Category

Design

TT Electronics has launched its Digital Cabin experience at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (14-16 September 2021), showcasing excellence in next generation aircraft interiors at the virtual event.

TT Electronics launches virtual cabin experience

By Design, FeaturedNo Comments
TT Electronics has launched its Digital Cabin experience at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (14-16 September 2021), showcasing excellence in next generation aircraft interiors at the virtual event.

TT Electronics has launched its Digital Cabin experience at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (14-16 September 2021), showcasing excellence in next generation aircraft interiors at the virtual event.

Hosted by trade organisation ADS, the Digital Cabin uses 3D Web-GL technology to deliver a virtual aircraft cabin space where aircraft interiors companies can showcase their products and services to a global audience. OEMs and airline buyers can engage with the products in a new and immersive way.

TT  worked with ADS to build a virtual space within the business class cabin, showcasing its design-led human machine interface (HMI) solutions including passenger control units, mood lighting, and illuminated signage.

The Digital Cabin is accessed via a standard web page; its computer graphics enable users to visualise a realistic cabin, viewable online via computer, tablet, or mobile device. By navigating around the page using clickable hot spots, users can browse the different products such as seats, galleys, and lighting. Products are also indexed and text-searchable.

Terry Moss, Sales Director at TT Electronics commented: “The cancellation of trade shows and ongoing travel restrictions during the COVID pandemic has meant that the traditional routes to market have been disrupted. Yet our HMI technologies are visual by nature – the ability to touch and interact with our solutions is important. The Digital Cabin enables customers to immerse themselves in the virtual aircraft cabin where our products are brought to life in a smart, 3D interactive medium.”

To take a virtual tour of the Digital Cabin visit digitalcabin.aero/

September 14, 2021
Air Canada Rouge has lifted the lid of its seats (premium) and crew uniforms being introduced on nine A321s from this autumn

Air Canada Rouge resumes service with refreshed offerings

By Design, FeaturedNo Comments
Air Canada Rouge has lifted the lid of its seats (premium) and crew uniforms being introduced on nine A321s from this autumn

Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada’s leisure airline, has provided a glimpse of the cabin interior that will grace nine Airbus A321 aircraft from its 39-aircraft Rouge Fleet.

These nine aircraft feature a new contemporary interior design with Rouge brand accents and will be configured with leather seats offering a 30-inch seat pitch in the Economy cabin. The A321 Rouge aircraft also offer upgraded personal power options, including USB-C ports, and a convenient personal electronic device holder integrated into the seatback.

With the resumption of Air Canada Rouge service, which had been suspended since spring 2021, passengers can also enjoy recent product and design enhancements onboard all Rouge aircraft. This includes an upgraded streaming entertainment, providing passengers with complimentary access to tv and films via their own device or through a complimentary, sanitised iPad in Premium Rouge.

Rouge flight attendants will also be sporting a new uniform featuring many pieces of the award-winning Air Canada mainline uniform, accented with new neckwear and brevets to represent the Rouge brand.

All Air Canada Rouge flights are operated with narrow-body Airbus aircraft offering high-speed Wi-Fi (available for purchase) and a choice of Premium Rouge and Economy services. Customers travelling in the Premium Rouge cabin will be offered a complimentary bar and beverage service, and a complimentary meal on flights over two hours, or a snack on flights of shorter duration.

The first Airbus A321 aircraft to feature the improvements will enter service later this autumn.
“Air Canada Rouge remains integral to Air Canada’s overall strategy. As we emerge from the pandemic, we anticipate increased demand for vacation travel and from customers flying to enjoy overdue visits with family and friends. Air Canada’s leisure airline is ideally suited to serve this market with a compelling array of leisure destinations and an inviting travel experience so that the holidays begin as soon as customers board an Air Canada Rouge aircraft,” said Jon Turner, Vice President Inflight Services and President, Rouge Operations, at Air Canada.

September 13, 2021
Magnetic MRO subsidiary MAC Aero Interiors have begun the development of a new product line – touchless lavatories solutions.

MAC Aero Interiors develops touchless lavatories solutions

By Design, FeaturedNo Comments
Magnetic MRO subsidiary MAC Aero Interiors have begun the development of a new product line – touchless lavatories solutions.

