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This was the second-leg of our trip from Toronto to Mumbai (62,500 Alaska Points, on Cathay Pacific), which included a couple of nights in Hong Kong on our way to Mumbai. While the first leg from Toronto to Hong Kong was on a Boeing, Cathay Pacific Business Class 777-300 (review), my ride from Hong Kong to Mumbai was an Airbus, Cathay Pacific Business Class A330-300.
Cathay Pacific Business Class A330-300
Flight: CX 663 HKG-BOM
Aircraft: Airbus A330-300
Duration: 6hr 20min
Seat: 16K
We started by taking a short taxi ride from Lanson Place Hotel (Review) to Hong Kong Central station, to hop on the Airport express train. One of the perks of taking the airport express is the In-town Check-in at HK Central station. The check-in process at the train station is no different than the airport, dedicated airline counters with priority lanes made for a straight forward experience.
Hong Kong Central Station: In-town Check-in
Cathay Pacific check-in counters
A 25 minute train ride and we were at the airport with an easy access into the terminal. Unfortunately for us though, flight CX663 was delayed by more than an hour. We did manage a good 3 hours in Cathay’s fantastic ‘The Pier Business Class lounge‘ (review).
Gate 2: CX 663 – Delayed by 1.5 hours
My ride to Mumbai: Cathay Pacific A330-300
Once boarding commenced, it was fairly straight forward with dedicated lines for Business class passengers. It was wonderful to see a dedicated bridge for premium passengers as well.
Dedicated bridge for First/Business Class passengers
Cathay Pacific Business Class A330-300 – Cabin and Seats
The cabin itself was well lit and welcoming. Business class is split in two sections with a 1-2-1 configuration, we were seated in the forward cabin – seat 15k and 16k.
Business Class Cabin on CX 663
Seat 16K on Cathay Pacific Business Class A330-300
Cathay Pacific Business Class A330-300 seats did seem a tad bit tighter than the Cathay Pacific Business Class 777-300ER seats.
I do appreciate a media control panel as opposed to the buttons spread across the side of armrests.
Media and Seat Controls
Headphone and storage cabinet
Noise Canceling headphones
Amenity kit bag on Cathay Pacific Business Class HKG-BOM
Amenity kit contents
Although immigration in India has dedicated counters for premium passengers, a fast-track invitation is always a good touch.
Immigration Fast Track invitation
Cathay Pacific Business Class A330-300 – Drinks and Meal Service
Once I settled into my seat, the crew member came around with a tray of welcome drinks. I was intrigued by the ‘green drink’ but didn’t want to break ‘champagne tradition’. To my delight, the crew member handed me both and remarked that the smoothie was her favorite. She was spot on, ‘Cathay Delight’ smoothie was tasty and refreshing! Glad I opted for both 😉
Meal service on this ~6.5 hour flight included a Dinner and a pre-departure meal. Dinner for me, was a starter of Cured Salmon followed by Paneer Masala as my main.
Dinner Menu
Nibbles: Tomato Juice and Nuts
Starter: Salmon with Fennel and Creme Fraiche
Main Course: Paneer Masala and Cumin Potatoes with Rice
I could not wait to get some sleep, so skipped dessert/coffee and opted for a 4 hour sleep instead. The full recline seats offered good comfort to rest for the rest of the ride.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There is great comfort in familiar level of good service, and Cathay provides just that. The crew on board were polite and always attentive to passenger needs. The seats offered good comfort and room to stretch out. The upholstery however is starting to show its age and I hope Cathay looks into revamping some of its older fleet as well. This was segment two of my journey from Toronto to Mumbai and Cathay Pacific Business Class continues to be my favorite way to get to Asia/South Asia, using Alaska miles.
