Hey {{first name | reader}},
Happy Monday! Coffee's ready, and we're starting the week strong. Three quick things worth knowing this week (and one cash fare that's honestly pretty tempting).
Here's what's inside today's post:
Cathay Pacific is finally giving its regional Airbus A330s a real business-class seat
Air India's new Maharaja Lounge in Delhi is the best sign yet that the refresh is getting real
Cash deal: Paris → Antananarivo in business class for ~€1,740 (with a catch)
Cathay Pacific is finally giving its regional Airbus A330s a real business-class seat
If you've flown Cathay short-haul around Asia, you know the story: incredible lounges + service… and then a regional J seat that felt stuck in another era.
That's changing. Cathay just unveiled "Aria Studio" — a new flat-bed regional business class for its A330 fleet.
Cathay Pacific Aria Studio seat
The headline details:
1-2-1 layout (reverse herringbone-style), so everyone gets direct aisle access
Designed as a more space-efficient cousin of their long-haul "Aria Suite," but without privacy doors
Retrofits expected from late 2026 on many A330-300s, and it'll also be installed on future A330-900neos (from 2028 deliveries)
Why this matters: Cathay's brand has always felt premium, but regional business was the weak link. This closes the gap vs. the carriers that already offer flat beds as the norm within Asia.
Also worth bookmarking: Cathay has already publicly framed this as part of a bigger multi-year product investment (new cabins, lounges, and a future "world-leading" first class on the 777-9s — plus the new flat-bed A330 business product).
My take: If they execute this well, Cathay becomes one of the most "reliable" premium airlines in Asia again — where even the shorter flights don't feel like a compromise.
Air India's new Maharaja Lounge in Delhi is the best sign yet that the refresh is getting real
Remember when we talked about Air India's cabin upgrades (like the new widebodies, retrofits, and that "this could actually get good" moment)?
Now we have a ground upgrade to match: Air India has unveiled its new flagship Maharaja Lounge at Indira Gandhi International Airport (International pier, Terminal 3), opening February 16, 2026.
Air India Maharaja Lounge interior
Key facts:
16,000 sq ft and space for 300+ guests, with separate First and Business areas
Access follows standard Star Alliance lounge rules (so it's not "Air India only" in practice)
Business side includes themed zones like Aviator's Bar, Globetrotter's Study, and a recliner "Serenity" area
Food looks legitimately serious: buffet + live cooking, plus a roaming cocktail concept ("Beverage on Wheels") and a tea trolley program
First class section includes private bedrooms and a Crystal Bar
Air India's own press release is very explicit that this lounge is meant to be a tangible "new Air India" milestone (and they're planning more).
Lounges don't fix everything… but they're a loud signal of intent. If you're connecting through Delhi more often, this is a meaningful quality-of-life upgrade.
Cash deal: Paris → Antananarivo in business class for ~€1,740 (with a catch)
This one's spicy if you want an exotic trip without burning points.
There's a business class deal on Kenya Airways from Paris to Antananarivo starting around €1,740, and it includes 2 x 32kg checked bags. Availability is shown broadly from January through November 2026, with summer holiday blackout periods.
Kenya Airways 787 business class
The catch (but it's manageable):
You need to register for Kenya Airways' Asante Rewards, then enter your membership number when booking
You also need the promo code ASANTE10 to hit the headline price
What's the onboard product like?
Kenya Airways typically flies the long segment Paris → Nairobi on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner with lie-flat seats
Then Nairobi → Antananarivo is often an Embraer 190, where business is a recliner (not lie-flat)
So no — it's not the most "Instagram suite" business class in the world. But for getting to Madagascar (you know how I love exotic destinations) in comfort (and arriving functional), it absolutely does the job.
That's it for today. More deals and strategies coming your way on Wednesday.
Catch you in the clouds,
Tomi