Comparison on BOM-HKG 9W vs CX in BIZ

They both operate a daily a non-stop on similar aircraft, with similar seats in Business. As a loyal fan of both airlines, I had the opportunity to recently fly 9W BOM-HKG and usually fly CX. Here is a comparison on a few key issues:

On Ground:

9W: If you are a plat card holder and known to Mumbai, you get excellent service on ground and are escorted through the airport chaos (basically what they give all First class pax)

CX: They have loaders curbside with signs “Marcopolo / Business class” and give assistance to all premium pax from pull up at the curb to immigration.

They both use the mediocre clipper lounge.

Overall, I would say CX at BOM, because their service is consistent for all Biz class passengers. While 9W goes above and beyond, it’s only for a select few.



Comfort:
Both use herringbone layouts in a 1-1-1 configuration. Much has been discussed on FT about CX seats.

9W: The seats are wider and definitely far more comfortable for day use, lounging etc. On this route they provide the full turn down service with oversized pillow, seat mattress pad and comfy blanket. They also provide sleeper suits.

CX: The seats are longer and when reclined, the seat back is received into sides that are cushioned / upholstered in the same material so you have more “bed space’. Also I am 6ft2 so I personally prefer the CX seat itself as a bed. No duvet for this route, just the regional blanket so that is a let down.

Overall – 9W wins both on hard aspect of seat comfort and the amenity of a turn down service which makes it much easier to sleep.


Food:

Both offer sandwiches before take off and a full meal breakfast prior to landing.

9W doesn’t wake the whole cabin as CX does by running trolleys through it. Food is plated and not standard casseroles

9W definitely wins this one.



Winelist:

CX wins hands down – Billecart Salmon vs 9W’s Roederer, far superior wines, Johnny Gold vs. 9W Johnny Black etc.


Entertainment:

9W screens are slightly bigger, but CX selection of Movies, music etc is much more varied and global.

From a sheer quality of content standpoint I think CX wins this one


Service:

9W tries harder and crew are young and eager. CX crew are more experienced, with years of flying and in the premium cabins I find them much more consistent. Also given the years behind CX, the whole inflight service set up is much more systematic – from greeting on elite members, to referring to all passengers by name all the time etc etc.

This is not to take away from the very high caliber of crew at 9W – I think CX wins ever so slightly because of the value of experience.




Overall:

For a night flight from BOM-HKG, with many needing to work the next day – I would say 9W wins by a slight margin.

For HKG-BOM with better lounges at their Hub, better in-flight service and wines, I would go with CX.

Honestly for me it’s a very close tie – but I hope the comparison above will help any traveler on this route make a decision based on what’s more important to them (IFE vs Food vs Wines vs Service etc etc).