Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - CX Market Research on Seat Design

I have a friend who's been invited to Chep Lap Kok this Saturday for a morning of testing new seat designs. Has anyone else been to such an event? Can he expect any cash or miles payment?

Please ask your friend what type of seats he gets to try. Whether they are Economy, Business or First, and what the seat designs look like!

I hope at the least it is an improvement of the Regional Business Class seats - these seats are hugely inferior to the old business class seats, and I wrote a letter to CX expressing this opinion.

On monday night I endured 9.5 hrs in NRBC on way to DXB on the CX745 late flight (bad headwinds meant slow flight).. needless to say made sure that return sector today was on A333. As per normal the crew were apologising for how bad the seats were. I'd happy test new seats for free if it means better nights sleep !

Sometime I just don't understand what these airlines are thinking, but it does not need an einstein to figure out:

1) Y Class = just bloody more room (Pitch and Width)
2) J Class = a proper FLAT service to sleep
3) F Class = A Proper Mattress (like VS) with no grove and more personal place.

Wa la! thats it.

Sometime I just don't understand what these airlines are thinking, but it does not need an einstein to figure out:

1) Y Class = just bloody more room (Pitch and Width)
2) J Class = a proper FLAT service to sleep
3) F Class = A Proper Mattress (like VS) with no grove and more personal place.

Wa la! thats it.

Yes correct, einstein not needed.

But rocket scientist might be able to remind you to think about the limited space, fire hazards, ergonomics, safety, ambience, ease of installation / removal, functionality, electronics, cost of materials, color, etc.. etc... in the aircraft seats.

On monday night I endured 9.5 hrs in NRBC on way to DXB on the CX745 late flight (bad headwinds meant slow flight).. needless to say made sure that return sector today was on A333. As per normal the crew were apologising for how bad the seats were. I'd happy test new seats for free if it means better nights sleep !

It continues to surprise me that DXB is classed a regional flight and therefore opped (sometimes) by regional configured aircraft when some of the flights are operated and sold as three-class long hauls. 9.5 hours - flying to Sydney is less, which is a firm three-class outport. :rolleyes:

Sometime I just don't understand what these airlines are thinking, but it does not need an einstein to figure out:

1) Y Class = just bloody more room (Pitch and Width)
2) J Class = a proper FLAT service to sleep
3) F Class = A Proper Mattress (like VS) with no grove and more personal place.

Wa la! thats it.
You're being way too picky with the lie flat J seat. It is fine in my opinion, and besides, how do you sleep flat? I went on BA F from YYZ-LHR once, and I couldn't sleep flat. I can sleep in the "Z' position very well though.

And the dreaded Y seat, well, its economy. Every airline is like that, so why don't you complain to every airline about this?

It continues to surprise me that DXB is classed a regional flight and therefore opped (sometimes) by regional configured aircraft when some of the flights are operated and sold as three-class long hauls. 9.5 hours - flying to Sydney is less, which is a firm three-class outport. :rolleyes:

Ummm.... I had always thought that the A333 with the NBC would also fly to DXB (and also other middle east destinations) also to MEL and SYD, but alas with only 5 A333 NBC aircraft, utilisation *might* be the very constraint.

Since SYD is currently served by A333 X2 (the other flight being B744) and MEL A333 X1 (and the other flight operated by B744), sure they would have a spare aircraft to operate to DXB? Or perhaps yields? :confused:

It is fine in my opinion, and besides, how do you sleep flat? I went on BA F from YYZ-LHR once, and I couldn't sleep flat. I can sleep in the "Z' position very well though.

Then you must have a hell of a time trying to sleep at night on regular, flat beds? Or do you have specially ordered Z-position beds? ;) :D

It continues to surprise me that DXB is classed a regional flight and therefore opped (sometimes) by regional configured aircraft when some of the flights are operated and sold as three-class long hauls. 9.5 hours - flying to Sydney is less, which is a firm three-class outport. :rolleyes:

I am guessing it is also about the competition. Many other airlines operates three-class long haul products to SYD (SQ, BA, QF). SQ only has regional products in the DXB route.

Since SYD is currently served by A333 X2 (the other flight being B744) and MEL A333 X1 (and the other flight operated by B744), sure they would have a spare aircraft to operate to DXB? Or perhaps yields? :confused:

As to the first point, reconfigure.

