thedesignair

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ANA launches 'THE Room FX' for 787 fleet

ANA has long been an airline unafraid of pushing the envelope when it comes to premium cabin design. From its understated, elegant service to its award-winning business-class suite, THE Room, the airline has consistently carved out a distinct identity in the skies. Now, working in close collaboration with Acumen Design Associates and Safran Seats, ANA is introducing the next chapter in its design…

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Western Sydney Airport now officially unveiled

Australia’s first new major airport in more than half a century has arrived, admittedly not with the kind of flash and spectacle one might expect, but with quiet confidence, refined design, and a sense of purpose grounded in place. Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport “WSI” isn’t just a new gateway for Sydney. It’s also a bold example of contemporary airport architecture,…

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Singapore Changi's Terminal 5 looks to set the global standard for airport terminals of the future

Singapore’s Changi Airport has long been synonymous with excellence, consistently setting the global benchmark for what an airport can be – experiential, efficient and emotionally resonant (albeit my view is that it’s often lacked light, and the carpets, although sound reducing always get my goat). Now, with the groundbreaking of Terminal 5, Changi is not just expanding capacity, but redefining…

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Brussels Airlines Redefines Its Identity with Boutique-Inspired Brand Refresh

Brussels Airlines is a brand that’s needed to get its dots in order. The airline has been going through a bit of an identity crisis which now seems to finally have settled into it’s smart retro-inspired shoes. Taking the recent ‘dots’ livery which seemed somewhat unrooted in its heritage or national image, the airline has finally given the livery and graphic treatment a real purpose. In short…

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Trip Report: Saudia First Class 777-300ER, May 2025

Saudia has long been on my radar as an airline to experience. With the impending launch of friendly competitor Riyadh Air and continued enhancements from airlines in the region, there’s never been a more exciting time to complete a flight review of this often overlooked carrier in the Middle East. Has Saudia shaken of its rather austere image, and embraced the increasingly progressive attitude…

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Studio Spotlight: PriestmanGoode

Designing Forward: How PriestmanGoode is Shaping Aviation’s Next Chapter At a time when the aviation industry faces new complexities and evolving passenger expectations, PriestmanGoode is redefining what it means to ‘lead by design’. The London-based studio isn’t simply reacting to change – it’s actively driving it. From future-proofing airline strategies to enhancing the everyday passenger…

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Qantas opens new domestic lounge in Adelaide

Adelaide is enjoying a well-deserved moment in the aviation spotlight in Australia, as Qantas announces both a strategic new international route and unveils a brand-new Domestic Business Lounge, signalling a renewed promise to South Australia’s travelling community. The new route between Adelaide and Auckland not only marks the return of international Qantas services from South Australia but…

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Trip Report: Iberia A321XLR Business Class, March 2025

As the long-haul narrowbody era gains momentum, Iberia has joined the likes of JetBlue, Aer Lingus and TAP Air Portugal by launching transatlantic routes with its brand-new A321XLR. the aircraft offers a different seat to its two other staggered forward-facing widebodied business class products. So the airline has a challenge on its hands to deliver a familiar – yet premium – experience across…

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Cathay starts Hong Kong lounge renewal with reopening of The Bridge

Prior to the opening of the Pier, The Bridge was my favourite spot in Hong Kong’s International airport to spend a layover. With large picture windows and two clear wings to the lounge it had was a spacious quiet corner of the lounge. However the lounge had dated in comparison to the Wing’s new signature design style which had been rolled out across the carrier’s outstations. However Today,…

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Saudia launches latest lounge in Heathrow's Terminal 4

Saudia opened its latest lounge at London Heathrow’s Terminal 4 on the 27th April. The lounge, which is open to Saudia guests and therefore SkyTeam partner airlines offers a completely different lounge experience in Terminal 4, which also plays home to Etihad and Qatar Airways’ signature lounges. “This exclusive space seamlessly blends modern luxury with authentic Saudi hospitality, offering a…

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Etihad's A321LR signals a new era for a carrier with lofty ambitions

“It’s great to be the underdog,” Arik De, Chief Commercial Officer of Etihad, tells me as we sit beside the airline’s latest A321LR seating showcase. “We have more loyal frequent travellers in our top tier than many of our competitors. They keep coming back, and that’s because we’re doing something special.” Few would dispute that statement for a carrier that has faced, quite frankly, a rocky…

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Riyadh Air has unveiled its opulent new cabin interiors, featured in the flagship 787 aircraft. Combining traditional Saudi elements with modern design, the airline's offerings include Business Elite seats with unique features, advanced technology, and an immersive audio experience. This launch sets a new global benchmark for luxury in air travel.

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Malaysia Airlines adds Adient lie-flat seats to upcoming 737-10 MAX aircraft

In a surprising leap-frog of expectations, Malaysia Airlines has just revealed the upcoming interiors of the carrier’s 737-10 MAX regional fleet. There are currently 12 of these aircraft on order, and unlike the other 737’s operated by the carrier these new aircraft will do away with the 2 x 2 recliner seats and upgrade the Business Class cabin to 12 lie-flat seats. The airline has also opted…

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Saudia launches new amenity kits by Elie Saab

Saudia has just unveiled its new premium amenity kit collection in collaboration with renowned lifestyle brand, ELIE SAAB thanks to amenities company Formia. This partnership brings the fashion label to the skies for the first time, only in Saudia’s First Class and Business Class cabins. Taking a traditional approach to amenity kits, these premium offerings offer all the usual perks inside, but…

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Delta launches new Sky Club in the airline's global Atlanta hub

Delta Air Lines has unveiled its newest lounge offering within the Sky Club network – a reinvigorated respite in the heart of the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). It’s no surprise that this isn’t the airline’s only lounge in the airline’s main global hub. In fact it’s one of no less than 8 Delta lounges at ATL, this one situated in Concourse…

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China Southern Airlines reveals new interiors by Tangerine featuring new Thompson VantageXL+ seats

As part of its ongoing fleet modernisation, China Southern Airlines is introducing new A350-900 and A321NX aircraft – two dual flagship models designed to elevate the passenger experience to unprecedented levels. These new aircraft will also herald a new interiors palette that will change the overall look, feel and brand image for the Chinese carrier. The airline has opted to use London-based…

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China Southern Airlines reveals new interiors by Tangerine featuring new Thompson VantageXL+ seats

As part of its ongoing fleet modernisation, China Southern Airlines is introducing new A350-900 and A321NX aircraft – two dual flagship models designed to elevate the passenger experience to unprecedented levels. These new aircraft will also herald a new interiors palette that will change the overall look, feel and brand image for the Chinese carrier. The airline has opted to use London-based…