Sliding privacy doors, bigger entertainment screens, preset movie and meal modes, and an art gallery in the skies.
The airline unveiled the first of its refurbished three-class Boeing 777-300ERs this week in Hong Kong – part of a major fleet overhaul conceived seven years ago – but all eyes were on its reimagined business-class Aria Suites. But the number of Australians travelling to Hong Kong remains well below pre-COVID levels, with just 110,000 visitors to August this year, compared with more than 160,000 for the same period in 2019 – a decline of 46 per cent.
“There are all sorts of airline advancements in terms of the seats or suites, everyone has a door and big TV, but it’s the execution that makes the difference,” said Lo. The touchscreen controls feature an array of presets for lighting and seat position, which passengers can adjust at the press of a button by selecting Taxi, Take-off, Landing, Meal, Reading, Lounge or Bed.
Another novelty is the “Gallery in the Skies” at the business class cabin’s entrance, featuring works from artists with a connection to Hong Kong, ranging from urban landscapes to vivid dreamscapes.The airline’s revamped premium economy seats, which come in a palette of cool blues and brown leather, feature a seat pitch of 40-inches and a width of 21-inches , with a swing-up leg rest.