Kitting out: a range of new amenity kits take to the skies across the globe

It’s apparently amenity kit season, as a range of airlines including United, Thai Airways, Hawaiian and Brussels Airlines have all released new amenity kits in a bid to enhance the passenger experience. There are two key trends emerging in these kits now, something that we had been hoping airlines would embrace moving forward. One was sustainability and removal of single use plastics, the other is embracing local talent, and building brand rather than just handing it away to a 3rd party with little or no connection to the airline’s core product proposition.

Brussels Airlines

After successful collaborations between Brussels Airlines and famous Belgian brands such as Natan and Rainpharma, the first of a series of collaborations sees three eminent entrepreneurs from Ghent design the amenity kit for business class passengers on Brussels Airlines’ long haul flights. Handbag designer Griet Aesaert, skincare expert Barbara Geusens of Nomige and artist Elisia Poelman worked together to create a bespoke product exclusively for the airline.

The end result is great, with a signature interior and eye mask art motif, a luxury leather case and skincare which is made bespoke for the carrier. Each collaboration is set to last 6 months, and there are a further 3 collaborations already lined up. Even better there is a synergy between the products found in the bathrooms onboard and in the amenity kits.

Hawaiian Airlines

Meanwhile Hawaiian has tapped Hawaiʻi lifestyle brand Noho Home by Jalene Kanani Bell to design its new in-flight amenity kits and soft goods with a focus on sustainability and rooted in aloha. The Noho Home designs, inspired by the airline’s newest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner premium cabin which will take to the skies early next year, the Leihōkū Suites, –which take to the skies early next year – are represented through three motifs (Kilo Hōkū, Lele and ʻŌlali) to bring a sense of place and comfort to kamaʻāina and visitors alike as they embark on their journey – an approach that pairs perfectly with Hawaiian’s service philosophy, Mea Hoʻokipa (I am your host).

Beginning Nov. 6, Business Class guests traveling on Hawaiian’s long-haul international flights and between Hawai‘i and New York, Boston and Austin will be offered amenities made with responsibly sourced materials. Guests will receive a recycled plastic canvas bag containing essential items and will be offered an assortment of additional amenities a la carte to minimise waste.

Business Class seats will also feature a plush quilt adorned with the new signature Kilo Hōkū and ʻŌlali designs, as well as a mattress pad and sleeping pillow. The quilt and mattress pad use a fabric made from recycled plastic. There’s also a separate kit for Extra Comfort passengers.

United Airlines

United Airlines has already rolled out over the past month a new kit by Therabody for Polaris and Premium Plus Passengers. These Therabody kits replace the AWAY with Sunday Riley amenities that United had been flying for a while. The new Polaris Business Class Therabody Kit is a soft shell crossbody bag that comes in two tones of grey featuring a range of Therabody products including a eye serum, face spray and a cleansing wipe.

As part of United’s Polaris 2.0 vision, there’s also a new limited-edition day blanket featuring a pattern by fashion designer Claude Kameni and also made from 100% recycled plastic.

Thai Airways

Meanwhile Thai Airways just announced on their instagram page a range of six new amenity kits for Royal Silk Business Class passengers with oriental designs by Jim Thompson which features biodegradable packaging. The sustainability efforts continue with a biodegradable toothbrush and shoe horn and socks wrapped in paper sleeves. While there isn’t much more information, the use of sustainability and designs that reflect the region are great touches for a carrier that seems to be once again investing in their passenger experience.