Cathay Pacific welcomes first A350

CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS (CX) CELEBRATED the delivery of its first A350-900 aircraft – one of 22 on order for 2016 and 2017 – on May 29. The aircraft features all-new in-flight products and began its operational life on the Manila route on May 31.

The Airbus A350 is packed with engineering and technological innovations that increase its operational efficiency by 25 per cent. Highlights include: A quieter environment, both inside and outside the plane Vertical sidewalls for more shoulder space Larger mood lighting that can simulate sunset/sunrise fibre construction LED mood lighting that can simulate sunset/sunrise and all phases in between Lower cabin pressure that equates to a 6,000-foot (1,829-metre) altitude rather than most planes' 8,000-foot (2,438-metre) atmospheric environment "From an engineering point of view, this is like going from a double-decker bus to a high-performance sports car," said Robert Taylor, CX's chief operational officer, added that," this commercial aircraft is as environmentally friendly as you can get." CX's A350-900 seats 280 passengers in three classes: 38 in business class (1-2-1) 28 in premium economy (2-4-2) and 214 in economy (3-3-3). The new business class and premium economy seats were designed by Studio FA Porsche. After familiarisation flight, the A350 will start operating on a new Hong Kong-London Gatwick route on September 2 this year. From 2018 onwards, CX also has 26 A350-1000s on order – the larger aircraft has an even greater payload and distance capability. cathaypacific.com