Delta’s New Cabin Interiors: A Missed Opportunity for a Bold Brand Statement?

Delta Air Lines has just unveiled its cabin redesign, which will be applied across its entire fleet starting with the airline’s ageing 757s followed by its most modern A350s. The new design showcases a fresh, residential-inspired approach that blends luxury and comfort. The updated interiors feature premium materials, improved ergonomics, and advanced mood lighting to…

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It’s that time… Voting time! Launching TheDesignAir Awards 2024

Yes, it’s that time of the year again! We are once again launching this year’s Awards after returning last year. We’ve created our shortlist for the DesignAir Awards 2024 and just like every year, we’ve opened some of the categories to the public. It’s time for you to get involved! Now is your chance to…

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VantageNOVA is Thompson Aero Seating’s entry into the market for wide-body herringbone seats

Thompson Aero Seating has officially launched its much-anticipated VantageNOVA (a seat i managed to experience at AIX earlier this year). It’s a premium herringbone seat designed for twin-aisle aircraft. As the latest addition to the successful Vantage seating family, the VantageNOVA aims to revolutionise passenger experience with an innovative blend of comfort, flexibility, and customisation,…

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LAX’s TBIT to get more Skyteam lounge options with addition of Air France and Virgin Atlantic spaces for 2025

With yesterday’s announcement, LAX is certainly on the front foot when it comes to new ground experiences. With both the new Air France and now Virgin Atlantic lounges at Los Angeles International Airport and their unique approaches to luxury, functionality, and aesthetics, there’s plenty of choice available now for SkyTeam passengers. Air France Lounge: Classic…

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LATAM continues to evolve its fleet with ‘suite’ upgrades to some of its 787’s

In order to continue improving its fleet and the onboard experience for passengers, LATAM announced that starting in September, it will begin a refurbishment process for 24 of its Boeing 787 aircraft, with a total investment of US$360m, completely upgrading the cabin interiors with new seats, onboard entertainment, and design enhancements. However instead of kitting…

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Qatar Airways to update QSuites with ‘Next Gen’ product for 777-9 Aircraft

Ever since Qatar Airways launched its impressive business class product QSuite a decade ago, most airlines have tried to up their own ante to compete with this incredibly competitive Business Class seat. Not to be outdone, Qatar Airways has just revealed an update to the QSuite which will feature on the airlines new 777-9 which…

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Korean Air continues to evolve its brand with new 787 interiors

Korean Air is a fairly iconic brand. Its timeless baby blue and white liveries are instantly recognisable. There are very few airlines that can boast such an identifiable ‘blue’ livery. And while the logo itself is somewhat reminiscent of the Pepsi logo, this Taegeuk has a much deeper cultural meaning within Korea stemming back hundreds…

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Studio Spotlight: Neutral Digital. Why airlines are banking towards CGI to aid marketing 

Neutral Digital has established itself as a premier 3D studio specializing in CGI for the aviation sector. Over two decades, it has provided airlines with innovative visual solutions, enhancing brand experiences and customer loyalty. By leveraging CGI, airlines gain creative control over imagery, enabling engaging marketing tools that boost revenue and streamline content creation.

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Screen Wars: scratching the surface of a much larger challenge that’s looming in the airline industry

The Aircraft Interiors Expo showcases innovations in airline seating and technology, reflecting a post-COVID resurgence in passenger experience. Despite excitement, airlines face challenges in setting distinct identities and navigating a plethora of choices. Collaboration among suppliers and embracing an open IP approach could enhance future developments in airline interiors, promoting faster innovation and integration.

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Air France ups the ante with new First Class improvements across the passenger journey

In many regards, Air France is one of the best First Class experiences currently in the skies. Whilst the seats might not have all the bells and whistles of other more complete suites, the hard product is effortless and when paired with the soft touches, ground product and service, it’s no surprise when anyone mentions…

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Studio Spotlight: Factorydesign

Factorydesign is one of the world’s leading aviation design agencies. Based in London it’s been part of some of the most iconic cabin designs and has helped shape today’s passenger experience across the globe. With almost three decades in the industry, I take some time ahead of AIX 2024 to talk with Peter Tennent, one…

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American Airlines finally reveals Flagship ‘front row’ Preferred Suites of upcoming airline cabins

The never ending game of cat and mouse between the US3 carriers is playing dividends for the inflight and ground customer experience in the USA. A region that was once a decade behind the rest of the world when it came to cabin interiors, has fast become a hot-bed of creativity and world-standard hard products.…

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Seven brand-new Business Class seats to fly in 2024

This year turning out to be a pretty exciting year for the passenger experience world. While airlines are recording record profits, they are investing heavily into their new aircraft, looking to try and win over market share. Here’s TheDesignAir’s round up of best business class seats you should fly in 2024. 1. Cathay Pacific 777…

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Trip Report: China Airlines A350-900 Business Class, March 2024

The review highlights an impressive experience with China Airlines, showcasing its distinct design, spacious cabins, and excellent service. Recognized as Design Airline of Asia 2023, it offers a robust route network and innovative features like a sky lounge. The overall journey, from check-in to food, confirms the airline’s high standards.

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Could Caon Design Office and Woolmark have created the future of First Class Suites with Modulo?

