In February, Cathay Pacific partnered with Michelin-starred restaurant Duddell’s to create a truly decadent dining experience at 30,000 feet, offered in their newly reconfigured business class cabin.

Cabin Design

As you step on board, you’ll immediately feel a sense of relaxation and comfort. Cathay Pacific has long been my airline of choice, but the sleek new design and muted colour palette of the ultra-long-haul A350 are truly something special.

The entire cabin has an incredibly soothing ambiance (a remarkable feat considering many passengers are about to embark upon flights up to 16 hours long!). The spacious seats provide plenty of legroom and recline fully into a flatbed that features increased sleeping space. Cathay Pacific also offers 400 thread-count cotton sheets, pillow cases, and duvet covers—and an amenity kit from posh British spa brand Bamford. The cabin’s layout ensures privacy for each passenger, with seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration that provides direct aisle access for all, eliminating the need to nudge a sleeping passenger awake if you need to stretch your legs and move around the cabin.

The Service

From the moment you board the flight, Cathay Pacific’s attentive and friendly staff will take care of your every need. Whether you require assistance with your luggage, a hot towel to refresh yourself, or a glass of champagne to start your journey, the service is always impeccable. The cabin crew will also provide you with a personalized menu, so you can choose from the various dining options available.

The Cuisine

Of course, the true highlight of the business class experience is the gourmet cuisine crafted by Duddell’s. Known as much for its stunning art collection as it is for its traditional Cantonese cooking utilizing luxury ingredients, Duddell’s onboard menu features a selection of delicious dishes such as a delicate dim sum and smoked salmon with caviar.

The main course options include succulent roasted meats, such as honey glazed pork belly or roasted chicken with truffle sauce, as well as vegetarian options like the pumpkin and chestnut risotto.

For dessert, indulge in the decadent chocolate tart or the refreshing lemon tart with raspberry sorbet.

Breakfast options include a wellness breakfast with fruit, a superfood bowl, and warm pastry, as well as the Chinese breakfast: a congee and stir-fried vegetable vermicelli.

Like everything at Cathay Pacific, the presentation of the food is impeccable. Meals are loaded on to the plane in individual boxes, but plated and arranged with the type of incredible precision one would expect in a Michelin-starred restaurant.

The Wine

To complement the cuisine, Cathay Pacific’s wine list features a selection of premium labels from around the world. The list is curated by the airline’s team of sommeliers, who have carefully chosen each wine to pair perfectly with the menu. From full-bodied reds to crisp whites, there is something for every taste.

The Amenities

In addition to the culinary delights, Cathay Pacific’s business class also offers a range of luxurious amenities to ensure your comfort throughout the flight. From the plush bedding to the noise-cancelling headphones, every detail has been carefully considered to create a truly indulgent experience. There are also power outlets and USB ports to keep your devices charged, as well as a large entertainment screen to enjoy the latest movies, TV shows, and games. Guests can even communicate with cabin crew using the entertainment system.

The Verdict

Overall, Cathay Pacific’s business class and Duddell’s meals offer a truly exceptional travel experience. The attention to detail, from the cabin design to the personalized service, is unmatched. And of course, the gourmet cuisine crafted by Duddell’s is a culinary journey in itself. If you’re looking to indulge in the finer things in life, this is the perfect way to travel in style and comfort.