Emirates launches upgraded, yet predictable 777 interiors

There’s been a lot of hype and speculation over Emirates’ 777 interiors, and well the time has finally arrived for us to be wowed by the carrier’s evolution (not revolution) of its tired 777 product that has been long overshadowed by the A380 cabins, which became the aircraft of choice – where possible – for…

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Riyadh Air’s approach to uniforms is anything but ordinary

Over the decades, airlines across the globe have approached fashion designers to add a bit of creative flair into their brand. So it’s no surprise that start-up Riyadh Air –which plans on setting the bar high – has searched for a couturier to help create the carrier’s very first uniform. And in reality it didn’t…

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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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Delta raises the bar in JFK with the first of its new Delta One premium lounges

Delta Air Lines has introduced its first Delta One Lounge at JFK, exclusive for Delta One passengers and certain partners. Spanning over 39,000 square feet, it offers premium amenities including fine dining, spa-like services, and unique design elements inspired by Manhattan. Additional Delta One Lounges are planned to open at LAX and Boston Logan soon.

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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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Hot Hotel: The London West Hollywood, Los Angeles

West Hollywood is an ideal location for tourists in Los Angeles, with The London hotel standing out for its central position and classic design. Recently renovated, The London features spacious rooms, luxurious amenities, and a rooftop pool with stunning views. Guests enjoy a blend of Hollywood glamour and modern comforts, epitomizing LA’s vibrant essence.

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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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Dubai’s DWC Al Maktoum gets a whole new look as it bids to become the world’s busiest airport

All eyes might have been on DXB the past few weeks as it struggled to deal with epic rains that hit the UAE. To be fair, we don’t think any airport globally could have dealt with such extreme weather conditions, but now all eyes are turning to its sister airport, situated a little closer to…

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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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JetBlue refreshes Mint amenities and menus

In a bid to keep things minty fresh, JetBlue is bringing a new range of NYC brands to the skies once again. As of next week, Mint guests will be supplied a brand new amenity range ‘tucked into a stylish and reusable foldable backpack’ for Transatlantic and a snapping, collectible pouch for domestic Mint, both…

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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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Move over Virgin Atlantic, there’s a new type of ‘Clubhouse’ on the scene

January saw the launch of yet another lounge, The Chase Sapphire Lounge in New York’s LaGuardia (LGA) airport. The Chase Sapphire Lounge was also joined last week by a sister lounge in JFK, in partnership with Etihad Airways, both of which are run by The Club, an Airport Dimensions brand. This might sound complicated, but…

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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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Five airline lounge trends we hope to see in 2024

As we emerge into 2024 and airlines continue their post-pandemic growth with record profits seen by many, the race to invest into the passenger experience begins. While cabin programs can take several years to manifest, the quickest and easiest way to win over market share for the lucrative business class segment, is to reimagine the…

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Hot Hotel: Unico 2087, Riviera Maya

On a recent visit to Mexico, I spent a few days in Riviera Maya to recharge and relax. Considering this wasn’t my first visit to Cancun, and there was a relatively new hotel on the block, I took the opportunity to try out Hotel Unico 20 87 Riviera Maya to see what this design-led all-inclusive…

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Air India furthers brand evolution with new uniforms

Air India has continued to evolve its new brand proposition which features new cabins and liveries, with a brand new uniform for the crew, which sits in line with the new brand palette. Created by Indian celebrity couturier, Manish Malhotra, the new uniforms set out to blendrich Indian heritage, contemporary style, elegance, and comfort. We…

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Congratulations to TheDesignAir Award Winners, 2023

Today we are pleased to announce TheDesignAir’s 11th annual award winners, as we celebrate the very best in aviation design, brand, and passenger experience around the world. Every year we see airlines across the globe continue to advance the passenger experience in the air and on the ground. There has been a new wave of…

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New bar concept ‘Intervals’ in Hong Kong by Plaza Premium challenges existing lounge offerings

If you’ve travelled through Hong Kong recently, you might have stumbled across a new bar situated atop of the Sky Bridge connecting HKIA’s satellite terminal. Dubbed ‘Intervals’ It’s Plaza Premium Group’s new bar offering, is set to offer “a remarkable culinary journey,” states the press release. “Passengers passing through Hong Kong can now indulge in…

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Second time lucky! Riyadh Air listens, and slightly amends second livery to be on point

A few months ago, I covered the new Riyadh Air livery, and how that in principal it’s one of the most elegant new liveries in the skies, but it the logotype on the fuselage was a little too dominant for an elegant, premium carrier. Well, it seems like they’ve listened, as not only their new…

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