Tonight, Cathay Pacific hosted an airline event like no other. Not just for the press and not just for consumers, Light Up the Sky was a spectacularly executed amalgam of press and public that possessed such a critical mass as to have a persistent energy throughout the entire evening. There were buffets. And there were games. But most of all, there was the celebrated unveiling of a brand-new long haul business class alongside a lineup of new, stylish uniforms.
Taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, a venue typically used to host conventions in its gigantic halls, Light Up the Sky was already bustling with people when I arrived at in the late afternoon to attend the press conference. With this excitement in the air, I proceeded with some fellow bloggers (and escort of some outstanding Cathay Pacific staff) to the press room.
Mr. John Slosar greets members of the press in attendance for the event
We are all greeted by Mr. John Slosar, COO of Cathay Pacific. He had some nice opening remarks and commented on the airline in general, its growth, and what one would expect in a cordial, “warm-up” greeting.
Hong Kong-based designer Eddie Lau takes the podium
After Mr. Slosar, we were introduced to Eddie Lau, a famed Hong Kong-based designer of both fashion and interior as he prefaced and presented the new uniforms.
Mr. Lau and cabin crew with the new uniforms
After Mr. Lau, we were treated to Mr. Alex McGowan, Cathay Pacific’s Head of Product, for a deep dive into all things new business class.
Mr. Alex McGowan discusses the new business class
After a detailed overview of the new class, history, etc, we were treated to Hong Kong-based artist Maria Lobo and her unveiling of new cabin-based fine artwork.
Ms. Maria Lobo discusses in-cabin art
This is a very interesting concept. Fine artwork in the cabin. After all, as Mr. Slosar later put it, we put up artwork in our homes to create an atmosphere, so why not the cabin?
After the press session, we got to head over to the Light Up the Sky event, and that’s where the real fun started.
The author signing the "Light Up the Sky" board
View of the party
View of the party
Party introduction by Mr. Tony Tyler
Additional remarks by Mr. Henry Tang, Chief Secretary Hong Kong S.A.R.
Finally, after all the laser lights, dignitaries, and other bits, we got to the part both the journalists and frequent flyers alike wanted to see: the new business class with our own eyes.
New business class
VIP new business class seat tour
FAs
New seat
New seat
New seat
All in all, it was a fantastic event. The reception of the product was phenomenal, and most of all it was both comfortable and fun to sit in.
And one last bit from Light Up the Sky: FlyerTalkers sign-in!
[...] All, Finished and posted this at 12:39AM from HKG, but didn't have a chance to post here as the door was closing at 12:40. [...]
well it was all very nice but frankly too many people there who will never fly in business class
Gunter: I think the majority of folks there were business travelers, and the majority of those business travelers book business class tickets (or get them booked) for work. Did you see a lot of people who don’t fly business? I’m quite curious as that wasn’t my impression, but I’d love the facts.