CATHAY PACIFIC WINS AWARD FOR BEST FIRST CLASS AIRLINE

		BEST FIRST CLASS
	"the world's most respected and recognised Airline Awards"

"Cathay Pacific Airways new First Class has certainly proved a winner with customers" says Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax. "Moving up to 1st place in this category (3rd in 2007), the ranking of Best First Class airlines is based around a combination of many different product and service factors, both in the airport and onboard environments."

"This sector of the air travel market has moved firmly into the realms of true luxury in recent years, and those airlines that have made the commitment to retain a First Class cabin need to be offering something special to distinguish themselves. It is now all about offering true service preference and flexibility, accompanied by a top-end product standard" added Plaisted. "Looking at these 2008 results, we see each of the Top 5 airlines achieving particular service strengths or product distinction that makes them stand out from the rest, and this is essential for an airline to attract the highest revenue passengers."

"It is interesting to see that three of the world's Top 5 First class airlines are also 5-star ranked carriers, and this serves to underline the importance that we place upon true service excellence at Skytrax" said Plaisted.