As to the second, I have always thought that a longhaul two class "33D" aircraft might work (like the 34D config, with NBC or something similar) and use those 33Ds on medium haul routes like BNE, CNS, PER, DXB... it would be 14 J seats less than the current 330, but I don't know what J loads are like on DXB and whether CX need those 14 seats. I can't imagine BNE/CNS generate that much premium traffic for those 14 seats to be a loss. And two-class 333s might work on one of the daily SYD or MEL flights too.

I'm *not* saying SYD should have a regional product, just that since the flight time to DXB is more or less the same as to SYD then it seems funny that SYD should get a 'nicer' product than DXB.

I'm *not* saying SYD should have a regional product, just that since the flight time to DXB is more or less the same as to SYD then it seems funny that SYD should get a 'nicer' product than DXB.

In regards to flight duration, I am with you. It does seem funny to endure longer flights with less comfortable product.

Then you must have a hell of a time trying to sleep at night on regular, flat beds? Or do you have specially ordered Z-position beds? ;) :D
Actually, I do have problems sleeping on a flat bed.. My back gets a bit painful if I sleep flat sometimes. But the Z position is more comfy than the lie flat.And thanks for the sarcastic remark (I could insert a really nasty word here)

I think it may be due to the fact that BA holds the rights to actually having a flat bed (or calling a seat a bed) aboard any other airline.

And two-class 333s might work on one of the daily SYD or MEL flights too.

Certainly, it would boost some much needed capacity boost (esp. for MEL, flights being very full lately). But then again, if I am a pax that is travelling on a F ticket, I would be very disappointed to travel on such flight. Also keeping in mind is that AFAIK, CX does have a lot of traffic that originates from MEL/SYD that goes beyond HKG (ie. Europe) on the afternoon departure from MEL/SYD.

BUt I have to agree with you whole-heartedly with you last comment.

Actually, I do have problems sleeping on a flat bed.. My back gets a bit painful if I sleep flat sometimes. But the Z position is more comfy than the lie flat.And thanks for the sarcastic remark (I could insert a really nasty word here)

StarG was merely joking around, "hongkongtraveller". You need to practise what you preach. :rolleyes:

Regarding the load to DXB.. there were 5 of us in J cabin, out of 40 odd seats. That flight would have worked well for a two class config with NBC. Two other passengers had originated with CX in SYD, and they were very annoyed not to have NBC seats all the way through.

I shall be writing to CX again this weekend on the use of NRBC for these longer regional sectors.

Actually, I do have problems sleeping on a flat bed.. My back gets a bit painful if I sleep flat sometimes. But the Z position is more comfy than the lie flat.And thanks for the sarcastic remark (I could insert a really nasty word here)

Dear hongkongtraveller,

That was just a friendly joke, that's why a ';)' and a ':D'.
I do hope you can take it as just that. :)
I just found your previous post interestingly funny, especially this:

... besides, how do you sleep flat?

As for 'inserting a really nasty word' anywhere - you can do as you see fit. :)

And thanks for the sarcastic remark (I could insert a really nasty word here)

Now now, no need to get nasty. Concentrating on how old one is or where stopovers actually took place would be time better spent ;)

CX operates regional aircraft to Dubai, UAE because there is simply not enough demand to justify premium long-haul aircraft on this route. As a user has mentioned, business class loads are extremely low.

For those who are complaining, I ask you this question - Would you be more disappointed to be on a regional aircraft on a Middle East route or one to Sydney?

CX sometimes operates a three class A330 on this route. I suggest that all first / business class travelers who are planning to fly CX to DXB check schedules beforehand and book themselves on flights with NBC.

Furthermore, the product that CX offers on this route is already better than its competitor, EK.

Emirates only operate two direct flights weekly, on Mondays, and Wednesdays. The flight is operated on an Airbus A330-200.

Below is a summary of the First / Business Class product offered on this aircraft:

First Class: The seats are worse than CX NBC, and don’t even lie flat. The configuration is 2-2-2; CX First Class on A330 is 1-2-1.

Business Class: The seats are some of the worst ever fitted on the A330. They are in a 2-3-2 configuration, which makes the seat extremely narrow for a Business Class Seat. The pitch is about 40-45 inches.

I believe entertainment in both classes is an 18 channel system, although I’m not sure about that.

