As a long-time resident of Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific has always held a special place in my heart. I've flown with them to countless destinations, from nearby Taiwan and Japan to distant London and Brussels. Their consistency and reliability are a comfort, and the familiar Cantonese announcements always make me feel like I'm already home.
This time, however, my journey was a little different. I was about to experience something I'd long dreamed of: flying at the "pointy end" in business class. This segment of my trip, from Riyadh to Kuala Lumpur via Hong Kong, was a new adventure for me, carrying me between two countries I had never visited before. This flight from Riyadh to Hong Kong was my chance to see if Cathay's long-haul business class product truly lives up to the hype.
Flight Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Flight No. | CX648 |
| Origin | Riyadh (RUH) |
| Destination | Hong Kong (HKG) |
| Aircraft | A350-900 (B-LRT) |
| Booking Class | Business |
| Seat | 20A |
| Flight Time | 9h 34m |
| Departure | 10:29 PM (54m late) |
| Arrival | 1:03 PM (1h 43m late) |
| Date | AUG, 2025 |
| Cost | SAR 3,089 / ~AUD 1,249 (RUH-HKG-KUL) |
The Aircraft and Seat
This flight was operated by an A359, featuring the airline's long-haul 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration. My seat, 20A, was a window seat in the intimate mini-cabin at the back.
The seat itself is a highly customized variant of the Safran Cirrus model. My first impression was how generously sized and private it felt. With ample legroom and plenty of space to move around, the design provides a comfortable cocoon for the journey, and every seat has direct aisle access.
In front of me was a large, retractable IFE (In-Flight Entertainment) screen. It was high-definition, responsive to touch, and a offers a wide variety of movies, TV series and music options.
The expansive side table next to the window was perfect for holding my belongings, and it's also where the sturdy tray table is stowed. The control panel on the side wall houses the seat controls and a dimmable reading light, placing everything within intuitive reach.
For storage, there are a handful of clever compartments. A small hidden space is located underneath the seat cushion, just below the side table. Next to me, a small cupboard provides a home for the headphones and the Bamford amenity kit. I found the net on the cupboard door to be a handy place to store my passport and boarding pass. On the other side, a bottle holder is neatly tucked away underneath the armrest.
While the seat doesn't have a door like the newer Aria Suite, the design of the seat shell offers a great deal of privacy. The seat can be transformed into a fully flat bed, and with the provided plush pillow and high-quality duvet, I was able to get a few hours of comfortable sleep during the nine-hour flight.
Pre-Departure & Service Hiccups
The flight began with a standard welcome, offering a choice of water or juice and a hot towel. I asked for a signature Cathay Delight, a drink I always look forward to. The flight attendant said he would make it for me, but the drink never arrived before takeoff. After we were airborne, I was told that the kiwi juice required for the drink was locked in a bar cart, which could only be opened after we left Saudi Arabian airspace. While this was understandable, I would have appreciated being offered another drink in the meantime.
Meal Service
A menu was provided in this flight. I had pre-ordered my dinner online, but I must admit I was a bit underwhelmed by the main course options. None of them felt particularly premium; they seemed like dishes that could easily be served in economy class.
I chose the smoked salmon starter and the chicken noodle soup as my main. While the dishes weren't sophisticated, the flavors were on point.
The surprise highlight of the meal was the dessert: a chocolate and date tart that was perfectly sweet and felt like a true treat.
The breakfast service was also quite simple, consisting of a plate of fresh fruit, muesli, and some pastries. Everything was fresh, but nothing truly stood out.
While I appreciate being served two full meals on a nine-hour flight, I do feel that Cathay could invest a bit more in its main meal offerings, especially considering the trimmed-down breakfast.
Amenities and Soft Products
The amenities and soft products were a mixed bag. A stylish, faux-leather amenity kit from Bamford was provided, containing a dental kit, eye mask, and other essential items. A pair of disposable slippers were also provided, a thoughtful touch for a long-haul flight. The lavatories were clean and stocked with Bamford-branded hand wash and lotion.
However, the cabin itself was not spotless. I noticed some brown stains on the ceiling above my seat, which I hoped were just coffee. It left me wondering how something could have splashed that high up.
The service was also a mixed experience. My initial impression was that the flight attendant who served me seemed a bit new, and there were a few minor hiccups, such as the pre-departure drink issue. Luckily, a senior purser noticed the issue and stepped in to help, which made a significant difference. The dinner service sped up, and the purser's attention to detail was excellent. Before disembarking in Hong Kong, she wished me a great flight onwards to Kuala Lumpur, a small but thoughtful gesture that truly elevated the experience.
Final Verdict
Overall, this was a decent flight with an unbeatable hard product. The seat is highly functional and comfortable, providing an excellent environment for a long-haul journey. However, the meal offerings were a letdown and the service, while ultimately saved by the senior purser, started with some minor hiccups. Cathay has a few small things to improve, but I generally enjoyed the flight and their business class experience.
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