Cathay Pacific 2013 Annual Report Download - page 7

Cathay Pacific Airways Limited Interim Report 2013 5
2013 Interim Review
The Cathay Pacific Group continued to operate in
a difficult environment in the first six months of
2013. There was improvement in the passenger
business and operating costs were lower.
However, weak cargo demand and high fuel
prices continued to affect the overall business
adversely. The Group remained focused on
maintaining a strong network and improving its
products and services. We continued to make
long-term investments designed to ensure the
long-term success of the Group and strengthen
Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s
leading aviation hubs.
AWARD WINNING PRODUCTS AND
SERVICES
• The installation of our award-winning new
business class seats was completed on 32
Boeing 777-300ER and 24 Airbus A330-300
long-haul aircraft in March. The seats have been
well received by passengers.
• We have started to improve the long-haul
business class seats on our Boeing 747-400 and
Airbus A340-300 aircraft. This will be completed
by the end of 2013.
• The retrofit programme to install new economy
class seats on Cathay Pacific’s long-haul Boeing
777-300ER and Airbus A330-300 aircraft was
completed in March.
• Cathay Pacific introduced its new premium
economy class in April 2012. It is growing in
popularity with passengers. The new class will
be available on 85 aircraft by the end of2013.
• All Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to be delivered
from now until 2015 will be fitted with premium
economy class and the new long-haul economy
class seats.
• In January, we began to install new regional
business class seats in our regional Boeing
777-300 aircraft. Installation will be completed
by the end of 2013. In the second half of 2013,
we will start to install new regional business
class seats in our regional A330-300 aircraft, with
installation expected to be completed by the end
of 2014. The new seats have better ergonomics
and more storage space. Audio and video on
demand are available on personal touch screen
television monitors. There are new headsets
which reduce external noise.
• New entertainment systems and touch-screen
monitors are being installed in economy class in
the aircraft in which the new regional business
class seats are being installed.
• In July, we started to improve the first class
seats in our Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. This is
an upgrade to the existing seats intended to
rejuvenate their look and feel and to enhance
their features.
• New business and economy class seats are
being installed in Dragonair’s Airbus A330 and
A321 aircraft. Installations started in February
and will be completed by March 2014. The new
seats are much better than the old ones. Audio
and video on demand are being made available
for all passengers on personal television
monitors. Newly designed cutlery, crockery and
glassware are being introduced.
• In March, Dragonair introduced new staff
uniforms, designed by Hong Kong designer
Mr. Eddie Lau. The new uniforms reflect the
individuality and vitality of the airline.
• In February, we reopened the first class lounge at
The Wing at Hong Kong International Airport after
an extensive refurbishment. This was the final
stage of the renovation of our signature lounge at
the airport. There is a new à la carte menu at The
Haven, a new champagne bar and refurbished
cabanas with shower and bath facilities.