To quote a certain bowl of petunias... "Oh no, not again".

Why, oh why don't certain people get the hint that they are not welcome here, and go away?

To which the answer I suppose must be: "because he's an ignorant monkey who doesn't know any better".

[With apologies to those who have not yet received the wisdom of the indispensable Hitchhikers' Guide To The Galaxy, and therefore haven't a clue what I am talking about :) ]

To quote a certain bowl of petunias... "Oh no, not again".

Why, oh why don't certain people get the hint that they are not welcome here, and go away?

To which the answer I suppose must be: "because he's an ignorant monkey who doesn't know any better".



:D .

Maybe he has to come on here to pretend he actually flies as his friend (if he still has one) knows otherwise ;) .

Just to follow up on a comment I made earlier about a possible "33D" config, would there be a significant weight difference between a 44 old J seat cabin (ie what there is now) and a 30 NBC cabin? It's just that BNE etc seem to be always getting the same 330s (HLU, HLV, among others) and if that's the way they're scrambling, I don't really see why the current NRBC on those aircraft could be changed into just NBC. As pointed out, J loads on BNE/PER/CNS/DXB etc aren't exactly thriving.

Now now, no need to get nasty. Concentrating on how old one is or where stopovers actually took place would be time better spent ;)
To everybody:

It was also a joke, I didn't really mean it. I wasn't going to insert a swear word, probably a childish insult word.......

I have had a poor temper this past week, I'm very sorry for this.

You're being way too picky with the lie flat J seat. It is fine in my opinion, and besides, how do you sleep flat? I went on BA F from YYZ-LHR once, and I couldn't sleep flat. I can sleep in the "Z' position very well though.

And the dreaded Y seat, well, its economy. Every airline is like that, so why don't you complain to every airline about this?


Urmm, I thought the BA F Class seat has a Buddy seat that acts as the foot rest. How is it possible to sleep in the Z position? Are you really short or actually used the floor as part of your foot rest. Or do you mean the Sunbed position?

I am NOT being picky. I mean does anyone here other than you actually prefers to sleep on an angle and slope down then on a flat bed? I just travelled on 3 BA Club World Sectors and 1 CX NBC sectors and I it is clear that BA does have a better seat overall for sleeping.

As for the Y Class seat. AT NO stage did I say CX is the worst. I merely just state the facts and wish of many Y Class pax.

After reading through many of your post, I find that somethings your comments are rather critical of others and you actually don't know and understand the situation before replying and make really bold statements that might insult others. I mean given you are a new member and rather inexperience in things, a little bit more respect and consideration goes a long way.

Urmm, I thought on BA the F Class seat has a Buddy seat that acts as the foot rest. How is it possible to sleep in the Z position? Are you really short or actually used the floor as part of your foot rest. Or do you mean the Sunbed position?

I am NOT being picky. I mean does anyone here other than you actually prefers to sleep on an angle and slope down then on a flat bed? I just travelled on 3 BA Club World Sectors and 1 CX NBC sectors and I it is clear that BA does have a better seat overall for sleeping.

As for the Y Class seat. AT NO stage did I say CX is the worst. I merely just state the facts and wish of many Y Class pax.

After reading through many of your post, I find that somethings your comments are rather critical of others and you actually don't know and understand the situation before replying and make really bold statements that might insult other. I mean given you are a new member and rather inexperience in things, a little bit more respect and consideration goes a long way.
Geez, practice what you preach.......... calm down, for christ's sake.

I actually defended you in another thread, in another incident, and now you criticise me like this? Well thanks a lot............

newcx12345, think about the older business, and how lucky we are to have NBC. Maybe lots of people like to sleep flat, BUT............. If I were CX I would never make my seat toally flat, since it would divert F passengers to J passengers. I was seeing this from the CX marketing's point of view, sure it would be great to have a larger Y seat, but eliminating all that revenue? Pfft. give me a break.

And really? My inexperience? Well fine, if I'm so INEXPERIENCED then why did you listen to my post in the first place???????? Sounds a bit snobbish to me............. It takes bloody time to post 1000 posts. I don't exactly have all day to pick my ... on the internet, to get up to your standards. Wow, you've been here 2 months more than me, that's a lot of time :rolleyes:. If you were here like 2 years earlier, then you have a point, but gee......... If you're gonna play dirty, then why can't I play dirty? I have been getting a lot of positive feedback and negative feedback from CX posters in the past days, and many are on my side, since I'm sick of the BS, the CX forum is going down the crapper.

a big sigh... :(

OK, are we going to play nice? ;) Deal? Healthy debate is OK but no personal attacks are tolerated.

