Cathay Pacific is gearing up to launch flights with its new fleet of A321 neo aircraft, with the inaugural commercial service set to operate between Hong Kong and Shanghai on August 4.
The carrier has so far taken delivery of four A321 neos, with two more set to arrive during the second half of this year, and a total of 16 scheduled for delivery by the end of 2023.
The aircraft had originally been destined for subsidiary airline Cathay Dragon, before the decision was made to shut down the carrier last year.
Cathay Pacific to take over 15 routes from defunct Cathay Dragon
Cathay’s A321 neos are configured with 12 business class and 190 economy seats, and are the first to feature the carrier’s newly designed regional business class product, which offers a hard-shell recliner seat with divider screens, and 15.6-inch 4K Ultra-HD personal TV screens.
Economy passenger will benefit from 11.6-inch 4K TV screens, along with “a generous recline, comfortable seat cushions and new adjustable headrests”.
Cathay says that it is “the first airline in the world to provide 4K ultra-high-definition screens, a 4K video-on-demand experience as well as Bluetooth audio streaming (being introduced progressively) across all cabins”.
The aircraft also feature inflight wifi connectivity, and “extra-large overhead storage bins in all cabins, providing 60 per cent more space for passengers to stow their carry-on luggage”.
During August Cathay’s A321 neo fleet will gradually roll out across routes from Hong Kong to destinations including Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Qingdao, Kaohsiung and Taipei.
Commenting on the news chief executive officer Augustus Tang, said:
“We’re incredibly excited to see our next-generation A321neo take to the skies for the first time next month as we continue to add more passenger services in the region.
“The single-aisle A321neo is the newest addition to our fleet and has been designed and fitted with an array of new features that offer the most enjoyable short-haul experience in the world to our customers.
“We look forward to deploying A321neos on more regional routes and welcoming customers on board.”
