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Cathay Pacific Airways Soars to Top Spot on Forbes' Annual 'Best First Class Airlines' List

Posted on: Thursday, 30 November 2006, 12:00 CST

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Cathay Pacific Airways, one of the world's leading passenger and cargo airlines, has ranked number one on Forbes' annual 'Best First Class Airlines' list, trumping other international carriers during its 60th anniversary year.

According to Cathay Pacific Senior Vice President Americas Alan Wong, the recognition follows an already exciting year for the airline, filled with significant developments related to new product, network expansions and new fleet. Cathay Pacific has also received multiple airline awards and accolades this year, the most recent being top ranking on Forbes' 'Best First Class Airlines' list. In early 2006, Cathay Pacific was awarded 'Airline of the Year' by Air Transport World.

"The Forbes placement is a tremendous honor for Cathay Pacific. It's certainly a prestigious recognition that we're proud to realize during our 60th anniversary," said Wong. "Our passengers have come to expect a certain caliber of service and innovation from us so we're thrilled to be able to continually deliver, if not exceed, their expectations."

On September 28, 2006, Cathay Pacific made aviation history with the conclusion of the acquisition of Dragonair and approval granted on a much closer partnership with Air China. Wong explained, "This exciting outcome has created one of the world's strongest airline groupings. Connections and networks to China are now second to none with more destinations, more frequencies, improved flight connectivity, and greater travel choices for passengers to and from Mainland China."

Wong said that in addition to its unparalleled network, Cathay Pacific passengers will have more to look forward to in coming months. New airline fleet and existing long-haul aircraft will be equipped with a revolutionary long-haul product designed to make travelers' flying experiences even more comfortable and enjoyable. The new product -- to be introduced on North American routes in 2007 -- includes brand new seating, cabin design, and in- flight entertainment across First, Business and Economy classes.

"We wanted to improve seat and cabin comfort and provide a better all- round flying experience for passengers across all classes. The new cabin design offers an environment that is both natural and relaxing, and at the same time very well-appointed. Yet again, this is about Cathay Pacific delivering a level of quality and attention to detail that exceeds the ordinary."

Details on the new Cathay Pacific product across the three main cabins include:

-- First Class Cabin - The new First Class cabin highlights the importance of Cathay Pacific's premium passengers to the airline by providing more space and more privacy, creating the feel of a private relaxation suite. The innovative new seat can be used as an armchair, a chaise lounge or an extra long and wide bed. Rigorous ergonomic testing has ensured the seat can provide maximum comfort in all positions. The bed is the largest provided on any commercial airline and added comfort comes courtesy of a plush mattress, duvet and lumbar massage function. Subtle lighting provides the right ambience within the suite, while passengers can enjoy a cinematic experience with the bigger, highly adjustable personal television. Three contiguous working surfaces and in-seat power are provided, allowing the suite to be quickly converted into a workstation. -- Business Class Cabin - The new long-haul Business Class cabin has been designed to meet the working requirements of business travelers without any compromise in comfort, quality or attention to detail. The Business Class product features a new seat transforms to a totally flat bed. Ergonomically tested foams further improve sitting/lounging comfort and promote restful sleep. Simple seat controls allow full adjustment, including lumbar support, while a two-way massage function aids blood circulation. Passengers are in full control of their own living area which features a 15" tilting screen and noise-reducing headset and mood lighting in the cabin and new soft furnishings and catering equipment add to the overall enhancement. -- Economy Class Cabin - The new Economy Class cabin has been completely changed, with a new seat that features a "fixed back" design, similar to a mini-Business Class seat, which allows the passenger to recline without intruding on those seated behind. This is the first Economy Class seat in the airline industry to provide a fixed living space and passenger recline in this manner. In addition, the seat frame and structure has been designed to maximize knee and shin clearance and remove awkward fixtures and fittings that undermine comfort. Other features include a bigger personal television and the introduction of audio and video entertainment on demand. About Cathay Pacific Airways:

Founded in 1946, Cathay Pacific Airways Limited is one of the world's leading passenger and cargo airlines, serving more than one million customers a month to Asia, Europe and North America. The carrier offers daily non-stop service to Hong Kong and beyond from Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver as well as dedicated cargo service to Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver. For more information, visit: http://www.cathaypacific.com/us .

Cathay Pacific Airways

CONTACT: Della Sweetman, +1-619-237-7721, della.sweetman@fleishman.com ,or Christina Yumul, +1-619-237-7761, both of Fleishman-Hillard

Web site: http://www.cathaypacific.com/us

Source: PRNewswire

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