About this flight
This is a flight review of Ethiopian Airlines Business Class from Hong Kong to Narita.
Before departure at Hong Kong Airport, I visited three business class lounges: Singapore Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, and Thai Airways, all members of the Star Alliance.
I also enjoyed delicious meals in the Thai Airways lounge and onboard the Ethiopian Airlines flight.
Table of Contents
Hong Kong Airport
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Airport Express
This is the train platform for the Airport Express from downtown Hong Kong to the airport. It's a high-speed train that takes about 20 minutes to reach the airport.
Departure Lobby
Arrived at the departure lobby of Hong Kong International Airport.
Terminal
View of the terminal where the departure lobby is located.
Traditional White Attire
This is the check-in counter for Business Class (called “Cloud Nine” on Ethiopian Airlines).
A cabin attendant wearing a traditional white Ethiopian outfit is pictured here. (Ethiopian Airlines crew typically wear green suits, but some Business Class staff wear these white garments used during coffee ceremonies. It’s likely a gesture of hospitality. — RealBlue editorial team)
Check-In Counter
General view of the check-in counter.
Boarding Pass
This is the boarding pass.
Lounge Access Voucher
Received a lounge access voucher at check-in. Ethiopian Airlines partners with Hong Kong Airlines, so this voucher grants access to the Hong Kong Airlines lounge.
Post-Immigration Departure Lobby
View of the departure lobby after clearing immigration.
Lounge
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Singapore Airlines Lounge
Before visiting the Hong Kong Airlines lounge, I stopped by the SilverKris Lounge operated by Singapore Airlines.
Since Ethiopian Airlines is part of Star Alliance, and I’m a Star Alliance Gold member, I had access to Star Alliance partner lounges like this one.
Food & Drinks
Here’s what I enjoyed at the SilverKris Lounge:
- • Cherry tomatoes, cake, ice cream
- • Yogurt with strawberry sauce
- • Coca-Cola Zero
Seating Area
A corner of the seating area inside the SilverKris Lounge.
Heading to the Next Lounge
Leaving the SilverKris Lounge and heading to the next one.
Hong Kong Airlines Lounge
This is the lounge operated by Hong Kong Airlines.
Hong Kong Airlines Model Plane
A model aircraft on display inside the Hong Kong Airlines Lounge.
Seating Area (Hong Kong Airlines)
The seating area of the Hong Kong Airlines Lounge. This lounge wasn’t very large, so I didn’t stay long.
Moving On
Next, I headed to the Thai Airways Lounge, another Star Alliance member lounge.
Thai Airways Lounge
Entrance to the Royal Orchid Lounge by Thai Airways. There was also a display showing cabin crew dressed in traditional Thai uniforms.
Thai Minced Chicken (1)
This is my favorite dish served at Thai Airways’ lounge in Hong Kong — Spicy Thai minced chicken served with iceberg lettuce. Chili peppers were available in the back.
The minced chicken is stir-fried and seasoned with soy sauce, lime juice, and pepper.
Thai Minced Chicken (2)
I had some of my favorite dish.
Wrap the minced chicken with chili in lettuce leaves. For extra flavor, you can also add Tabasco on top.
Thai Airways Model Plane
A model of the Airbus A380 displayed inside the Thai Airways lounge.
Boarding & In-Flight
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Aircraft
This is the Ethiopian Airlines aircraft I boarded for today’s flight.
Just Before Boarding
Final moments before boarding.
Business Class Seat
This is the Business Class seat I used on this flight.It reclines to a fully flat 180 degrees, ensuring a very comfortable journey.
The drink and meal menus were placed on the side.
Welcome Drink
I was served a glass of champagne as a welcome drink.
In-Flight View (1)
This is the Business Class cabin on today’s flight. As you can see, the cabin was quite empty.
In-Flight View (2)
Another shot of the Business Class interior.
Hong Kong–Macau Bridge
This was taken just after takeoff. I think it’s quite a rare and special view. At the time this photo was taken in 2016, the Hong Kong–Macau Bridge was still under construction.
The bridge was later completed in October 2018 and became the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge.
View from the Window
A view of the sky and sea during the flight.
In-Flight Meal
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Meal Overview
This is the in-flight meal served on this flight.
- Menu:
- • Grilled chicken with mushroom sauce
- • Penne pasta
- • Carrots and spinach
- • Green salad and bread
Main Course
The main dish served onboard. It seems that Ethiopian Airlines often serves meat, steamed vegetables, and a macaroni-style item on a single plate like this in Business Class.
Dessert
Dessert Items:
- • Cheese and crackers
- • Blueberry cheesecake
After-Meal Coffee
A cup of coffee served to wrap up the meal.
Arrival at Narita
Safely arrived at Narita Airport.
