Cathay Pacific Airways has announced that its daily flight from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Hong Kong will switch from a Boeing 777-300ER to an Airbus A350-900 operation beginning on October 29.

One of 16 A350-900s delivered to the airline since its launch in 2016, the aircraft features a refreshed Business Class cabin as well as new Premium Economy Class and Economy Class seats. The A350 will also be deployed on one of three daily San Francisco – Hong Kong flights beginning on the very same day. The airline's four flights per day from New York's John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) will continue to be operated by Boeing 777-300ER, which make up the majority of Cathay Pacific's ultra long-haul fleet.

CX899 departs daily at 1:10am, arriving in Hong Kong the following day at 5:00am. This early morning arrival allows passengers to connect with every Cathay Pacific flight across Asia – including Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and over 22 gateways in mainland China – without a lengthy layover in Hong Kong. The return flight, CX890, departs Hong Kong at 6:00pm (local time), arriving in Newark at 9:40pm (same day).

"The A350-900 is unrivalled in terms of sustainability and passenger experience," said Philippe Lacamp, senior vice president, Americas, Cathay Pacific. "Quietest among the aircraft types in its class and also 25 per cent more fuel efficient, Cathay Pacific has again proven itself as a leader in airline eco-innovation, with the A350 in-flight carpets and passengers' blankets made from recycled plastic, including salvaged fishing nets and plastic bottles.

"Dedication to choice and flexibility are hallmarks of Cathay Pacific's commitment to its customers. The introduction of the A350 as part of our five daily flights from the New York Metropolitan Area, complementing the Boeing 777-300ER from JFK, delivers on this promise. Not only can customers choose from five different departure times across two airports, but for the first time, they will be able to factor in aircraft preference as well."

The features of Cathay Pacific's new A350-900 take the passenger travel experience to a new level. The design of many of the cabin features has been carefully considered to give passengers the best sleeping experience, the best entertainment, and the greatest control over how they want to use their individual space, whether for working or relaxation. With its extra wide body, the aircraft offers more space and comfort, a quiet cabin, panoramic windows and LED mood lighting, contributing to a more comfortable and relaxing journey in all cabin classes.

The A350-900 Business Class seats build on the success of the airline's award-winning long-haul Business Class product to create a memorable experience. Alongside a fully-flat bed, new features includes extra stowage space within easy reach and the personal service offered by a "Do Not Disturb" and "Wake-up Call" function in the entertainment system.

The Premium Economy Class and Economy Class seats also come with a number of new features, including dedicated tablet holders that make it more convenient for passengers to enjoy entertainment on their own devices, and exclusive power outlets and USB ports. Each Premium Economy Class seat has a fully integrated leg rest which, together with the ergonomically designed seat, allows more flexibility to adjust for optimal comfort. The six-way headrest in Economy Class is a proprietary design that provides better support and enhances sleeping comfort.

The new A350-900 inflight entertainment system is inspired by the airline's latest design philosophy. The interactive user interface is contemporary and fresh looking. It is equipped with notable new interactive features which broaden the inflight entertainment options for passengers along with a wider screen in all classes. Connectivity is installed for the first time in a Cathay Pacific aircraft, allowing passengers, for a fee, to browse the internet, send and receive emails and connect on social media. Access to the Cathay Pacific website, a number of partner websites and three live TV news channels are available free of charge.

The A350-900 employs innovative technology and design, which improves not only passenger comfort, but also the efficiency, effectiveness and overall performance of the aircraft. Its advanced design, together with the latest generation of engines and the use of advanced construction materials – including carbon fiber composites – deliver a 25% improvement in operating costs overall when compared to previous-generation aircraft.

Cathay Pacific has taken delivery of 16 A350-900 aircraft, with an additional six on firm order, and 26 firm orders of the A350-1000. - TradeArabia News Service