The seat configuration of 1-2-1 is perfect for couples and solo travellers. To chat to your neighbour you just need to move the seat forward, but if you’re not interested in the person next to you, simply leave the seat where it is and you'll have plenty of privacy to concentrate on work or generally have your own space and time out. This is a winning layout. The seat has all the seating positions you would expect and transforms into an 180cm long lie flat bed. I did feel there was an ever so slight angle to the bed and upon close inspection from the seat’s non-removable headrest to the foot of the bed there is probably a 2-3 degree angle. There is no cover or mattress to put over the seat and if I was to be super critical this is one thing that probably could be offered to make the bed more comfortable as you can feel the joins in the seat. The bed isn’t as wide as some others in the industry but it does cater for side sleepers which those wider beds don't. The duvet is large in size and warm and the pillow fits the seat nicely. There is plenty of personal storage space including a cupboard where you will find your noise cancelling headphones. The amenity kit contains one of my favourite brands, Jurlique, and these products were also available in the bathroom.

The service was efficient, friendly and continuous which is to be expected from a world class airline. One major difference with the service on Cathay vs say an Australian, New Zealand or British carrier was the personalisation. The “western’ carriers make a point to come up and introduce themselves to you, ask about your trip, address you by name and by the time you leave the plane you feel like you’ve made a new friend. The service here was nothing like this and that doesn’t make it better or worse, it’s just a different approach and dare I say one that’s possibly preferred by many business travellers who really just want to get on with their work or have some time to themselves.

This is where Cathay really set the standard. Shortly after take off drinks and hot roasted nuts were offered as well as a menu. Instead of coming round and asking what meal you want, the crew bring around a trolley and you can literally have a look and make your choice. The meals aren’t huge but once they had done the first full round of service you were welcome to a second serving. The presentation and quality of the meals was simply outstanding. Dessert was the same and you could have as much or little cheese as you liked off the giant cheeseboard. Tea, coffee, liquers , wine, champagne and spirits flowed throughout the flight and until I said “no more’ my champagne glass was never empty. Each meal was preceded and ended with a hot towel service. Water bottles were given out after dinner and during breakfast.

There were plenty of choices to watch and I managed to fit three movies in on the journey. The headphones were excellent in quality and the TV monitor large and clear. The IFE can be operated on the screen or by using the hand set. One thing I loved on the hand set was that it always showed you on the display how much flight time was left of your flight.

Overall I can’t really fault my experience with Cathy and can see why it dedicates so much space to this class ” passengers love it and it represents value for those that choose to fly business. If there was a mattress available for the bed I really would have to give the airline a 10/10. The in-flight entertainment, personal space, food and beverage selection and efficiency of service were all superior and the airlines business class is absolutely deserving of all the awards it has won.