Highflyer Interview: Cathay Pacific's SVP Americas

‍DALLAS — Cathay Pacific (CX) has embarked on an ambitious journey to serve 100 destinations worldwide by 2025. The airline is investing in its onboard product with the launch of the brand-new Aria Suite, its airport experience, and new partnerships with high-end restaurants. 

Airways sat down with Chris Vanden Hooven, Cathay Pacific’s (CX) Senior Vice President, Americas. In his long tenure at CX, Chris has covered many high-level roles, including country manager in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and Scandinavia.

SC: During your long experience at Cathay Pacific, what aspect of your job could you appreciate the most?

CV: During my time at Cathay Pacific, I have most appreciated the incredible opportunity for cultural encounters and personal growth. Living and working in five different countries has not only broadened my perspective but also enriched my understanding of diverse cultures and ways of life. Each destination brought unique challenges and joys, and navigating these experiences has been both transformative and educational.

The thrill of meeting people from various backgrounds, sharing stories, and learning from their experiences has been a highlight of my career. It has taught me the importance of adaptability and open-mindedness, qualities that are essential in the fast-paced world of aviation. While the journey was not without its difficulties, every challenge became a valuable lesson, shaping me into a more resilient and empathetic individual.

Reflecting on my time at Cathay Pacific, I realize how fortunate I am to have had such a remarkable career. If I could change anything, it would simply be to relive those experiences all over again, embracing every moment of growth and connection. The memories I’ve created and the relationships I’ve built are treasures that I will carry with me for a lifetime.

‍Cathay Pacific has recently added Munich, Brussels, and Rome Fiumicino to its network and is seeking its 100th destination in 2025. What destinations could be soon served in North America?

We're delighted with the success of our recent European expansion, which is a testament of Cathay Pacific’s commitment to increasing global connectivity to Hong Kong and beyond. 

In January 2025, Cathay Pacific launched the new Aria Suite product on its first long-haul route between Hong Kong and London, providing an exciting new experience for business-class customers along with upgraded experiences for Premium Economy and Economy travelers. Regarding North America, our sights are set on the highly anticipated launch of the nonstop service between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Hong Kong, which will begin April 24, 2025. The experience will be the only direct flight from Texas to Hong Kong on any airline and will be the first Cathay Pacific port in the southern region of the United States. 

Operating four times weekly on our A350-1000 aircraft, this nonstop route strengthens our North American presence and demonstrates our commitment to expanding our connectivity to and from the region.

What is the rollout timeline for the new Aria Suite, and will we see the product on the Boeing 777X?

The new state-of-the-art Aria Suite is being retrofitted on 777-300ER aircraft. The experience is currently being deployed on select regional routes before beginning its long-haul operations beginning in 2025. 

The state-of-the-art Aria Suite offers the ultimate in comfort, privacy and practicality with fully customizable lie-flat beds, closing privacy doors, customizable lighting and 24-inch 4K entertainment systems with Bluetooth connectivity. The overall experience is heightened with the new Gallery in the Skies which showcases a selection of artworks from artists with a deep connection to Hong Kong. 

Along with the new Aria Suite business class product, customers can look forward to a new Premium Economy product. The redesigned cabin features ergonomic seating with enhanced privacy wings on the leather headrests, optimized dining surfaces, and the largest Premium Economy screens in our fleet - 15.6-inch 4K displays with Bluetooth connectivity. 

These thoughtful upgrades deliver a distinctly premium experience during select long-haul flights.

Many airlines are discontinuing their First Class product or rebranding it. More and more carriers are now investing in a “Business+” cabin, with enhanced seating options at the front and the same service as in Business Class. 

Other airlines have been renovating their First Class and reducing the number of seats on board. Will we see the cabin on the Boeing 777X, and what can we expect from the new product?

First Class remains integral to CX's premium positioning, supporting our ambitions to be one of the world's greatest service brands. CX will launch a new First Class experience in 2026. 

In the meantime, CX continues to the bridge the gap of providing a more elevated business class product with the new Aria Suite on flights that do not have a First Class product available. We are excited about the new product and look forward to sharing more in the coming months. 

How has Cathay Pacific been impacted by the ongoing deliveries of the new Boeing 777X, and what solutions have been implemented to mitigate the missing widebodies?

Cathay Pacific maintains flexible fleet planning to adapt to manufacturer delivery schedules. Cathay Group has close to 200 aircraft on order, including more options. We've optimized our existing fleet deployment and maintain close coordination with Boeing. 

Our focus remains on delivering a consistent premium experience across our network while managing capacity efficiently.

Several rumors have come about of a significant fleet renovation in the past months. The speculation surrounded a considerable order with the American manufacturer Boeing. Did the airline intensify talks recently with Boeing, and can we expect a major announcement in 2025?

We maintain ongoing discussions with aircraft manufacturers as part of our regular fleet planning process. In 2025, Cathay Group will be flying passengers to 100 destinations worldwide, and the additional new aircraft underscores the company's commitment to network growth and passenger experience. 

The new Aria Suite, Premium Economy, and Economy products are being retrofitted on 777-300ER aircraft, demonstrating our agility in the market and continued commitment to our existing fleet. 

This year, we are focused most on new exciting routes, including the nonstop service between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Hong Kong beginning in April, the rollout of the Aria Suite, and our upcoming move to the new Terminal 6 at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City, which will host our first Cathay Pacific Lounge in the destination. 

Recent announcements of direct services from Hong Kong to Riyadh, Hyderabad, Brussels, Munich, and Rome demonstrate Cathay's strategic expansion. The planned Three-Runway System at Hong Kong International Airport will further amplify Cathay's capabilities, significantly increasing its passenger capacity.

Dining Updates

For decades, Cathay Pacific has been synonymous with high-end dining. In January, it announced a new partnership with Mott 32 as the dining partner for The Pier, a first-class lounge at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

Cathay General Manager Customer Experience and Design Vivian Lo said: “As a world-renowned fine-dining establishment, Mott 32 is deservedly celebrated for its innovative approach and dedication to true Chinese flavours. This deeply resonates with our commitment to pursuing quality and service excellence at Cathay, and offering our customers a truly memorable dining experience by partnering with premium, award-winning brands that share our values. 

“This collaboration also reflects our shared roots in Hong Kong and our passion for delivering a culinary experience that not only delights the palate, but also enriches our customers’ journeys even before they set off for their next destinations. Our home city’s rich heritage and culinary vibrancy are front and centre in the dishes and drinks we serve, highlighting the diverse flavours and traditions that make Hong Kong unique.” 

This new partnership adds to Cathay Pacific's existing repertoire of premium dining partners, including Duddell’s (Michelin-starred Cantonese, available in-flight for Business and First Class passengers on Hong Kong outbound flights), Louise (Michelin-starred Italian, available in-flight for Business and First Class passengers on Hong Kong outbound flights), and Yat Tung Heen (the recently announced Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant partnership for Premium Economy and Economy passengers on select flights).

Stay connected at every stop along your journey! Get any Saily mobile data plan at 5% off with the code AIRWAYSMAG5 + up to 5GB free!