Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - CX Best Overall (Skytrax) but new J seats suck

I was surprised to find out that CX beat SQ in this survey, but read on:
http://money.cnn.com/2005/06/02/pf/goodlife/best_airlines/index.htm?cnn=yes

On a recent trip (HKG-NRT) I was only too happy to see new seats on the B-777 (CX500), a break from the dowdy green seats on their A330, but my happiness was short-lived as those new seats were awful! It did not recline well, and it was better not to have the footrest put up. It made me miss the dowdy ole green seats!

I was surprised to find that SQ did not make any #1 spot, but not too surprised about the lack of American-based airlines in the list. Everybody knows you do not exactly fly the friendly sky over the US: no effort from the crew to be extra nice. Their reasoning was that morale was low with all the budget cuts, etc., but chats with CX crew members produced the same woe; still, they were much more polite and helpful.

I was surprised to find out that CX beat SQ in this survey, but read on:
http://money.cnn.com/2005/06/02/pf/goodlife/best_airlines/index.htm?cnn=yes

On a recent trip (HKG-NRT) I was only too happy to see new seats on the B-777 (CX500), a break from the dowdy green seats on their A330, but my happiness was short-lived as those new seats were awful! It did not recline well, and it was better not to have the footrest put up. It made me miss the dowdy ole green seats!


I think what u mean is the NRBC - New Regional Business Class. Not the NBC (New Business Class).

The NRBC is a big mistake and we all know it!

you are correct, and it is the NRBC seats that are horrible.

I was surprised to find that SQ did not make any #1 spot, but not too surprised about the lack of American-based airlines in the list. Everybody knows you do not exactly fly the friendly sky over the US: no effort from the crew to be extra nice. Their reasoning was that morale was low with all the budget cuts, etc., but chats with CX crew members produced the same woe; still, they were much more polite and helpful.Singapore lost their vision six or seven years ago when the company restructured, and it would seem that they're doomed to a slow decline into being just a very decent airline rather than a great one.

It takes brave management and a serious committment to base profitability on excellence rather than cutting corners on peanuts.

The NRBC seat has added features the old seat doesn't, but it also is a more cost effective seat then the full Biz seat. They can get more seats in, and revenue. I happen to like the added features they have added, but each his own.

From what I believe, CX management are aware of the problems with the NRBC seats. In future upgrades of the regional business class product (i.e. 777s and A330s) a new vendor will be used with a new design concept.

After all, put all this in perspective, the regional flights within Asia are between 3-4 hours on the longest stretch and when you compare this with that of what other US and European carriers offer, airlines such as CX and SQ standout with their product (even with their RBC seats - be it the NRBC or the old ones).

We must not all get carried away with this as we are being spoilt here in Asia. Try flying in a J class regional flight in Europe and US for the same distance and you will appreciate what Asian carriers have to offer.

Just my 2 cents worth!

From what I believe, CX management are aware of the problems with the NRBC seats. In future upgrades of the regional business class product (i.e. 777s and A330s) a new vendor will be used with a new design concept.

After all, put all this in perspective, the regional flights within Asia are between 3-4 hours on the longest stretch and when you compare this with that of what other US and European carriers offer, airlines such as CX and SQ standout with their product (even with their RBC seats - be it the NRBC or the old ones).

We must not all get carried away with this as we are being spoilt here in Asia. Try flying in a J class regional flight in Europe and US for the same distance and you will appreciate what Asian carriers have to offer.

Just my 2 cents worth!

As discussed in the other board:
http://www.cathaytalk.com/showthread.php?t=211&page=2

Last time I checked HKG-DXB is certainly > 4 hours!

How would one be sure what seats they were getting?

We must not all get carried away with this as we are being spoilt here in Asia. Try flying in a J class regional flight in Europe and US for the same distance and you will appreciate what Asian carriers have to offer.

Just my 2 cents worth!

Agreed 105%. I shall be flying LHR/ZRH on BA next week and have decided to dispense with Club Europe and bought a deep discount economy ticket. Frankly for the price difference/premium, it is not worth it for the 2 hour flight. As I have status, I can still use priority check in and the lounge.