OK, are we going to play nice? ;) Deal? Healthy debate is OK but no personal attacks are tolerated.
Good. I agree. How about we all agree to start clean?

That works for me! ^

CX's J seat is much more comfortable than BA's seat IMO mainly due to the fact that BA's seat is narrower, and rather claustrophobic. I can sleep anywhere so my preference is where I get better service.

BA's beds are too hard for my liking. J or F.

CX's J seat is much more comfortable than BA's seat IMO mainly due to the fact that BA's seat is narrower, and rather claustrophobic. I can sleep anywhere so my preference is where I get better service.

BA's beds are too hard for my liking. J or F.

agree.....and the fact that you can lower the hand-rest in F seats
has BA finally thought about matching this?

BA's beds are too hard for my liking. J or F.
Agree on J (hardness and claustrophobia), but in F it is the CX seats I find hard. BA after the latest refurb is a much more comfortable F seat.

CX's J seat is much more comfortable than BA's seat IMO mainly due to the fact that BA's seat is narrower, and rather claustrophobic. I can sleep anywhere so my preference is where I get better service.

BA's beds are too hard for my liking. J or F.


Actually our friends @ the BA Board said BA is hvaing a CW improvement (NOT Enhancement) and part of that is to introduce a softer padding in the CW seats and change the colour of the divider.

I find on CW selecting the right seat is extremely important (Upper Deck, Row 63/64). As you mentioned about the claustrophoic feeling, I find it only happens when you are in the lower deck (or on the 777) and in particular in the middle 4.

On CX, I find any row in J is fine, but I just find the sloping annoying.

On CX, I find any row in J is fine, but I just find the sloping annoying.

I find the window seats best, as you get an extra inch or two at side of the footwell, meaning you can rest the soles of your feet on the edge of the footwell frame and not be hit by the drinks trolley.

As for the recline, best tactic seems to be go straight for max recline, then flick it backwards towards takeof/landing position a small step at a time, remembering to keep raising the foot rest as much as possible at same time, until you are comfy.

for reference i am 6 foot tall and certainly one of CX's heavier passengers.. hence avoid the flying BA coffins.

you may be interested to note that on my MEA flight into Beirut yesterday, the seats were our dear NRBC, but with extended leg room and better cushions, so there is a better version out there !

I find the window seats best, as you get an extra inch or two at side of the footwell, meaning you can rest the soles of your feet on the edge of the footwell frame and not be hit by the drinks trolley.

As for the recline, best tactic seems to be go straight for max recline, then flick it backwards towards takeof/landing position a small step at a time, remembering to keep raising the foot rest as much as possible at same time, until you are comfy.

for reference i am 6 foot tall and certainly one of CX's heavier passengers.. hence avoid the flying BA coffins.

you may be interested to note that on my MEA flight into Beirut yesterday, the seats were our dear NRBC, but with extended leg room and better cushions, so there is a better version out there !

Thanks for your advice. Yeah I always find you have to press the leg rest button as much as possible. As I said before the legrest itself can be raised higher, but CX actually reduced it as the windows pax find it difficult to get out.

Anyway, any news on the new products?

Can anyone tell me if the upper deck on the 747 have better J seats, than for example the ones of the A340?

I like the window seat, even when flying Y, I always take the window seat, I like the view from the plane. I find CX's J seat is easy to get out of even if you take the window seat, even when your neighbour is reclined, I find it is pretty easy to climb out.

Let me rephrase why I can't sleep on BA's J seat, itis a bit too hard for my back. The BA F seat, I slept on sort of a angle, I didn't fully recline it, and slept 5 hours, after reclining a bit, and before I knew it, we were descending into LHR.

My apologies to newcx12345 and other members for my childish behaviour.

Can anyone tell me if the upper deck on the 747 have better J seats, than for example the ones of the A340?

I like the window seat, even when flying Y, I always take the window seat, I like the view from the plane. I find CX's J seat is easy to get out of even if you take the window seat, even when your neighbour is reclined, I find it is pretty easy to climb out.

