Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A321neos – What To Expect

Cathay Pacific hasn’t operated a narrowbody since 1983, when it deployed the Boeing 707. However, this will all change for the flag carrier of Hong Kong next month as it sends its new Airbus A321neos to the skies for the first time next month.

These Airbus A321neos were initially intended for Cathay Dragon. Photo: Cathay Pacific

Making the most out of the opportunity

Four Airbus A321neos have already joined Cathay Pacific in the form of B-HPB, B-HPD, B-HPE, and B-HPG. The airline will hold another 12 of these by the end of 2023. They will be introduced commercially on August 4th, operating on a route between Hong Kong and Shanghai Pudong.

Following the service entry, the twinjet will be seen on services to the likes of Qingdao, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Nanjing, Taipei, and Kaohsiung this summer.

Each plane will hold 202 seats, divided between 12 business and 190 economy seats. Photo: Cathay Pacific

Regional comfort

Cathay isn’t shy to express its excitement for the plane. The company shares that it is the first model to be fitted with its new Regional Business Class seat. Passengers can expect to enjoy a hard-shell recliner that offers a “cocoon-like feel with divider screens for maximum privacy.” Additionally, there are 15.6-inch 4K screens in business class and 11.6-inch 4K monitors in economy class.

The 4K Ultra HD IFE screens will enable Cathay to become the first carrier worldwide to offer 4K UHD screens, 4K VOD, and Bluetooth audio streaming across the whole aircraft. Photo: Cathay Pacific

These A321neos also feature extra-large overhead storage bins in all of its cabins. This factor gives 60% more space for baggage.

“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,” Chief Executive Officer Augustus Tang shared in a statement.

“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.”

Fliers can expect new adjustable headrests, comfortable cushions, and flexibility with the recline. Photo: Cathay Pacific

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A welcome addition

According to ch-aviation, the A321neos join five Airbus A321-200s in the airline’s fleet, which are all currently parked following their arrival after Cathay Dragon ceased operations in October. The carrier also holds 36 Airbus A330s, 20 Boeing 747s, and 65 Boeing 777s.

The A321neo has fans all over the world. Airlines of all shapes and sizes appreciate the plane for its balance. Ultra-low-cost airlines such as Wizz Air vouch for the aircraft and its economics. For instance, they can reduce carbon emissions on a per-seat basis by 22% when against previous generations.

However, it’s not only LCCs that back the model. Full-service airlines such as Cathay will deploy the aircraft well on routes this decade. The airline is already expecting two more arrivals before this year is over.

What are your thoughts about Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A321neos? Are you looking forward to flying on this aircraft with the airline? Let us know what you think of the carrier’s fleet in the comment section.

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