New seats, new ideas, and a new Cathay lounge

Hey {{first name | reader}},

Happy Monday! While I was away, a few interesting things happened and I wanted to write about them. Plus, there has just been a new First Class lounge update…

This is one of those weeks where the news is not just about airlines refreshing marketing images or tweaking menus. There are a few important updates because they say something about where premium travel is heading: better narrowbody business class, more creative thinking around ultra long-haul economy, and while some airlines are cutting down their First Class footprint, some others are investing more in the ground experience for top-end travelers. That mix makes this a fun one to write about.

Here's what's inside today's post:

Air Canada has unveiled its new long-haul cabin concept, and the business class side is the part I care about most.

The new cabins will debut first on the Airbus A321XLR and then on the Boeing 787-10. On the A321XLR, Air Canada says it will install 14 lie-flat Signature Class seats. On the 787-10, the bigger headline is a front-row product called Signature Plus, with four larger suites at the front of the cabin, including center suites designed to be more social for people traveling together.

We keep seeing this trend in the industry, and I will be honest: I am not a huge fan. Most of the time these "business plus" products offer the same service but a bigger seat, and airlines end up charging more purely because of that (and this sounds a bit selfish, but I love having the chance to select better seats for free for us av geeks just because we know how the seatmaps look). But I get why they do it.

Last week I wrote about LATAM choosing this same seat family for its own A321XLRs, and Air Canada has gone in a similar direction. That makes sense since it is one of the best business class solutions for this type of aircraft. You get direct aisle access, a much more premium feel than the old narrowbody recliner, and a product that opens the door to flying thinner long-haul routes with a proper premium cabin. Let's also keep in mind there is not much space on these aircraft, so having a lie-flat seat at all is already a win. But let's be honest: narrowbody experiences will never match widebody airplanes.

One interesting choice is that Air Canada has decided not to add a door here, unlike LATAM and unlike American's A321XLR product. I think the extra privacy of a door is nice, especially on a narrowbody where the cabin can feel more exposed. But on a plane this size, maybe not having a door actually makes the seat feel less tight. There is a case to be made either way.

Now, the 787-10.

The aircraft will have 42 business class seats, and four of those will be the new front-row Signature Plus Suites. The standard seat is based on the Elevate Ascent platform (which is very comfortable in my opinion), so you are looking at a modern reverse-herringbone suite with a door, 27-inch 4K OLED screens, Bluetooth audio, and updated charging. But the more notable part is Signature Plus, which feels like a business-class-plus concept. More personal space, companion seating during the flight, a sliding privacy divider in the center section, and a bed that converts to 6'5".

We all know it would be nearly impossible for Air Canada to introduce a First Class cabin that would be hard to scale, so in this way, they are creating a more premium front row that could feel better without overcomplicating the aircraft.

Overall, a very nice update for Air Canada.

This one is still one of the most interesting ideas in commercial aviation.

Air New Zealand says its Economy Skynest will go on sale on May 18, 2026, for travel from November 2026, and it will initially be offered on select Auckland to New York flights on the airline's Boeing 787-9. Skynest consists of six lie-flat sleep pods located between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins, and passengers in either cabin will be able to book one four-hour session during the flight. I would love to try this!

I know some people look at Skynest and immediately think it sounds gimmicky, or that it is a compromise compared to just flying business class. Of course it is a compromise. That is not the point. The point is whether it makes ultra long-haul economy more survivable, and I think it absolutely can.

If you are flying something like Auckland to New York, which is around 16 hours, I would much rather spend six hours in my seat, four hours in a proper bed, and then another six hours back in the seat than spend 16 straight hours in the same economy seat. And honestly, I would love to get a double session in the Skynest if possible.

The details are also more thought-through than some people realize. Each pod is about 203 cm long, with a full-size pillow, sheets, blanket, privacy curtain, and a small amenity kit. Sessions are timed around meal service and the product is sold as an add-on. That all feels sensible.

Would I rather fly business class? Of course. Even when you are not sleeping, business class gives you so much more: better seat positions, more space, better food. But that is not the right comparison here. The real comparison is regular economy versus economy plus a guaranteed block of proper horizontal rest. On that comparison, Skynest is a meaningful step forward.

Cathay Pacific has unveiled the redesigned The Wing, First at Hong Kong, ahead of its reopening on April 22, 2026. The lounge is part of Cathay's broader lounge enhancement plan, which started with the reopening of The Bridge and will continue with a new New York lounge later this year. The Wing, Business is also set to close for renovation before reopening in 2027.

What I like here is that Cathay does not seem to be trying to reinvent itself for the sake of it.

The redesign keeps familiar elements, including the green onyx bar, but adds warmer materials like walnut wood and more refined finishes throughout. The idea is to balance contemporary design with residential comfort, and I love a good First Class lounge that feels this way. Calm, elegant, and easy to spend time in.

At the center is the Atrium, with the signature bar and a Pantry concept for lighter self-serve dining throughout the day. For something more formal, the Dining Room offers full à la carte service, including regional Chinese dishes developed with Mott 32. Cathay is also bringing The Retreat concept from The Pier First into The Wing, with seven private booths for massage treatments. On top of that, there is a new workspace called The Bureau, a fully enclosed room for focused work or small meetings, plus upgraded shower suites with adjustable water and lighting settings.

Yes, there are a lot of fancy names. But the overall picture is of an airline that understands the premium experience starts on the ground, not just in the seat. And this reopening feels like a reminder of why Cathay has long been one of the best in the world at that.

I cannot wait to visit!

That's it for today. More deals, news, and trip reviews coming your way on Wednesday.

Catch you in the clouds,

Tomi from Points Master