Cathay Pacific brings new Aria Suite to Milan: from 2026, next-generation business flies between Milan and Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific adds a new chapter to its presence in Italy: From January 2026, the new Business Class Aria Suite will be available on selected flights between Milan and Hong Kong.

The service will start with Three weekly frequencies - Monday, Wednesday and Saturday - and then become daily In the first half of the year.

Milan thus becomes the third European city to accommodate the new cabin, which is already on flights between Hong Kong and London Heathrow e Frankfurt. Aboard the Boeing 777-300ER refurbished passengers will also find an updated Premium Economy and a completely revamped Economy.

The New Business Class Aria Suite

Officially unveiled in Hong Kong in October 2024, the Aria Suite represents the Hong Kong-based airline's attempt to compete with the rest of the world, especially Middle Eastern carriers and its arch-rival Singapore Airlines.

I haven't had a chance to try out the new cabin yet, but I tested the "forklift" last year in London. The booth introduces:

• Suite doors to provide more privacy
• An environment designed for relaxing, working or resting
• Thoughtful design details and elegant finishes
• Modern features such as wireless charging

The new suite is already in service on several routes to London, Sydney, Melbourne, Vancouver and Frankfurt and from December 31 will also be available on some flights between Hong Kong and San Francisco.

A renewed onboarding experience

In addition to the new cabin, passengers will find the award-winning in-flight entertainment system, named the best in the world by Skytrax this year. On long-haul flights from Hong Kong, it is also possible to taste menus developed in conjunction with Michelin-starred restaurants, which bring the contemporary flavors of the city on board.

Obviously it changes the experience a also in premium economy and economy class where, I remind you, Cathay has been honored again this year as the best tourist class in the world.

An investment in the Italian market

The introduction of the Aria Suite is part of the Cathay Pacific's vision of becoming the world's best premium airline, with a total investment of over 100 billion HK$ dedicated to fleet, cabins, lounges and digital innovations.

Brian Tsoi, Cathay's General Manager Europe, commented:

"We are pleased to now offer the new Aria Suite to our customers in Italy. Milan is an important city for Cathay Pacific, which we have been serving for more than 15 years. The introduction of the Aria Suite offers our passengers even more comfort and a travel experience that sets a new standard. Together with the resumption of summer flights between Rome and Hong Kong in 2025, this underscores the value of the Italian market to Cathay Pacific."

It will not be coming to Rome for the time being, however, where CX will fly its A350/900s again this summer.