High-tech plane to Asia (Cathay Pacific’s A350-1000)

Oooh, forgive me. I’m having an #AvGeek moment. On my recent trip from Hong Kong to San Francisco, I got to fly on the all-new A350-1000. Operated by Cathay Pacific (they have a bunch of these birds, as well as their shorter sister, the A350-900). This is Airbus’s answer to Boeing’s 787. It’s twin-aisle, long-distance and fuel-efficient. But there are a lot of state-of-the-art creature comforts that you’ll love. Super-fast satellite internet (by Panasonic), which I used all night for $20. The planes are better-pressurized than older aircraft. That means you feel better after a long flight (12 hours). The windows are bigger (there’s even a window in the bathroom). The in-flight entertainment system is upgraded to include magazines, movies, tv shows and games (including kids’ programming). The front half of the plane is all-business, featuring lie-flat beds. Nice. The bill for Anchorage-Seattle-Hong Kong in Business Class (First Class on Alaska to get you to the Cathay gateway city)? 50,000 Alaska Airlines miles each way.

Why are we interested in the A350 from Cathay Pacific? Well, later this month, the airline will start the only nonstop flight between Seattle and Hong Kong. And they’re going to fly the A350-900. I’ve flown a B777 on the route, as well as A330-300 (both operated by Delta, which dropped service last year). You’re going to love this plane, particularly as you’ll receive Alaska Air miles when you fly. Pictures, below.