For travelers from India seeking a premium, service-oriented gateway to East Asia and across the Pacific, Cathay Pacific stands as a hallmark of quality and sophistication. As the flag carrier of Hong Kong and a founding member of the Oneworld alliance, Cathay Pacific operates from its world-class hub at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). The airline is renowned for its award-winning cabin products, particularly its Business and First Class, and for offering seamless connectivity across its extensive global network as of August 2025.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Feature | Details |
IATA Code | CX |
Main Hub | Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) |
Airline Alliance | Oneworld (Founding Member) |
Loyalty Program | Cathay |
Fleet Size | Over 170 Aircraft |
Primary Aircraft | Airbus A350, Boeing 777, Airbus A330 |
First Class: The Ultimate in Exclusivity
Cathay Pacific’s First Class is an incredibly exclusive and intimate experience, available on select Boeing 777 aircraft. The cabin features just six spacious, open suites. The seat is one of the widest in the industry and converts into an enormous bed. Paired with fine dining on demand, vintage champagne, and highly personalized service, it is the pinnacle of luxury travel.
In-Flight Entertainment
Cathay Pacific’s in-flight entertainment system offers a large library of content, including the latest Hollywood blockbusters, a comprehensive collection of Asian cinema (including Bollywood), TV box sets, and music. The system is delivered via high-resolution personal touchscreens
Key Takeaways for Travelers from India
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Cathay Pacific is a top-tier premium airline offering excellent service through its efficient Hong Kong hub.
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As a founding member of the Oneworld alliance, it offers excellent global connectivity.
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Its Business Class and First Class cabins are consistently rated among the best in the world.
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The airline offers strong connectivity from India to East Asia, Australia, and trans-Pacific routes to North America.
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Its lounges at Hong Kong International Airport, such as The Pier and The Wing, are renowned for their design and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How is Cathay Pacific different from Singapore Airlines?
Both are considered two of Asia’s best premium airlines. The main differences are their hubs (Hong Kong for Cathay vs. Singapore for SIA) and their alliances (Oneworld for Cathay vs. Star Alliance for SIA). Network strengths also differ slightly; Cathay is historically very strong on trans-Pacific routes to North America, while SIA has a very strong presence in Southeast Asia and Australia.
2. What are the airport lounges like in Hong Kong?
Cathay Pacific’s lounges in Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) are world-famous. Lounges like “The Pier, First” and “The Wing, First” are considered destinations in themselves, offering facilities like à la carte dining, private cabanas, and luxurious shower suites. Their Business Class lounges are also highly rated for their noodle bars, tea houses, and comfortable spaces
3. Is Cathay Pacific a good choice for flying from India to the USA?
Yes, it is a very popular and comfortable option. Cathay Pacific offers one-stop flights from major Indian cities via Hong Kong to numerous destinations in the USA and Canada. The service quality, comfortable cabins, and efficient transit experience in Hong Kong make it a strong choice for these long-haul journeys.
Both are considered two of Asia’s best premium airlines. The main differences are their hubs (Hong Kong for Cathay vs. Singapore for SIA) and their alliances (Oneworld for Cathay vs. Star Alliance for SIA). Network strengths also differ slightly; Cathay is historically very strong on trans-Pacific routes to North America, while SIA has a very strong presence in Southeast Asia and Australia.
Cathay Pacific’s lounges in Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) are world-famous. Lounges like “The Pier, First” and “The Wing, First” are considered destinations in themselves, offering facilities like à la carte dining, private cabanas, and luxurious shower suites. Their Business Class lounges are also highly rated for their noodle bars, tea houses, and comfortable spaces
Yes, it is a very popular and comfortable option. Cathay Pacific offers one-stop flights from major Indian cities via Hong Kong to numerous destinations in the USA and Canada. The service quality, comfortable cabins, and efficient transit experience in Hong Kong make it a strong choice for these long-haul journeys.