A newcomer has made a remarkable arrival in the Cathay Pacific fleet. Freshly flown in from Toulouse, the very first A350 arrived at Hong Kong International Airport on 29 May, before being inducted with great fanfare a few hours later. For the occasion, Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing Joseph Lai made the trip to the hangars of the Hong Kong Limited Aircraft Engineering Company (HAECO), alongside Cathay Pacific's Chief Operating Officer Rupert Hogg.
This first aircraft enters service today on a route to Manila. Eventually, with the arrival of other A350-900s, it will will move from a regional vocation to an international ambitionby flying to long-haul destinations. The airports of London Gatwick and Düsseldorf are already targeted, and should be served from third quarter 2016.
This new device - the first of 48 Airbus A350s ordered by the airline Air France - must embody the move upmarket in terms of comfort, connectivity and entertainment. " Travelling well for a better life "The carrier's slogan sums it up. " Optimised cabin pressure and noise levels combined with our new equipment will offer passengers the best sleep experience in the sky. "says Rupert Hogg. " We've also gone to great lengths to provide the best in-flight entertainment. All seats are equipped with the latest high-definition touch-screen personal TVs and a wider choice of films, TV channels, news channels and music. The offer In-flight Wi-Fi is also available to allow passengers to stay in touch with their family, work and news, if they so wish "he explains.
In concrete terms, passengers should benefit from increased space thanks to the extra-wide fuselage of the new aircraft, which also incorporates panoramic windowsa LED mood lighting and larger luggage compartments. Le fully flat bed is equipped with extra storage space, and personalised service enhanced by the integration of Do Not Disturb" and "Wake Up Call" functions in the entertainment system. The Premium Economy Class is equipped with tablet rests, power sockets and USB inputs.
Beyond these new services, the arrival of the A350 is of course part of a strategic vision to strengthen the Hong Kong hub. The design of the aircraft and its engine - Rolls-Royce Trent XWB - should also improve operating costs (25%) and reduce the fuel consumption (25%). " This significantly more competitive aircraft will help us further develop our global network and strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international aviation hub, fuelling trade and commerce at the heart of our hub. "says Rupert Hogg.
