Yes, companies or clients of high-priced consultants pay that much. For certain carriers, businesses get discounts of the full fare if the business has enough volume for a given route or system-wide.

However, I still can't figure out what leisure traveler would pay for these outrageous fares, unless he/she's has inherited a lot of money.

Keep in mind though that the average middle class (don't you wish there existed such a class between the cattle car and business class ) travelers could be flying in paid business class for leisure using buy-one-get-one-free promotions, where one buys full-fare and the partner flies free. Or they're using RTW fares, which are typically lower than RT fares.

If you want to go to HKG or anywhere else in Asia, try being creative:
* Fly Oasis Hong Kong from YVR. Their business class is around $3k.
* Call a travel agency that has a relationship with a consolidator. While they may not be able to get you on CX, you'll fly in comfort and won't have to pay an arm and a leg. MH is charging $2200 between LAX and TPE. Then you can get a cheap ticket from TPE to HKG. NW is charging $2800 between LAX and HKG. The routing is via NRT. Note these seats are heavily capacity-controlled. So don't expect for seats to be available at the last minute.
* Find a rich partner.

You can get reasonably-priced business class tickets on a major carrier for around $3k by being creative and flexible with your dates. Personally, I've flown between the East coast and Southeast Asia in business class for around $3k since 1999. However, I had to compromise with my dates, choice of carrier, and risk heavy cancellation and change penalties.

Send me a personal message if you want more information.

Welcome to FT.

- Pat