I got this update of the new regional business class from Colin at the HK Spotter site.

The design concept of the new Business Class seat was inspired by the long-haul New Business Class product introduced two years ago but comes with a brighter and more cheerful seat aesthetic to match its mainly daytime usage.

The new seat has a refreshing and modern look, with brighter seat fabrics and a smooth curved design. Together with a more spacious cabin environment, the new regional Business Class offers passengers a more relaxed feel.

Key features of the seat include an electronic recline control, an increased recline angle of 40 degrees (compared to the previous 26 degrees), and a steeper leg-rest angle of 50 degrees (compared to the previous 38 degrees). The new seat also features a bigger PTV - 9 inches compared to the previous 6.5 inches.

Other features include a newly designed meal table with a book-rest feature that makes it more convenient and comfortable for passengers to read at their seats. There is also more stowage space and a clothes hook on the seat.

The new seats are to be installed in the five two-class aircraft joining the passenger fleet. The first two aircraft, both A330-300s have already gone into the HAECO hangar for cabin fitting and final modifications, while the first of three B777-300s will arrive at the end of October.

The first A330 aircraft will have a test flight this Thursday, 16 October, to ensure the inflight avionics equipment is functioning properly. If everything goes well the aircraft will head off to Taipei later that night for its first revenue flight.