The A330-900s will have flatbeds in business class, and while Cathay has said these could and may likely be the same flatbed regional business class as the A330 2026 project, there's no guarantee they will be.

Two product execs I've spoken with have said Cathay could 'drop in' the A330 2026 seat, or a later version of it (as the A330-900s are still some years away), or a different seat from another manufacturer if that seat offers a 'consistent experience' but delivers better economics to Cathay given the size of the project.

Either way, it'll be interesting to see the differences between Cathay's taken on long-haul business class (Aria, 777 & A330 FB2 and A350 FB2.5) and regional business class. SQ certainly put the difference into sharp focus, and you do have to wonder that once you have a lie-flat bed, what other features are needed for 12-14hrs but not for 4-6hrs?