Cathay Pacific vs Air New Zealand

Overview

Cathay Pacific is the flag carrier of Hong Kong. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in 1946 by Roy Farrell and Sydney de Kantzow, and its head office is Cathay City at Hong Kong International Airport. As of May 2026 its major shareholders are Swire Pacific and Air China. It is a founding member of the oneworld alliance. The wider Cathay Group also includes HK Express and Cathay Cargo.

Network and hubs

The sole hub is Hong Kong International Airport. The airline and its subsidiaries serve more than 190 destinations in over 60 countries, including through codeshares and joint ventures. Cathay Pacific's January 2026 traffic release reported 11% more passengers than January 2025, and a single-day record of 100,747 passengers on 14 February 2026.

Fleet

According to the Cathay Pacific fleet page on Wikipedia, as of December 2025 the airline operates 159 passenger aircraft and 20 Boeing 747 freighters:

• 16 Airbus A321neo
• 43 Airbus A330-300
• 30 Airbus A350-900 and 18 A350-1000
• 52 Boeing 777-300 and 777-300ER

Orders include more A321neo, 30 A330-900, 8 A350F freighters and 35 Boeing 777-9, with 777-9 deliveries due from 2027.

On board

Cabins vary by aircraft. Business, Premium Economy and Economy are widely offered, and some Boeing 777-300ER aircraft have First class. Refurbished 777-300ERs have the new Aria Suites and Premium Economy, and A330s are due to be refitted with Aria Studio and new Economy seats. Seat pitch, meal and entertainment details vary by aircraft and route, so check the airline's website for your flight.

Good to know

• Punctuality: Cirium data reported by the South China Morning Post gave a 78.13% on-time arrival rate for April 2025, ninth among Asia-Pacific airlines.
• Lounges: In Hong Kong the business lounges are The Wing, The Pier and The Deck. Cathay Pacific announced a redesigned The Wing in April 2026.
• Loyalty: The Marco Polo Club programme gives lounge access by tier. Diamond members may bring two guests, Gold one guest, and Silver members enter alone.
• Baggage: Allowances depend on route, cabin and fare, so check the booking before travelling.

Overview

Air New Zealand is the flag carrier of New Zealand. According to Wikipedia, it traces its origins to Tasman Empire Airways Limited, founded in 1940, and adopted the Air New Zealand name in 1965. It is headquartered in the Wynyard Quarter, Auckland, is listed on the NZX and ASX, and is a member of Star Alliance. Its frequent-flyer programme is called Airpoints, with Koru as the lounge membership.

Network and hubs

The main hub is Auckland, with Christchurch and Wellington also listed as hubs. The airline serves a domestic New Zealand network, trans-Tasman routes to Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia and North America. Wikipedia lists around 48 destinations.

Fleet

Wikipedia lists a fleet of about 115 aircraft. The airline's fleet page shows, as at 30 April 2026, 14 Boeing 787s in operation with 10 on order, and 20 Airbus A320neo/A321neo aircraft with 4 on order. The widebody fleet also includes Boeing 777-300ERs, while regional services use ATR 72-600 and De Havilland Q300 turboprops. See the fleet breakdown for configurations.

On board

• Cabins vary by aircraft: Economy, Premium Economy and Business Premier on long-haul aircraft, with Economy on most domestic and regional services.
• Some 787-9s offer Business Luxe, four front-row Business Premier seats with sliding doors, according to Aviation A2Z. A cabin retrofit programme began in 2025.
• The airline says fares generally include meals, drinks and checked baggage on most routes.

Good to know

• Cabin baggage: Economy allows one bag up to 7 kg plus a personal item. Premium Economy and Business Premier allow two bags totalling 14 kg, as summarised by SendMyBag. Check the airline's fees page for current rules, which differ by fare and route.
• Changes: Bookings can be changed online without a change fee within 24 hours of booking, although a fare difference may apply, according to the airline. Contact-centre transactions carry service fees.
• Punctuality: Cirium data for 2025 show 79.29% on-time arrivals, second in Asia Pacific.
• Engines: Engine-related constraints on the 787 fleet were expected to persist into 2026, according to Aviation A2Z.