CATHAY PACIFIC: Teases new Business Class ‘Aria’ suite. Why do airlines do this?

Cathay Pacific has just released a video, and not much else, with a lush and moody animation about its new ‘Aria’ Business Class suite, with a door (an apparent necessity these days) for its Boeing 777-300ERs.

Other than the visual (see below), this is all they have said:

‘Savour the quiet luxury of Aria in our redesigned Boeing 777-300ER cabins, ready for departure in Q2 2024. Stay tuned.’

Why do Airlines do this?

Does this kind of promotion ever sell a seat for Cathay Pacific or any airline? Oh, right, it elevates the brand. Whatever that means. I think it is the PR and marketing department getting a little over-excited.

On the practical end, if you are booking fares on Cathay Pacific at the outer reaches of the current availability window, then I suppose this is the time to promote your seating innovation. But how much do people really value a new suite over an old comfortable seat that they know? And on that note, does everyone really want a door?

I don’t!

There, I have said it. I don’t want a claustrophobic door on my suite, or Cathay Pacific or any other airline. I don’t see the point. It’s not like I’ll be watching porn in my ‘suite’ and need the privacy. Oh, wait, maybe not me, but …

2PAXfly Takeout

I’m never really sure why brands release these kinds of videos. They don’t really tell you much, however cute the stitching animation is. Do they create buzz? And does that buzz sell seats?

I remain to be convinced.