Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Cathay Pacific expanded its European network, particularly after the arrival of aircraft like the 777-300ER and A350 made routes on which the older 747-400s would be unprofitable viable. One of these destinations is Milan, Italy’s financial capital, making it a natural choice for the Hong Kong-based airline which caters heavily to business travelers on its long-haul routes. MXP has traditionally been served by the 777-300ER and A350-1000, with the former currently operating the roughly 12 and a half-hour flight between Milan and Hong Kong. This is going to be our first time flying in premium economy on Cathay Pacific’s 777-300ER, so we’re excited to see how it holds up.
Server: Solo
Airline: Cathay Pacific 777-300ER
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Origin: Milan Malpensa Airport, Ferno, Italy (MXP)
Destination: Hong Kong International Airport, Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong (HKG)
Flight Number: CX234
Route: LIMC-VHHH
Seat: 33A (Premium Economy)
Time En Route:
Getting ready to board our aircraft in Milan. Cathay Pacific has been in the Northern Italian city since 2010, making it the airline’s second European destination after Rome, which was first served in 1986 with the 747-200. CX was down to one Italian city for a number of years with the cessation of Rome service, leaving Milan as the only destination on the peninsula, but restarted flights to Fiumicino last summer. We’re stoked to try Cathay Pacific’s long-haul premium economy today.
Taxiing to Runway 17R for departure with Terminal 1 and the Pennine Alps in the background. Seated in 33A, much of our view out the window is filled by the vast expanse of the wing. From the get-go, the premium economy hard product on the 777-300ER is impressive. The seats are well-padded, even if they’re on the older side, and the recline is extremely generous. Additionally, the footrest under the seat in front of us allows us to lie more or less flat with the seat fully reclined, since the one behind us isn’t occupied, sort of like an older business class seat. We’re definitely excited for this flight.
Taking off from Malpensa. Due to the heat and humidity, we were treated to a few vortices coming off of the wingtips and flap track fairing for a few seconds after getting airborne. Being this far back, we aren’t getting to hear the distinctive GE90 roar like we would in business, with a low rumble filling the premium economy cabin instead.
Climbing out of Milan. Just as Northern Italy is beautiful to fly into, it’s equally beautiful to fly out of. From the mountains to the rolling fields, it’s one of the most picturesque regions in Europe, and it’s obvious why Milan is becoming an increasingly-popular tourist destination in addition to being a cultural and financial hub.
Lunch is served at 35,000 feet over northeastern Serbia. We selected the Grilled Austrialian Prime beef tenderloin, served with ratatouille, potatoes, and Madeira sauce. Cathay Pacific’s in-flight dining has long been recognized as one of the best in the business, and our meal this afternoon is no exception. Definitely going to hold us over on this long flight across Southeastern Europe and Asia!
After sleeping across most of Asia, we’ve woken up just in time for breakfast over Guizhou Province in China, about 80 minutes out from Hong Kong. We opted for the pork meatball congee, which was served warmly in both the literal and metaphorical senses by an extremely friendly and polite cabin crew. As far as dining and cabin service goes, Cathay Pacific is an industry leader in premium economy. Can’t imagine a better way to have woken up on this flight.
Starting our final descent into Hong Hong. According to the temperature displayed on the IFE screen, it’s going to be a balmy 75 degrees out on the ground at HKG! Good thing we’re going to be inside where there’s air conditioning, as the humidity here is high enough for vortices to occasionally form on and off on the flap track fairings and wingtips.
Arriving on Runway 25C as a Kalitta Air 777-300ER(SF) takes off from Runway 25L as K4243 to Anchorage. Most outbound passenger traffic may still be on the ground, but the freighters have already started their morning departures. Our landing wasn’t as smooth as some of our other ones with Cathay Pacific due to our aircraft encountering some gusts on final, leading us to touch down first on the outboard left wheels, then the right ones, then both main gear trucks at once.
Taxiing to our gate with the HKG ATC tower peeking above the Midfield Concourse. As usual, the Concourse is packed with HK Express and Hong Kong Airlines jets getting ready to head to various destinations throughout Asia. Before COVID-19, Hong Kong Airlines operated transpacific flights from this terminal to the U.S. with the A350-900. They still fly across the world’s largest ocean from here, but with the Airbus A330-300 and then only as far as Vancouver.
Deplaned at Terminal 1 for a several-hour layover at HKG. All our experiences flying with Cathay Pacific have been outstanding and today’s flight was no exception. By every metric, CX delivered above and beyond the level of comfort and service we’re used to in premium economy, even on aircraft that are approaching their third decade of use on demanding intercontinental routes. After this flight, we can strongly recommend the airline’s premium economy product on the 777-300ER for anyone wanting more comfort and better food than economy but isn’t springing for business or first class. Definitely something to revisit in the future!