅ Retractable armrest for added flexibility. ✅ Increased recline (9 inches) and seat pitch (40 inches)—more space than many competitors. As a huge fan of Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy, I have to say the Cathay Pacific seat is superior—at least on the A350. The leg support made a real difference, and I managed to get four hours of sleep! Entertainment & Wi-Fi Cathay Pacific’s in-flight entertainment (IFE) is excellent—far better than Air New Zealand’s. I had no trouble finding a great movie. However, charging for Wi-Fi on long-haul flights is outdated. Airlines need to move on from this. Dining Experience Breakfast was pleasant, though I was disappointed that coffee was served in a paper cup instead of a proper mug. These small touches matter. Unfortunately, the pork main course was very dry—so much so that I couldn’t finish it. Definitely a weak spot in the experience. Cathay Pacific’s Comeback Strategy Once renowned for its premium service, Cathay Pacific struggled during the avian flu and COVID-19 pandemics, leading to financial and operational challenges. Now, the airline is making a $13 billion investment over seven years, including: ✈️ 100+ new aircraft ✈️ Redesigned cabins across its fleet ✈️ New Aria Business Suites and upgraded Premium Economy seats Despite these efforts, Cathay Pacific reported a 15% drop in first-half profits due to lower airfares. However, strong travel demand and a booming cargo business helped them declare an interim dividend. They’ve also repurchased all government-issued warrants from their 2020 bailout—signaling confidence in their financial future. Would I Fly Cathay Pacific Again? Here’s my final verdict: ✅ Pros: ✔️ Comfortable Premium Economy seat with excellent leg support ✔️ Good in-flight entertainment ✔️ Nice amenity kit ✔️ Lounge access via Air New Zealand codeshare & Star Alliance status ❌ Cons: ✖️ Mediocre main meal—the pork dish was disappointing ✖️ Wi-Fi charges—outdated for long-haul flights ✖️ Seat selection issues—had to call Cathay directly due to Air New Zealand’s booking system Would I choose Cathay Pacific over Air New Zealand? Yes—at least until Air New Zealand upgrades its Premium Economy product. Upcoming Reviews 🎥 Air New Zealand’s "Skycouch" product on a long-haul flight to Vancouver 🚆 A review of VIA Rail’s "The Canadian" train service from Vancouver to Winnipeg ✈️ EVA Air Business Class experience If you made it to the end of this video, thank you for watching! 💬 Like, subscribe, and comment—your support really helps! Safe travels, Ewan Wilson This version keeps the professional tone while improving readability, flow, and clarity. Let me know if you'd like any tweaks!