Let me rephrase why I can't sleep on BA's J seat, itis a bit too hard for my back. The BA F seat, I slept on sort of a angle, I didn't fully recline it, and slept 5 hours, after reclining a bit, and before I knew it, we were descending into LHR.

My apologies to newcx12345 and other members for my childish behaviour.

I find the Upper Deck NBC is much better than the lower deck and 333/34C/D
Especially Row 86.
On the Upper Deck there is just the sense of space and privacy. Fortunately in SYD they have reintroduced the 744 for 1 flight (well maybe only on a temp basis).

Also jsut for everyone who find the NCW's cushion = hard. I find by utilising the new Sleeper Service Blanket (the ones with a cotton sheet) as a mattress pad, it makes a big difference. I slept much better when compared to CX. As for the comment about CX's F Class seat = hard, I also find the Duvet Mattress pad can solve the problem (well make sure you get consent from the FA if you are Ex YVR!!! hahaha)

HKtravller, Apology accepted. Happy CX Travelling!

Does anyone have any specific questions on SYD-HKG CX138 as I will be on it in a few days time. I can take pictures and note down specific request if you want.

I find the Upper Deck NBC is much better than the lower deck and 333/34C/D
Especially Row 86.
On the Upper Deck there is just the sense of space and privacy. Fortunately in SYD they have reintroduced the 744 for 1 flight (well maybe only on a temp basis).

Also jsut for everyone who find the NCW's cushion = hard. I find by utilising the new Sleeper Service Blanket (the ones with a cotton sheet) as a mattress pad, it makes a big difference. I slept much better when compared to CX. As for the comment about CX's F Class seat = hard, I also find the Duvet Mattress pad can solve the problem (well make sure you get consent from the FA if you are Ex YVR!!! hahaha)

HKtravller, Apology accepted. Happy CX Travelling!

Does anyone have any specific questions on SYD-HKG CX138 as I will be on it in a few days time. I can take pictures and note down specific request if you want.

I do hope CX is refreshing their F class cabin pretty soon. I have seen pictures of it, though I may be wrong. It looks a bit too plain, the seat upholstery and trimming in the cabin, don't look very F class. I think the SQ interior looks the most luxurious.

Nevertheless, the seat, the service, the food, entertainment is what makes CX F class F, I guess. But it would be nicer if a little refreshment is made in my opinion.

I will be taking F on JFK-YVR-HKG in early July. And in early February, I will be taking J on the 747 YVR-HKG, so thanks for the tip.

Can anyone tell me if the upper deck on the 747 have better J seats, than for example the ones of the A340? There are three types of J seat across the CX fleet.

All 747, 346, 34D, 34C, 333 have long haul business class, and all the seats are essentially identical. The only difference with upperdeck 747 is that there are the lockers alongside the seat which you can also use to put your feet up on if you have the window seat (except 86K).

The 330, 772 and 773 have a mix of New Regional Business Class and Old Regional Business Class. Many regard the old one as preferable and I believe CX put it's "upgrade" programme on hold while they work out a better solution.

...you may be interested to note that on my MEA flight into Beirut yesterday, the seats were our dear NRBC, but with extended leg room and better cushions, so there is a better version out there !

Actually if you fly SAA A340-600 in C and slightly unlucky, you will get the same NRBC seat (albeit with different finishing touches) but with ample legroom.

I do hope CX is refreshing their F class cabin pretty soon. I have seen pictures of it, though I may be wrong. It looks a bit too plain, the seat upholstery and trimming in the cabin, don't look very F class.

There is an element in design called minimalism ("less is more"). Both cabins are luxurious in different sense, and I think CX's has a more zen/asian feel to it than the SQ one - the SQ one is more European-styled. :)

There is an element in design called minimalism ("less is more"). Both cabins are luxurious in different sense, and I think CX's has a more zen/asian feel to it than the SQ one - the SQ one is more European-styled. :)
You're right. I like the European styled F cabins more. I liked BA's F cabin, and AF's F cabin's stylings. I guess I just think European cabins are more luxurious.

The 330, 772 and 773 have a mix of New Regional Business Class and Old Regional Business Class. Many regard the old one as preferable and I believe CX put it's "upgrade" programme on hold while they work out a better solution.

