Australia’s leading website for business travellers and frequent flyers has awarded “Best International Business Class” and “Best International Lounges” to Cathay Pacific.

Australian Business Traveller editor David Flynn declared Cathay Pacific’s new flatbed top of the list. “We were impressed not only by Cathay's new business class seat but by the work done by CX to fine-tune the design and really make it their own” Flynn explained. “That 'extra mile' results in a product that's unique to the airline and it would be my personal choice to fly from Australia to anywhere in the world.”

The Australian Business Traveller awards were judged by the website’s editorial team and a panel of independent frequent business travellers.

Cathay Pacific was also honoured for its lounges in Hong Kong and around the world.

"Cathay Pacific should be applauded for its ongoing investment in airport lounges at a time when too many airlines are paring back their budget in precisely the wrong places” Flynn said.

“A good airport lounge is a welcome haven for frequent flyers and The Wing and The Cabin showcase a classy contemporary product which isn't being confined to Hong Kong but now introduced at other CX lounges around the world."

Cathay also received high commendation for its premium economy service, which Australian Business Traveller singled out as proof that "not all Premium Economy seats and cabins are created equally."

"Cathay had the rare chance to shape a new service category from scratch and they made the most of it with exceptionally comfortable seats, main meals offered from the excellent Business Class menu and now special amenity kits," said Flynn.

The airline launched the spacious and stylish new Business Class last year and has been progressively rolling it out on flights.  From 1 January 2013, it will be available on all 70+ Cathay Pacific flights each week from Australia along with the new Premium Economy cabin and new Economy Class seats.