I flew to Europe on 10 August 2025 on two different flights and carriers: Cathay Pacific (CX162) from Sydney to Hong Kong (Boeing 777-300ER, departing at 10:10 am) and Finnair (AY100) from Hong Kong to Helsinki (A350-900, departing at 8:55 pm).
Both were business class, but each offered its own priorities — entertainment and polish on one, and sleep, Nordic style, and uniqueness on the other — and together they made for a comfortable travel day.
Cathay Pacific CX162 Sydney (SYD) to Hong Kong (HKG)
I ended up in a brand-new Aria suite (seat 11A after an aircraft change a few weeks before departure, which was a lucky upgrade from the older, tired business layout I flew on the return leg).
The Aria suite felt modern and refined, offering a private (although the suite door doesn’t fully close or reach the floor) experience that is spacious and luxurious for daytime travel. The in-flight entertainment impressed — a large (24”), crystal-clear screen, HD outside cameras (watching yourself take off from Sydney is an experience), and a big catalogue of movies and TV for the nine-hour sector.
The Cathay Delight signature (non-alcoholic) drink was a standout — perfectly balanced and refreshing — but frustratingly, I only managed to have one because the ingredients ran out after that one drink. The food was good with a choice of Eastern or Western-style meals, and the crew’s attentiveness helped the day segment remain calm and organised.
On the way home, I flew the older-style CX business on an A350-900 and was noticeably worn and tired; the crew and meals were the same standard as the outgoing (and I could have more than one of the signature drinks), but the overall experience lacked the polish and refinement of the Aria suite. Once the CX A350 fleet is upgraded to the new Aria, the experience will be significantly improved at the front of the aircraft.
Finnair AY100 Hong Kong (HKG) to Helsinki (HEL)
Seat 7L on Finnair’s A350-900 offers a unique layout that no other airline uses and genuinely favours rest. The ergonomics, mood lighting, and cabin quiet allowed me to sleep for around nine hours — a rare travel win and even more impressive for me, as I rarely sleep on planes.
The service was excellent, felt efficient and streamlined, perhaps more so than Cathay on the earlier sector, which translated into a more comfortable experience: a better rhythm for sleep, and a smooth operational flow from boarding to arrival. The Finnair experience on this route delivered on what matters for a 13+ hour overnight flight.
Lounges and Airports
The Qantas business lounge in Sydney was underwhelming that morning and is in desperate need of refurbishment (scheduled for late 2025), which made the newly renovated Pier Lounge in Hong Kong stand out — offering an excellent variety of food and drink, as well as well-run shower and bathroom facilities (I tried this out on the return flight). One thing to note, though, is that Hong Kong Airport is huge, and depending on which gates you have, you may have a long walk between them, as I did both ways.
Helsinki’s Finnair non-Schengen lounge is large with showers, but its food and drink options are more limited; it’s a restful spot for an early morning arrival or late night departure, but doesn’t match HKG’s breadth (that could have been because I was on one of the last flights out that day – perhaps it’s better during the busier period of the day).
Helsinki airport at 6am was dead quiet — Schengen immigration was quick, and the walk to baggage claim took longer than passport control. Getting out of the airport into the centre of Helsinki was a simple train ride (approx. 30 min)
Enquire for an experience like this — I can search options and timing that fit your priorities — but I won’t promise the same aircraft or fare because availability changes. If you prefer sleep, service, or entertainment, let me know which matters most, and I’ll tailor the options to suit.
TLDR
Cathay Photos:
I didn’t take many on Finnair as sleep was more important
Peace of mind