Magnetic MRO subsidiary MAC Aero Interiors have begun the development of a new product line – touchless lavatories solutions.

The company has been developing the Smart Touchless Lavatory to meet the need for safety and trust for airlines and passengers as well as to mitigate their concerns about the transmission of the virus on board. Additionally, the touchless solutions are designed to function as upgrades rather than total refurbishment, allowing airlines to implement the solution without, as the company says, the hefty price tag.

“Instead of totally new solutions that are costly, customers are expecting cost-efficient solutions – for example, relatively easy upgrades for lavatories to make them more touchless instead of opting for the brand new, albeit good looking, product or modification. With this in mind, we are developing the touchless lavatories solution that would allow us to merge the best of two worlds – reasonable price and increased safety,” said Marko Männiste, Managing Director at MAC Aero Interiors.

September 13, 2021
Lufthansa Airbus A321neo with Airspace Cabin

Lufthansa begins flights with Airspace Cabin

By Design, FeaturedNo Comments
Lufthansa Airbus A321neo with Airspace Cabin

Lufthansa’s first Airbus 321neo with the modern Airspace Cabin has taken flight.

The new cabin will serve short and medium-haul routes, offering more seating comfort as the side walls of the Airspace Cabin will in future offer passengers more space in the shoulder area though slimmer sidewall panels for extra personal space at shoulder level; better views through the windows with their redesigned bezels and completely integrated window shades and the largest overhead bins for 60% more bags (as they can be stowed vertically in the bins).

The cabin design and the entrance area have been extensively redesigned and now appear brighter and more welcoming with the latest full LED lighting technologies. Human Centric Lighting, a specially programmed, flexible lighting system, illuminates the cabin in warm red light, graduated intermediate tones to colder blue light. Depending on the time of day or night, the light in the aircraft cabin is thus geared to the passengers’ biorhythms.

In addition, the modern washrooms are even more usable for people with limited mobility and offer hygienic touchless features and antimicrobial surfaces.

“Regardless of the crisis, we continue to focus emphatically on a premium offering for our guests,” emphasised Heike Birlenbach, Head of Customer Experience, Lufthansa Group. “For us, premium means providing high-quality, individualised and relevant offers for all our passengers at all times. With the new Airspace Cabin, we are significantly improving the travel experience on short-haul routes.”

“Lufthansa has once again made a choice of innovation and passenger appeal, raising the bar for the flying public at large to experience next-level, Airbus leading cabin innovations”, said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International. “I am delighted to welcome one of our long term partners, Lufthansa, to become the first European operator for the A320neo Family Airspace cabin. I can’t wait to fly on one of these aircraft.”

In addition to Lufthansa, the new cabin will also be used by Swiss, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings in new aircraft of the Airbus 320 family.

September 6, 2021
Virgin Atlantic's The Booth

Virgin Atlantic pulls covers off The Booth

By Design, FeaturedNo Comments
Virgin Atlantic's The Booth

Virgin Atlantic has revealed a new interior to its A350 aircraft, including an increased number of seats in both the Premium and Economy cabins, alongside a new social space for its Upper Class customers.

The new seat configuration offers 397 seats in total, 16 Upper Class suites, 56 Premium seats and 325 in Economy. Within the economy cabin, 45 seats will be Economy Delight, offering customers extra legroom as well as priority boarding and advanced seat selection.

The Booth, designed collaboratively by Virgin Atlantic’s in-house design team alongside London design agency Factorydesign, is the latest innovation in Virgin Atlantic’s social spaces and is exclusively available to customers travelling to the airline’s leisure destinations on-board the A350.

Sited in the Upper Class cabin, The Booth “aspires to create a cosy corner, providing comfy lounge style seating for two, separated by a single leaf table.”  The styling and finishes, which include luxurious leather seats and almond gold highlights, are designed to align with the airline’s Loft space featured across the mainline the A350 fleet.

