Imagine sipping a perfectly crafted cup of coffee at 35,000 feet, where the air is thin and your taste buds seem to take a vacation. Sounds impossible, right? But here's where it gets intriguing: Cathay Pacific has teamed up with local Hong Kong roaster The Coffee Academïcs to create a coffee blend specifically designed for inflight enjoyment. And this is the part most people miss—altitude doesn’t just affect your ears; it dulls your senses of taste and smell, making that mid-flight coffee a gamble. So, how did they pull it off?
Hong Kong, a city famously steeped in tea culture, has seen a coffee revolution over the past decade. Specialty cafés, backed by passionate local roasters, have sprouted up across the city, catering to a growing community of coffee connoisseurs who demand more from their daily brew. Yet, for all the progress on the ground, inflight coffee often feels like an afterthought—either a hit or a miss. That’s why Cathay Pacific’s collaboration with The Coffee Academïcs is such a game-changer.
The Coffee Academïcs didn’t just tweak a recipe; they dove deep into the science of coffee at altitude. They experimented with roast profiles, focusing on amplifying aroma and fine-tuning flavors to counteract the sensory dullness experienced in the air. After countless tasting sessions—evaluating each blend for flavor, aroma, body, acidity, and aftertaste—they landed on the perfect formula: the Cathay Blend.
But here’s where it gets controversial: The blend relies on beans from Vietnam and Brazil, regions known for their bold, complex profiles. These beans are French-roasted to create a rich, aromatic cup with notes of dark cocoa, roasted almond, and a subtle hint of floral honey, finishing with a lingering earthy tone. Here’s the kicker—despite being a dark roast, the Cathay Blend manages to deliver a bold, caramelized flavor without any bitterness or acidity. How’s that for defying expectations?
To ensure consistency, each portion is packed in a biodegradable filter, allowing water to infuse evenly through the grounds for a clean, full-bodied cup every time. This attention to detail is what sets it apart—a coffee designed not just for the ground, but for the skies.
The Cathay Blend is now available in premium economy and economy cabins across all Cathay Pacific flights, while Illy remains the choice for business and first-class passengers. But here’s the question: Does this blend truly elevate the inflight coffee experience, or is it just another attempt to satisfy a hard-to-please audience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re curious to hear if you’d trade your usual brew for this high-flying creation.
For more on exploring Hong Kong, check out our 48-hour stopover guide and learn how to experience the city like a local.
