Cathay Pacific Airways' first Airbus A350-900XWB aircraft entered service on 1st June; it is the first of 48 A350s scheduled to join the airline's fleet. With its extra wide body, panoramic windows, quiet cabin and LED mood lighting, the aircraft offers a new standard of comfort and relaxation to passengers. Other features include enhanced seat comfort, huge overhead lockers and a new inflight entertainment system, equipped with a wider screen in all classes; internet connectivity is also available for the first time on a Cathay Pacific aircraft. The A350-900XWB's state-of-the-art design and use of advanced construction materials, together with the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, deliver a 25% improvement in operating costs and the A350 is also 25% more fuel efficient.

Cathay Pacific aims to use the A350 to operate more flights to destinations throughout its network and it will be deployed on long-haul routes – including London Gatwick and Düsseldorf – from the third quarter of 2016. Click here to read the full story.

A special event was held on 30th May at HAECO's facilities at Hong Kong International Airport to introduce Cathay Pacific's first Airbus A350-900XWB aircraft to VIP guests and media. Guest of Honour was Joseph Lai (centre), Permanent Secretary for Transport & Housing (Transport), who officiated at the welcome ceremony together with Cathay Pacific Chief Operating Officer Rupert Hogg (left).