Latest bits & pieces, Cathay Pacific Airways

Connie Cimafranca slipped this interesting news to me some days ago…CX has launched its new cabin for First Class. Here’s what Product General Manager Toby Smith is sharing:

“Our award-winning First Class suite has been very popular with passengers since it was introduced in 2007.  Given its popularity, we saw no pressing need to completely replace the product.  However, we decided it was appropriate to give the suites a fresh new look and make a few changes that will enhance the overall experience for our premium passengers.  This underlines our commitment to excellence in providing  an exceptional travel experience for our customers.”

CX commissioned London-based architects Foster + Partners, the designer of the First Class Lounge of The Wing in Chek Lap Kok airport in Hong Kong, to incorporate some aspects of the Lounge design into the First Class cabin, achieving a seamless “ground to air” passenger experience.

 â€œA highly glossy dark grey textured material is featured on the outer surface of the suite, while warm-tone natural leather is used extensively on most interior surfaces for a luxurious feel and soft touch”….sculpted artworks in copper and steel by celebrated artists Maria Lobo and Linda Leviton complete the new look.

As always, customer-driven CX has incorporated the suggestions of Marco Polo Club members on the improvement of the product line, like: “more adjustable meal table, more room in the personal closet, and additional space inside the console compartment  for personal items such as phones and eyeglasses. A drink holder is introduced on the new side console top to prevent cups and glasses slipping during turbulence.  In the lavatory, a specially designed new wash basin and counter top have been installed.”

Entertainment-wise, there is the 4.3 inches LCD touch screen controller, for easy seat recline, adjustment of lumbar support, lights adjustments, new BOSE QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones, multi-port connector for iPhone, iPad, USB.

“Understanding sleep quality is particularly important for passengers traveling on long-haul flights, all the First Class bedding has been redesigned and improved, employing exceptionally high-quality materials with 500 thread count cotton fabrics for the duvets, pillows, cushions and bed mattress, giving a refined and soft touch…mattress is thicker and a new suit, made with 100% organic cotton, designed by PYE – a premium home-grown brand from Hong Kong, will be offered.”

This new enhanced First Class cabin started service since July in some Boeing 777-300ER planes, to be completed in the latter part of 2014. Boeing 747-400 planes are not in the upgrade as the aircraft will be retired.

Delta Air Lines

Meanwhile, Anne Chan-Climaco sent this “green news” from Delta: Delta Greenhouse Gas Emissions down 18.4% since 2005!

“Delta has lowered its annual greenhouse gas emissions by 8.5 million metric tons, an 18.4% reduction since 2005.  In its continued commitment to transparency, the airline has reported successful verification of its 2012 greenhouse gas emission inventories under The Climate Registry.

“ ‘By measuring and verifying carbon emissions through The Climate Registry, we demonstrate accountability for our emissions, as well as a continued commitment to reduce Delta’s overall carbon footprint through fleet renewal, reducing weight from our aircraft and implementing air traffic initiatives,’ said Ken Hylander, Senior Vice President for Corporate Safety, Security & Compliance.

“Delta’s focus on third-party verification aligns with the data integrity component of the AIATA resolution on the Implementation of the Aviation Carbon Neutral Growth 2020 Strategy, approved at the organization’s annual general membership meeting in June 2013.  Delta CEO Richard Anderson is currently the Chairperson of the AIATA Board of Governors.

“Delta has improved annual aircraft fuel efficiency by an average of 1.7% from 2009 to 2012, exceeding the International Air Transport Association’s fuel-efficient goal of 1.5%.” (FREEMAN)