The Booth comprises two 27-inch touch screen monitors with content continuously updated, tailored to the route and time of day, meaning that the look and feel of The Booth will evolve over time. Initial content will include a digital art gallery featuring up and coming artists and a tail and belly cam of the aircraft. Additionally, there are two Bluetooth audio jacks.

Passengers travelling between Heathrow and Orlando are planned to be the first to experience the newest aircraft, with the first flight currently scheduled for December 2021. Other leisure destinations, including Barbados, will receive the new plane later in 2022.

Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operations Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented: “We’re famous for our on-board social spaces and the introduction of The Booth elevates the customer proposition for our leisure travellers to new heights. We love creating brilliantly different experiences, which is why we’re always evolving our ideas to offer something different and exciting in the air and on the ground.”

The first aircraft in the airline’s A350 leisure fleet will be G-VEVE, named Fearless Lady, after Eve Branson, late mother of Virgin Atlantic founder Sir Richard Branson.  Lady Emmeline (G-VLIB), which is inspired by the leader of the women’s suffrage movement Emmeline Pankhurst, will follow in April, completing the series with three planes set to be delivered by June 2023.

September 2, 2021
Qatar Executive (QE) has welcomed the arrival of the world’s first Gulfstream G700 jet aircraft to the State of Qatar, as part of a special demonstration by the manufacturer honouring QE as the launch customer.

Qatar Executive shows off world’s first Gulfstream G700

By Business aviation, Design, FeaturedNo Comments
Qatar Executive (QE) has welcomed the arrival of the world’s first Gulfstream G700 jet aircraft to the State of Qatar, as part of a special demonstration by the manufacturer honouring QE as the launch customer.

Qatar Executive (QE) has welcomed the arrival of the world’s first Gulfstream G700 jet aircraft to the State of Qatar, as part of a special demonstration by the manufacturer honouring QE as the launch customer.

The G700 will be the latest addition to Qatar Executive’s state-of-the-art fleet of long-range and ultra-long-range aircraft. The executive charter service provider has ordered 10 of the world’s largest business jets and will take delivery of the very first aircraft off the Gulfstream assembly line in Georgia, US in 2022. The aircraft has been tailor-made exclusively with superior-quality cabins to meet Qatar Executive’s exacting standards.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “We take great pride in the expansion of Qatar Executive throughout the ongoing pandemic. The arrival of the Gulfstream G700 in Doha emphasises our position as one of the leading business jet aircraft service provider in the Middle East and around the world. As the global launch customer for this technologically-advanced jet, we look forward to welcoming the G700 into Qatar Executive’s fleet in 2022 and continuing to set new standards in air travel for years to come.

“As a launch customer, we are also proud to reaffirm our commitment to addressing climate change and other environmental impacts through the addition of the technologically advanced G700 to our fleet.

“Qatar Executive grew exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the average monthly block hours reserved grew by 76% year-over-year and the booking enquires increased by more than a 100%. The sharp growth came as a result of the new strategies implemented by Qatar Executive and dynamic positioning of the services in the right marketplace, in addition to understanding their customer requirements and offering tailored flight hour packages.

“Today, we celebrate our strong ties with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, and look forward to forging an even closer relationship as we continue receiving new jets from them in the near future.”

“We are grateful for Qatar Executive’s continued confidence in Gulfstream,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “With their partnership, we are introducing the tremendous performance capabilities and cabin comfort of the G700 to their customers, and we look forward to their first G700 deliveries.”

The aircraft delivers the most spacious, innovative and flexible cabin in the industry, offering an extra-large galley with lounge or crew compartment, up to five living areas and a spacious, unparalleled grand suite with en suite washroom. The jet also features an all-new, Gulfstream-developed revolutionary lighting system that mimics circadian rhythms. Along with 20 panoramic windows and the Gulfstream cabin environment of 100% fresh air, low cabin altitude and whisper-quiet sound levels, the G700 promotes in-flight health and well-being and greatly reduces the physical impact of traveling halfway around the world non-stop.

Qatar Executive is the world’s largest owner-operator of the Gulfstream G650ER and currently operates seven of the aircraft type with eight more to be delivered within the next 10 months in addition to the planned deliveries of the G700 fleet. Qatar Executive also operates three Bombardier Global 5000s, one Bombardier Global XRS and one Airbus A319CJ making the current fleet 12 strong.

