that’s also my thinking, and if so then obviously it didn’t turn out to be JPA’s Airtek. Some parts of the video, e.g. showing into the footwell, indicate a more conventional construction compared to the more ‘open’ Airtek frame.

That aspect didn't honestly strike me as anything "insane" - there's the same little cupboard as before, but now a small recessed compartment has been added into the shelf. It's the same arrangement as many other airlines already have, especially using variants of the Collins seating platform through to Elements. Handy for passports, reading glasses and other small oddments, sure, but doesn't seem to be "absolutely insane", or am I missing something?

It does look very similar to the upcoming Etihad version of Elements and also with some of the earlier mockups below:
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...04c5e6004.jpeg

Yes, the core elements (no pun intended) are certainly there, although the CX version appears heavily stylised and refined by JPA.

Elements is a 'no-risk' platform with plenty of scope for customisation, and it appears CX has leant a little more into 'evolution, not revolution' – and in a way, if you took the original Zodiac platform of FB2 and reimagined it for the modern era, Aria seems pretty much what you'd end up with.

Unless there are three pieces of artwork per plane? LOL

If one per plane, it might become the new challenge for artistically-inclined avgeeks, a Pokemon-style "Gotta catch 'em all" LOL

Yes, that's pretty disappointing. I wish they opted for Eclipse instead.

nah… I just found the color scheme and seat mechanics really appealing - same reaction when JX released their J cabin on the 359. a huge upgrade but no drastic change, keeping all the good parts of the current business class but adding new tech, a door, and a better color scheme. I guess there’s some emotional attachment to that since CX was the first airline I flew long haul J with so yeah, great changes.

Will need a tall-ish, not slim person, who tosses and turns in sleep, to test the bruised knee in sleep aspect.

Doesn’t look very promising on that aspect tbh- and I would be very happy, really, to be wrong here.

Yeah the current Cirrus seat on A350 seems to have more room for sleep

no
This is exactly why the CX a350 seat is so much better than the SQ seat or any other J variation in Asia
so much space to turn and toss on the A350 J.
That being said CX is one of the few airlines in Asia that tests their seats on a western larger male build.
or at least used to . With their latest anti white male staffing policies maybe they don't and it will be evident if the new Aria suite has less sleeping space.

"With their latest anti white male staffing policies" maybe they don't and it will be evident if the new Aria suite has less sleeping space.

What are 'anti white male staffing policies' please ? Also how are you defining WHITE please
Seemingly you are writing nonsense again.

FACT
The majority of the senior executive team are European and all but one of those are male - much as it has been for many years
Sometimes the CEO has been European and sometimes not

It also seems that the little pocket in the side cupboard was removed.
And also the bottle holder under the armrest.
I hope I'm wrong - those are two of the features I really like in the current A350 J seat.

No comment on the purported staffing/testing policies, but yes, for now, I’m in the ‘disappointed’ camp as far as the seats go.

As an aside- and not directed at your post NZflyer777
A lot of us have strong views about the winds at CX/HK- and fairly so if one really loves/d a thing/place- me too, and I’ve not been a HK resident since 2011 (but, a DM since almost around then)- perhaps, all the CX fanboys, and those on the opposing camp, toning down and focussing on the topic at hand might help?

I’ve found myself tuning out of discussions on our board, of late, with a ‘not again’, a fair few times.

Could we please just do an uber involved Adrian Monk level detective work into the new seats? Like how the BA board figured the AMS OW lounge out. That, was cool.

Looks sleek:

I feel we should begin by examining the deep significance behind the 'hero seat' of 12 in the video.

According to the Internet (which we know is always right), "12 represents the harmony of the yin and yang: In Chinese numerology, one is a yang number, ruled by the sun and symbolizing independence and individualism. Two is a yin number ruled by the moon and represents symmetry and balance. Together in the number 12: harmony."

(I’m not actually being 100% serious here.)