I wrote a letter to CX about my feelings on NRBC. Basically, all their marketing puff on their website was bollocks. They said there was a greater recline, and more storage space. The reality is that the recline feels worse (even if it is actually greater which I doubt), and there is no under seat storage anymore. Also the leg rest with its hard metal lever makes resting your calves against it uncomfortable, and if you lower the footrest, the angle of it again makes it uncomfortable.

The reply was to thank me for my feedback and that there would be some improvements in the future. Quite non-committal.

On another note, there are a few of the old NBC seats still floating around. These are the ones which don't have the slightly greater recline and padding. The newer/adjusted NBC seats, have a slightly different recline pattern which stops at various "comfort" spots which are much better than the old NBC seats making it easier to find a suitable sleep position.

I am most annoyed that they decided to remove the second tray table. Anyone know why?

...I am most annoyed that they decided to remove the second tray table. Anyone know why?

Yes. People were using that as leverage as they get out of their seats. And they keep breaking off !

I find the Upper Deck NBC is much better than the lower deck and 333/34C/D
Especially Row 86.
On the Upper Deck there is just the sense of space and privacy. Fortunately in SYD they have reintroduced the 744 for 1 flight (well maybe only on a temp basis).

Does anyone have any specific questions on SYD-HKG CX138 as I will be on it in a few days time. I can take pictures and note down specific request if you want.
Which flight to/from SYD is a 744? I'm on CX 138 in 3 weeks time, but in first not business.

On the Upper Deck there is just the sense of space and privacy.
Oh yeah!! Definately lots of privacy. But height space can be a little tricky as I came close to crashing my head on several occassions getting off the seat.

Which flight to/from SYD is a 744? I'm on CX 138 in 3 weeks time, but in first not business.

It's the CX110/1.

There are three types of J seat across the CX fleet.

All 747, 346, 34D, 34C, 333 have long haul business class, and all the seats are essentially identical. The only difference with upperdeck 747 is that there are the lockers alongside the seat which you can also use to put your feet up on if you have the window seat (except 86K).


I read the latest issue of Business Traveller Asia Pacific on board recently. There was a feature on the new ultra-long-haul flights. It mentioned that on CX's HKG-New York non-stop, that the J class seats are more roomy than the usual J-Class seats.

Did anyone else see this article? I don't think it's correct, but would be interested for someone to verify.

I am most annoyed that they decided to remove the second tray table. Anyone know why?


Since when did they remove the second table (I presume the one underneath the TV screen)??

on my flight from LHR-HKG it was still there and I used it to put all my stuff when eating.

on my flight from LHR-HKG it was still there and I used it to put all my stuff when eating.

Interesting.

It certainly isn't on the [newly-retrofitted] 34D aircrafts.

Did you happen by chance to notice the rego, or if you want to PM me the date and flight number I can pull up the rego for flights ex-LHR.

It certainly isn't on the [newly-retrofitted] 34D aircrafts.
It's also interesting that from what I've heard, the 34D also does not have the "Bar" in the J section.

It's also interesting that from what I've heard, the 34D also does not have the "Bar" in the J section.

Have you ever seen anyone use the bar? Its more a table for putting snacks than a bar.

It's also interesting that from what I've heard, the 34D also does not have the "Bar" in the J section.
That is true. With the 34D, the bar was removed. :(

That is true. With the 34D, the bar was removed. :(

Disclaimer on CX website under New Business Class... "bar is not available on our new two-class aircraft".

Simply, because there's no room! The 30 NBC seats take up all of Zone A.

Although frankly, I wouldn't be using it anyway, so I'm not all that fussed.

Interesting.

It certainly isn't on the [newly-retrofitted] 34D aircrafts.

Did you happen by chance to notice the rego, or if you want to PM me the date and flight number I can pull up the rego for flights ex-LHR.


BHXB
I will check the REgo ( I did a pilot log of my trip and noted down the reg)
Will get back to you tonight when I get to the QF QP

I read the latest issue of Business Traveller Asia Pacific on board recently. There was a feature on the new ultra-long-haul flights. It mentioned that on CX's HKG-New York non-stop, that the J class seats are more roomy than the usual J-Class seats.

Did anyone else see this article? I don't think it's correct, but would be interested for someone to verify.


i am taking that flight mid next week, will take my tape measure with me..