September 1, 2021
Business class on Aeroflot's retrofitted cabin on its Boeing 777 aircraft.

Aeroflot unwraps first retrofitted Boeing 777

By Design, Featured, MRONo Comments
Business class on Aeroflot's retrofitted cabin on its Boeing 777 aircraft.

Aeroflot has unveiled its first long-range Boeing 777 aircraft with a retrofitted cabin. By end of 2021, Aeroflot will refurbish the cabin interior on two more aircraft.

The aircraft can accommodate 427 passengers: 28 Collins Aerospace Super Diamond NG seats equipped with sliding doors in business class, 24 seats in ‘Comfort’ class and 375 seats in economy class.

All seats come in high-quality jacquard upholstery. The seat pitch in economy class averages 80 cm, in ‘Comfort’ class – 96 cm. Business class passengers can enjoy individual suites, offering sliding doors, an extra armrest, 18.5-inch HD monitor and 2-metre full-flat bed.

Passengers travelling in all classes of service can access latest generation Panasonic Ex3 multimedia in-flight entertainment system. Paid for high-speed internet access (up to 30 Мb/sec) is available on board.

The airline will operate the retrofitted Boeing 777 on all popular international and domestic routes, including Dubai, New York, Los-Angeles, Mahe, Delhi, Yerevan, Bishkek, Baku, Tashkent, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

The cabin reconfiguration programme is being undertaken by Boeing who is performing engineering work and supplying component kits. Boeing was awarded the contract to modify passenger cabins on 18 of the Russian flagship carrier’s 777-300ERs, during the 2019 Moscow Air Show.

August 19, 2021
Flair's new cabin crew uniforms have been designed with input from the entire Flight Attendants team.

Flair Airlines revitalises brand with new crew uniform

By Design, FeaturedNo Comments
Canadian tennis star Eugenie “Genie” Bouchard

Canadian tennis star Eugenie “Genie” Bouchard and Flair Airlines’ CEO Stephen Jones have hosted media and passengers on a celebratory flight from Toronto to Montréal to unveil new Flair Airline uniforms.

The uniforms were designed by the entire Flair Flight Attendant team.

“Flair is moving forward, as a brand and as a company,” said Cody Klassen, Flight Attendant “That means bringing the uniforms forward as well. We wanted to be more inclusive with our style, so everything is gender fluid. Our crew can choose whichever pieces they feel most comfortable putting on their body.”

“The refreshed look and exciting build to the reveal aligns with Flair Airlines’ mission of bringing style, flair, and choice back to the airline industry,” added Flight Attendant, Shannon Towler. “Our new uniforms reflect the brand: plain and simple, but a little bit edgy and out of the box—now that’s exciting. Not stuffy, no nylons, just super fresh.”

“I’m thrilled to be part of an event that involves a true-to-themselves brand that walks the walk and cares about Canadians,” said Bouchard. “The company and crew are great people and allowing fans to be part of this special surprise makes it even better!”

The special flight event and uniform reveal is not only solidifying Flair Airlines’ new brand, but also hinting at the future. “We’re going to continue to deliver affordable fares and great service,” said Jones. “Our growth is going to make that available to more people across more of Canada, and also into the US and other markets.”

August 18, 2021
easyJet will roll-out new uniform for cabin crew and pilots, each made from approximately 45 recycled plastic bottles

easyJet’s new crew uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles

By Design, FeaturedNo Comments
easyJet will roll-out new uniform for cabin crew and pilots, each made from approximately 45 recycled plastic bottles

easyJet will roll-out new uniform for cabin crew and pilots, each made from approximately 45 recycled plastic bottles with a potential of half a million bottles to be reused annually as part of the airline’s commitment to address impacts beyond carbon and reduce waste.

Over the course of the five-year uniform contract with Northern-Ireland based Tailored Image easyJet will be responsible for preventing 2,700,000 plastic bottles from ending up in land fill or in oceans.

