Cathay Pacific vs Air Transat

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 Transat is a Canadian airline headquartered in Montreal. It was founded in December 1986 and began operating on 14 November 1987. It is owned and operated by Transat A.T. Inc. and is not a member of an alliance. Wikipedia reports 2025 revenue of CAN$3.398 billion and about 5,500 employees in 2026.

Network and hubs

The main hubs are Montréal–Trudeau and Toronto–Pearson, with Ottawa and Québec City as focus cities. According to Wikipedia, it serves 66 destinations in about 35 countries, mainly leisure routes between Canada and Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America and the United States, plus some domestic services.

Fleet

Wikipedia lists 42 aircraft registered with Transport Canada as of 11 April 2026. They are Airbus A321 variants (including A321neo LR) and A330s, with 13 A330-200s and 2 A330-300s. Four A321XLR aircraft are on order, with first delivery expected in late 2027. Engine problems on the Pratt & Whitney GTF powering its A321LR fleet led to groundings and wet-leasing from late 2023. Details are on the airline's fleet page.

On board

• Cabins: Economy and Club Class.
• Meals: included on many fares and routes, but not all; Club Class includes gourmet meals, according to Kayak.
• Entertainment: a Business Traveller review of A321neo LR Club Class mentions a 13.3-inch screen.

Good to know

• Baggage: allowances depend on fare and route. Lowest fares on flights to the South, the United States and within Canada may include only a personal item (Kayak). Check the fare before booking.
• Extras: Option Plus bundles one 23 kg checked bag, seat selection and priority airport services.
• Lounges: Air Transat has no lounges of its own but offers paid access to selected partner lounges in Canada (airline lounge page).
• Loyalty: a programme with Desjardins and Visa was announced in January 2026 for the second half of 2026. Check the airline's site for launch status.
• Safety: in 2001, Flight 236 glided to the Azores after a fuel leak, and all 306 on board survived.