Sometimes we see concepts that are so far fetched come across our desks here at TheDesignAir that we know they just simply won’t take flight, but the latest concept that has landed here has certainly piqued our interest. Brought to life by David Caon’s design studio (the very same designer who has his fingerprint all…

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Malaysia Airlines on the road to excellence with new cabins

In a recent event in Malaysia, the country’s flag-carrier revealed new cabins for the airline’s impending A330neo fleet, with the first of these shiny new aircraft scheduled for delivery in Q3 2024. We are thrilled to see the airline really doubling down on its proposition in a bid to win back market share. The A330neo…

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Cathay reveals more details regarding Aria Suite, hinting now towards Collins Elements product

Today saw Cathay add its new Aria suite product to its website, promoting the new product that will take to the skies later in the year. This is one of the most anticipated seat launches of the year, as Cathay vies for the most lucrative of passengers through the Asia region. While the airline revealed…

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British Airways set to bring in wave of improvements

This week saw British Airways host an event in London to present a wave of improvements to the passenger experience costing the carrier no less than £7bn over the coming years. Now usually this would be seen as a series of individual stories, but as a collective, the overarching impression is that the airline is…

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Air India launches new safety video, doubling down on Indian heritage

Air India has had a challenging launch of a new brand in our eyes. How can an airline both represent and value a nation’s pride while also modernising its image to the international stage. While the airline originally launched a new brand and livery that fell flat, the carrier has slowly been building the much…

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Etihad complete the soft-furnishing circle with glorious new luxury Giorgio Armani amenities

It seems Etihad Airways has finally completed its upgrade to the passenger experience by enriching the offering with a stunning new collection of amenity kits and loungewear created in partnership with renowned Italian design house, Giorgio Armani, the sister brand to Armani/Casa that already features in the airlines bedding and tableware. The new amenity kit…

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Studio Spotlight: PaulWylde

In the second of our studio spotlights, I take an afternoon to sit down with Paul Wylde, one of the industry’s leading design veterans who has worked across a range of exciting and varied projects. So Paul, firstly, can you tell us a little bit about your background? I love telling stories on behalf of…

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Oneworld opens new lounge in Amsterdam… It’s time to play

Tomorrow marks the launch of oneworld’s second branded lounge, and the first in Europe, following quickly after the premier lounge launch in Seoul. The lounge is situated in the footprint of the older British Airways lounge, situated next to a brand new Aspire lounge which will open shortly too. In an emerging trend of managed…

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Air India’s new soft product delights with rich Indian details

Where Air India’s recent rebranding failed to excite with the new master brand, livery and hard product, the recent announcement of enhancements to the soft product launch has filled in gaps to the missed deeper connection to its national heritage. This week has seen the airline reveal new amenity kits, a luxurious and sustainable bedding…

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Aegean delivers striking new uniform to (finally) match new brand ethos.

Aegean just completed its Neo-era rebranding by presenting the new uniforms, in collaboration with the renowned Greek brand Zeus+Dione. The new uniforms, which were designed by the creative direction of Marios Schwab, are in perfect harmony with Aegean’s “Neo-era vision” and image, incorporating core design touches that seamlessly connect with the larger passenger experience. As…

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American unifies 787 Business Class product, with the 787-8 receiving an upgraded experience.

We’re starting to see some positive stories across the industry now, focussing on a return to service and a return to growth. From Wizz’s latest route announcements, to design agencies and airlines setting up their near-future solutions to Covid-19. However, American Airlines’ latest 787 deliveries re-energise a positive conversation about cabin releases on the horizon.…

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The Rise Of A New Class, ‘Business Suites’, But Will It See The Death Of First Class?

Doors. This is where it all starts. Over the past few years, the differences between First Class and Business Class hard-products have become fewer and farther between. We’re now in an era where British Airways new Business Class product offers equal space and more privacy than its older First Class product. Airlines such as Qatar…

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United Rolls Out The Carpet For New IAH Houston International Polaris Lounge

Friday 29th June will see the launch of United’s latest Polaris lounge, joining Chicago, San Francisco and Newark’s recent openings. Passengers travelling in the airline’s Polaris business class, available on the carrier’s international routes will have access to this premium lounge. As with all the Polaris lounges, there will be a focus on locally sourced menus…

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10 Under 10. The Ten Small Airlines That You Really Should Get To Know In 2018

While many airlines in the world vie to be the biggest, there are a few smaller airlines that are certainly fighting to be the best. We take a look at 10 airlines under 10 million passengers per annum that are doing something special in 2018 that – we think – might just be worth getting…

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TAP Portugal Makes Small But Important Change to TAP Air Portugal

September 14th saw TAP Portugal return to its original brand ‘TAP Air Portugal’ in a bid to increase awareness of the brand as an airline outside of its core Portuguese market. The full name actually stands for “Transportes Aéreos Portugueses – Air Portugal” (roughly speaking the same name twice). The return to the use of…

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Singapore Airlines Launches New Safety Video, Showcasing Singapore

  Following the latest trend of airlines taking their safety videos outside of the airline cabin, Singapore Airlines has unveiled its new version, which takes viewers on a panoramic journey across various locations in Singapore. This trend acts as a postcard, enticing people to stay and explore a city often used as a stop-over on…

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