On another note, there are a few of the old NBC seats still floating around. These are the ones which don't have the slightly greater recline and padding. The newer/adjusted NBC seats, have a slightly different recline pattern which stops at various "comfort" spots which are much better than the old NBC seats making it easier to find a suitable sleep position.
Which aircraft has installed the 'new' NBC?
Is it possible to recline the NBC into such position? (When I flew CX J a month ago, I remembered that it is a lot more slanted than this.)

Here is the photograph: (http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=735602&WxsIERv=Qm9laW5nIDc0Ny00Njc%3D&WdsYXMg=Q2F0aGF5IFBhY2lmaWMgQWlyd2F5cw%3D%3D&QtODMg=TG9zIEFuZ2VsZXMgLSBJbnRlcm5hdGlvbmFsIChMQVg gLyBLTEFYKQ%3D%3D&ERDLTkt=VVNBIC0gQ2FsaWZvcm5pYQ%3D%3D&ktODMp=RGVjZW1iZXIgMTMsIDIwMDQ%3D&BP=0&WNEb25u=THVrZSBTdGVwaGVucw%3D%3D&xsIERvdWdsY=Qi1IT1c%3D&MgTUQtODMgKE=QSBCdXNpbmVzcyBDbGFzcyBzZWF0IG9uIHRoZ SB1cHBlciBkZWNrIG9mIGEgQ2F0aGF5IDc0Ny4gTG9va3MgY29 tZm9ydGFibGUgY29uc2lkZXJpbmcgdGhlIDE1IGhvdXIgZmxpZ 2h0IGFoZWFkIGZyb20gTEFYLSBIS0cu&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=NzE4OA%3D%3D&NEb25uZWxs=MjAwNC0xMi0xNw%3D%3D&ODJ9dvCE=&O89Dcjdg=MjUyMTEvODcz&static=yes&sok=V0hFUkUgIChhaXJsaW5lIExJS0UgJ0NhdGhheSBQYWNpZm ljIEFpcndheXMlJykgQU5EIChGSU5EX0lOX1NFVCgnY2FiaW4n LCBzcGVjaWFsKT4wKSAgT1JERVIgQlkgcGhvdG9faWQgREVTQw %3D%3D&photo_nr=3)

This picture looks like the "old" NBC. Note the divider between the seats is not the newer enlarged one, and on either side of the divider, the slot hasn't been opened up to be a magazine holder.

The Old NBC was supposed to recline to 13 degrees, the new NBC reclines to 9 degrees. I suspect this picture is a bit of an optical illusion in making it seem more flat than it actually is.

This picture looks like the "old" NBC. Note the divider between the seats is not the newer enlarged one, and on either side of the divider, the slot hasn't been opened up to be a magazine holder.

The Old NBC was supposed to recline to 13 degrees, the new NBC reclines to 9 degrees. I suspect this picture is a bit of an optical illusion in making it seem more flat than it actually is.

Yep definitely the Old NBC.

Just wondering why did they sealed up the magazine holder @ the beginning?

Oh B-HXB. THe Reg of the 34C is B-HXI
Terrible aircraft (compare to 744) also AVOID at ALL cost the last row window seat (Row 17) as there is 1 window missing.

Oh B-HXB. THe Reg of the 34C is B-HXI
Terrible aircraft (compare to 744) also AVOID at ALL cost the last row window seat (Row 17) as there is 1 window missing.

Hmmm, B-HXI was among the first batch of 343s to be converted to 34Cs. If I remember correctly CX changed the NBC design to its current modified one (9 degrees + no second tray table) about halfway through retrofitting, saying that all aircraft to be retrofitted from that date would get the new seats, and all aircraft already retrofitted would have the new modifications incorporated.

I guess they just haven't gotten round to it yet :rolleyes:

I read the latest issue of Business Traveller Asia Pacific on board recently. There was a feature on the new ultra-long-haul flights. It mentioned that on CX's HKG-New York non-stop, that the J class seats are more roomy than the usual J-Class seats.

Did anyone else see this article? I don't think it's correct, but would be interested for someone to verify.



I haven't noticed that the seats were any different on that flight compared to others.

CX has three types of J class seats.

Almost flat bed for long-haul flights, new Regional business class seats (slowly being installed in the aircraft), and then the older business class seats that don't recline like the long haul but being fazed out with the new regional ones.