Our Extraordinary Experience with Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific's 777-300 aircraft delivery ceremony at the Boeing headquarters in Everett, WA.

We were humbled to be invited to Cathay Pacific's 777-300 ER new aircraft delivery at Boeing's headquarters in Everett, Washington on August 26, 2011. Following the aircraft delivery ceremony, our small party was flown on the new aircraft directly to Hong Kong. We had various Chicago service inaugural activities in Hong Kong and Shanghai, ending the week flying Cathay's inaugural HKG-ORD flight on September 1.

Although United Airlines has always been our preferred transpacific carrier, we are, indeed, in awe of the level of excellence and high-touch service of Cathay Pacific.

Prior to the aircraft delivery ceremony, Cathay treated us to a private tour of Boeing's main747-8F, 777 and 787 assembly building. Superlatives cannot properly describe this building, the largest building by volume in the world - covering 98.3 acres with 18,000 workers on site; 75 football fields can fit within its area! Observing the various complex stages in creating the 747-8F, 777 and 787 aircrafts, one is awed by the creative manufacturing achievements by the Boeing engineers, produced in the most leading and technologically advanced facility in the industry.

We were most impressed with the new 787 Dreamliner, a sleek smaller aircraft than its larger 777 cousin. Nearly 50% of the 787 primary structure, including the wings and fuselage, is made of composite material. Our August 26th visit coincided with the official 787 Dreamliner FAA Certification. Congrats to the Boeing 787 team!

No coincidence that most of the 787 aircrafts waiting for delivery were from the fast-growing Pacific Rim-based airlines, starting with ANA.

Cathay CEO John Slosar and Director Nick Rhodes cutting the Inaugural ribbon!

Being a special aircraft delivery flight, our Everett, WA to Hong Kong cabin service had a festive, jubilant atmosphere, with Cathay's engaging CEO, John Slosar, serving as our host. As only the First and Business Class were used in this flight, it was somewhat eerie to see a completely empty Economy Class cabin area!

Cathay's 777-300 First/Business Class Cabin

Our snapshot review of Cathay's 777-300 First and Business class cabin service:

• The First Class seats are enormous, with each seat occupying a 3-window space area. The dining trays are so large, a couple may share a meal together in one seat. Our favorite First Class keepsake was the custom Cathay Shanghai Tang pajamas - very nice!

• Cathay First Class 5-star hotel analogy - the feeling and exclusivity of an Aman Resort stay!

• Cathay Business Class 5-star hotel analogy - the comfort and service level of a Peninsula Grand Deluxe Room (sorry, no Victoria Harbour or Pudong views at 37,000 feet!)

• 

  Both First and Business Class offer amazingly
  quiet BOSE noise cancellation headsets.
  
  
• The First and Business Class flat-bed seats truly have a feel of a bed; roomy and loaded with amenities, including 15" video monitors with over 100 movies - "Cedar Rapids" and "Midnight in Paris" being the consensus favorites!

• Asia service culture
• With the Buddhist and Confucian based cultures' embracement of hospitality and respect, it is no coincidence that high-touch service seems almost intrinsic to Asia-based carriers, particularly Cathay Pacific. Also, in contrast to the many other international airlines, you feel the cockpit and cabin service alike have a sense of belonging and "familyness" to their airline...how refreshing! Great job Cathay Pacific management!

The hobbit from the Shire meets the world's most powerful jet engine!