Cathay Pacific, based in Hong Kong, is poised to elevate its long-distance travel experience by rolling out its innovative Aria Suite business class on Boeing 777 aircraft. This expansion marks the Aria Suite’s inaugural scheduled use for routes to the United States, with the airline planning to introduce the updated service on the San Francisco route starting in early 2026.
In its pursuit to modernize its long-haul service from Hong Kong (HKG), Cathay Pacific is actively reconfiguring its Boeing 777-300ER fleet. The Aria Suite, which made its debut in late 2024, signifies a major leap forward in the airline’s premium cabin offerings. The retrofitting process is being conducted at Xiamen International Airport, with each aircraft upgrade taking roughly seven weeks to complete.
Currently, ten planes have been fitted with the Aria Suite, accommodating 45 business class seats arranged in a unique layout. This adjustment allows passengers to easily select and confirm their preferred seats during the booking phase, particularly for rows 14 and 20.
As the upcoming IATA winter season approaches, the Aria Suite is set to operate on various prominent long-haul routes from Hong Kong, including flights to major cities such as Frankfurt, London, Melbourne, Sydney, and Vancouver. Additionally, specific flights to Bangkok and Sapporo will also feature this premium option at times.
Starting January 3, 2026, Cathay Pacific will officially deploy the refurbished Boeing 777-300ER on the San Francisco route, flying three times per week under the flight numbers CX872 and CX873. Customers are encouraged to verify the aircraft type during the booking process due to possible changes in long-haul fleet assignments.
For travelers aiming to confirm the Aria Suite’s availability, they can utilize several platforms for accurate information. Google Flights will show the specific seat layout when the Aria configuration is active, while Cathay Pacific’s official website offers detailed seat maps reflecting the innovative 45-suite arrangement.
Moreover, those looking to purchase award tickets can find the best options through Cathay Pacific’s loyalty program, which provides consistent access to premium cabin inventory.
Ultimately, Cathay Pacific is targeting late 2027 to complete the reconfiguration of its entire Boeing 777-300ER long-haul fleet, with the upgrade process proceeding steadily. As new routes are introduced and more aircraft are brought back into service, the availability of the Aria Suite is expected to broaden, significantly enhancing Cathay Pacific’s long-haul services. Travelers are encouraged to follow the airline’s social media for the latest updates and announcements.