Air New Zealand’s new 777 interior reveals aviation’s growing sameness problem
Air New Zealand has selected a proven Business Class seat for its refurbished Boeing 777s. But as airlines increasingly offer the same suites, doors and digital features, standing out now depends less...
View ArticleEdelweiss’ Reveals New A350 Cabin. Comfortable, Competent, and Curiously...
When Edelweiss unveiled the interiors of its upcoming Airbus A350 fleet, my first reaction was largely positive. More space, new seats, a refreshed Business Class with front-row suites, and a long...
View ArticleThe Future of Airline Branding Isn’t Digital-First. It’s Phygital.
For the past decade, airline branding has been pulled relentlessly towards the screen. Logos flattened. Colour palettes softened. Typography simplified until it almost disappears. All in the name of...
View ArticleTheDesignAir Award Winners, 2025
We are delighted to announce the winners of TheDesignAir’s 13th annual awards, celebrating the pinnacle of aviation design, branding, and passenger experience in 2025. This year, airlines worldwide...
View ArticleInnovation Award 2025 Call for Entries
Now that TheDesignAir Awards 2025 public vote has closed, there’s still a chance for design studios, airlines and airports to enter our Design Innovation Award which celebrates innovation in the...
View ArticleIt’s that time… Voting time! Launching TheDesignAir Awards 2025
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 2025 and just like every year,...
View ArticleLOT Polish Airlines: From Quiet Achiever to Europe’s Dark Horse?
LOT Polish Airlines has long been one of Europe’s most reliable carriers, connecting Central and Eastern Europe with the wider world. For years it delivered a solid product that quietly impressed...
View ArticleThe Secret Sauce to Making A321 Premium Cabins Work
When Etihad invited me to try its new Airbus A321LR Business Class cabin, I knew the story would not be about the seat. Narrowbody premium seating has been around for years, with airlines from Iberia...
View ArticleBeyond Champagne: What Airlines Can Learn from Hospitality’s Luxury Revolution
Luxury in aviation has long been defined by hardware. Wider seats, larger screens, heavier cutlery or more expensive champagne. For decades this has been the industry’s shorthand for what it means to...
View ArticleCathay brings its signature design to Beijing
Cathay Pacific’s lounges have long been among my favourites, and the reopening of their flagship space at Beijing Capital International Airport only reinforces why. Designed by Studioilse – the same...
View ArticleWhen airlines chase luxury, they run the risk of losing themselves
There’s a curious trend sweeping through aviation right now. On the surface, it looks like progress… airlines pouring millions into new cabins and lounges, updating their products to match what’s...
View ArticleLATAM Raises the Bar with Its New Signature Lounge and International Premium...
There’s a quiet confidence building at LATAM Airlines. For a carrier that once sat in the shadows of more globally recognised names, the airline is now stepping fully into the light – this time, with...
View ArticleAlaska Airlines swings and misses with new Dreamliner livery
Alaska Airlines has always marched to the beat of its own drum. From its roots flying bush planes across the rugged expanse of Alaska to its recent evolution into a respected West Coast brand, it’s...
View ArticleUnited Airlines ups the ante with new dining area in Newark Polaris lounge
United Airlines has quietly pulled back the curtain on a refreshed and expanded dining experience at its signature Polaris Lounge in Newark Liberty International Airport. The upgrade marks a strategic...
View ArticleHot Hotel: Viceroy Riviera Maya, Mexico
A serene, design-led sanctuary with serious culinary credentials There’s something quietly magical about the Viceroy Riviera Maya. Set deep within the emerald folds of jungle just north of Playa del...
View ArticleANA 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...
View ArticleSingapore Changi’s Terminal 5 looks to set the global standard for airport...
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 ArticleTrip 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...
View ArticleSaudia 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...
View ArticleAir New Zealand’s culturally sensitive uniforms from Emilia Wickstead are...
In a move that blends craftsmanship and cultural storytelling, Air New Zealand has unveiled its long-awaited new uniform collection, designed by internationally renowned fashion designer Emilia...
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