Review of Cathay Pacific J from AMS to HKG 5*

[Duffa]

I thought I might add to this thread with a brief review of the business class from AMS - HKG today.
The aircraft is a 4 yr-old A350-1000 and I booked about 3 months ago for 110,000 points plus ~$400 on the Cathay website.
Departure 12.30 to arrive HKG at approx 07.00.
I arrived 3 hours early (Mrs D is slumming it on Ryanair, one hour earlier, so had to give her plenty of time!!)
Check-in was a breeze and security was fast and efficient with new scanners (laptops in). I ignored the plastic bag liquid rule and as usual there was no adverse consequence from leaving a 30ml deodorant in my trusty MH amenity wallet.
The
The One World J lounge at D/E area was pleasant with a view of the E dispersal. Food and beverage were standard fare for breakfast. Sadly the lounge is "miles"away from G gates but I walked it in 9 minutes with no stress. G3 is the first gate at G section so further gates might take 3 or 4 minutes longer. Boarding, in class order was pretty efficient and I was seated in 14A about 13 minutes after leaving the lounge.

 

[Duffa]

Loads of storage room. Large screen. Water and amenity kit already in place.

 

[Duffa]

I'm doing alcohol free but could have had Taittinger pre takeoff. After departure I opted for the OJ and sparkling water, served with a smoked salmon morsel.

 

[Duffa]

Lunch was served pretty quickly after take off and was done and dusted 2 hours in.
Prawn with salad and spicy salsa was really very good and was devoured!
Note the Cathay signature mocktail.

 

[Duffa]

I had pre-booked the slow cooked beef ribeye which arrived piping hot with truffle mash and vegetables. As you can see I finally found a use for the little butter pattie. Again this was excellent.

 

[Duffa]

Then came the cheese followed by ice cream.

 

[Duffa]

And finally coffee. I happened to mention to the young steward that I love chocolate. I was rewarded with a selection of chocolates and pralines!

I really think Cathay have improved to another level. I fly with them approx twice per year and they just get better each time.