Hi,
The check in counters of Cathay Pacific were rateher empty when I arrived and soon I was served by a friendly agent at the dedicated Business Class lane.
Security was a breeze with fast track service included in the Business Class ticket called 'eExpress' at MEL.
Airside was also rather empty and I spotted some waiting widebodies before heading a level down to the lounge floor. Cathay Pacific has closed is own lounge at MEL during covid and by this now makes use of the Qantas International Business Lounge for its client.
The lounge is huge, offers plenty of different seating options.
However it does not have any windows and daylight which makes it somehow dull.
It was extremely empty and quiet during my visit.
There are several nice self service buffets.
My selection.
Including a dessert that was served by some waiters offering it on a tray walking through the Lounge.
Toilets were also nice.
Soon it was time to head to my nice looking Cathay Pacific A350:
Boarding was very organized and quiet and I was soon in my comfortable window seat.
A lot of space and personal stowage areas at the seat.
Menu and water bottle were already waiting - as well as a nice amenity kit.
The friendly crew offered welcome drinks and hot towels on the ground.
A flight time of 8 hours 15 minutes was announced and meal and aperitif drink orders taken on the ground.
We pushed back and reached the runway on time - however we did not take off and left the runway again without explanation for some time. Then the captain came back and said they had to do some load recalculation in last minute and we then queued again - something that I have never experienced before.
Finally we took off and climbed away from the greater Melbourne area crossing Australia.
Some cabin views.
Service started about 30 minutes into the flight with the Cloud Nine Cathay signature cocktail and warmed nuts.
Next the starter tray was served - I had some tasty soup.
Main course was a very tasty Chinese chicken dish.
Ending my meal with cheese and dessert.
The whole meal was very tasty and cabin crew were passing by quite frequently for more drink orders etc.
The rest of the flight was smooth watching some movies. I also ordered some ice cream.
Hot towels started the second meal service - light dinner before landing.
I had the Thai chicken dish which was also very tasty.
We landed on time at HKG.
Thanks for reading,
FlyAlex
Hi Alex,
thanks for that report from Australia. It's not something we have everyday. And also glad to see Cathay Pacific emerging back after 3 years of horror. Quality has not dropped it seems. The equipment with the sleepers is just top and the meals look really tasty.
Going now to the second part /ab.
The lounge design is very nice, too bad there's no natural light. Food options look very nice as well.
Also great to see more and more long-haul reviews on CX. The Cirrus seats are still very competitive despite the basic design now being over a decade and a half old. The updated cabins on the 35K look nice and fresh.
Thanks for sharing!