Cathay Pacific will increase capacity aboard its Boeing 777-300s and 777-300ERs by adopting a 3-4-3 seating configuration in economy, up from the current 3-3-3 configuration.

The new seats will the 17.2in wide, with a 32in seat pitch, says Cathay. The new layout will be deployed in 2018-2020.

Flight Fleets Analyzer shows that seat width aboard Cathay’s -300s and -300ERs is now 18.1 inches, with a seat pitch of 32 inches.

The modifications will be implemented aboard 48 -300ERs and 17 -300s.

“The move to the 3-4-3 configuration will in part help enable the airline to deliver on its goal of growing capacity by 4-5% per annum when the capacity of Hong Kong International Airport is constrained,” says the carrier.

“This enables Cathay Pacific to grow the airline and strengthen Hong Kong’s status as one of the world’s premier aviation hubs.”

In addition to being nearly an inch narrower, the new economy seats will have larger personal TV screens, a personal electronic device holder, as well as “thick and highly customised cushioning.”

Flight Fleets Analyzer shows that Cathay operates 53 777-300ERs and 12 -300s. In its recent results announcement, it said that it would receive five used -300s from 2018.

Source: Cirium Dashboard