The new fabric, adapted to the airline’s current style, was first trialled last year for suitability in the cabin and flight deck environments. Compared to the non-recycled alternative, it is more abrasion-resistant. It also provides even more elasticity, a four-way stretch, improving fit and freedom of movement for enhanced comfort and durability. This development can lead to it being long-lasting for the wearer, reducing the need for more uniform items to be produced in the long term.

Beyond the new fabric, plastic has also been replaced in all clothing-related packaging in favour of recyclable and biodegradable materials: replacing plastic collar strays with recyclable cardboard ones, plastic shirt clips with metal shirt clips, non-recyclable white coated card with recyclable cardboard card and polypropylene outer shirt covers with biodegradable shirt covers.

Tina Milton, Director of Cabin Services at easyJet, said: “Climate change is an issue for all of us, and at easyJet, we are looking at all parts of our operation to see where we can reduce carbon emissions and reduce waste.

“We are excited to be debuting this new pilot and cabin crew uniform made from recycled plastic bottles and to introduce it for our pilots and cabin crew colleagues. We know that sustainability is an important issue for them and also for our customers.”

Bernard Birt, Managing Director of Tailored Image, added: “Our role as a bespoke uniform and corporate wear provider is to deliver innovative solutions for our clients, built around comfort and practicality for their wearers. The additional challenge with the easyjet project was to meet their exceptionally high standards in reducing environmental impact.

“By combining the expertise of our design and garment technology teams, we developed a collaborative approach with a mill that is leading the way in the development of sustainable fabrics.

“We were excited from the outset to be involved in this project and are delighted that the success of the new EasyJet wardrobe demonstrates the result of our award-winning customer-focused approach and our ability to meet even the most exacting briefs.”

August 9, 2021
From autumn 2021, SkyUp will introduce its SkyUp Champions uniform for flight attendants

Ukrainian low-cost carrier SkyUp unveils new uniforms

By Design, FeaturedNo Comments
From autumn 2021, SkyUp will introduce its SkyUp Champions uniform for flight attendants

From autumn 2021, SkyUp will introduce its SkyUp Champions uniform for flight attendants.

“Before creating the new concept in collaboration with Frame Fashion Consultancy, we delved into history and analysed the global evolution of the uniform of flight attendants from the early 1930s. It changed depending on the role that the crew performed in flight,” commented Marianna Grigorash, Head of SkyUp Airlines Marketing Department. “Times have changed, women have changed, so in contrast to the conservative classics, heels, red lipstick and a bun, a new, more modern and comfortable image of a “champion” has appeared. Freedom, natural beauty, individuality, no patterns and sneakers in which everyone “would like to fly”.”

Olga Tsaregradskaya, curator of the project added: “The study and interviews with flight attendants became the starting point for working on a new image — a modern girl with an active life position — a champion who works for team result and shows respect for herself and her health. So, we decided to replace the shoes with sneakers. We also invited Ukrainian fashion designers to create the uniforms — the GUDU brand to develop a suit and the Gunia Project brand of exceptional things to find perfect print for the silk scarf. Each of our collaborators is the best in the field: a real champion.”

The SkyUp Champions uniform includes:

Trouser suits with soft tailoring aesthetics and trench coats made of Italian eco-leather, created together with the Ukrainian fashion brand GUDU.

Nike Air Max 720, comfortable, ergonomic sneakers made as part of the company’s initiative to reduce waste and environmental impact. 75% of this model consists of recycled materials. The key feature of these sneakers is the record high air cushion along the entire length of the sole. This gives the Air Max 720 incredible cushioning and resilience for maximum comfort all day long.

The main accent of the image is a sky-blue silk scarf, which is attached to the epaulettes of the jacket and coat. The scarf, a symbolic feature of the airline’s uniform, was created together with the Ukrainian brand Gunia Project.

Makeup is inspired by the colours of the sky, which can be seen from the cockpit. Backstage beauty and refresh professionals developed a subtle gradient with sunset-like soft orange and blue, as during sunrises. At the same time, the makeup is natural with an emphasis on the eyes. The new look presupposes a variety of hairstyles: different weaves, replacing the classic flight attendant bun.

Complementing the look is a bright orange suitcase by Have A Rest from their limited collection.

August 3, 2021