Cathay Pacific have really pushed their investment into the passenger experience by launching last week their new ‘Bridge’ lounge. The 6th lounge to grace Hong Kong International airport sits alongside The Cabin (launched in 2010), The Arrival (launched 2008), The Pier (2001) and the recently updated ‘Wing’ (first launched in 1998) and of course their sister airline Dragonair’s lounge at G18.

This latest incarnation, (which means the airline now has a record breaking 13,000sqm of lounge floor space at the airport) was designed by their architects-of-choice, UK based ‘Foster + Partners’. Using a wealth of luxury materials, from venetian glass tiles to travertine stone and oak panels, and featuring their famous patented ‘Solus chair’ the lounge sits perfectly with its counterparts. The Bridge, at just over 2,500sqm, is located on level 5 in the West concourse, near gate 35 and is a haven for both business and first class passengers (as well as frequent fliers with a OneWorld Sapphire – or above, or Marco Polo Silver – or above – card). Using the tagline ‘A home away from home’ the dedicated space has a luxury residential feel to it. We really like the finishes and zones created by the clever use of differing materials, creating a sense of  light and shade, and the differing textures reducing the reflection of noise through the open space.

The residential feel is echoed by the inclusion of various artworks. Each of the two main seating areas features two display cabinets, tastefully curated with books and artefacts on one side, while the other side showcases artworks created by William Furniss, a Hong Kong based artist specialising in abstract water photography. The two sculptures at the entrance to both the North and South wings are designed and handcrafted by Charlotte Mayer, a UK based artist, mainly specialising in cast bronze sculptures. These pieces of art fit effortlessly into the space and really help lift the lounge.

The lounge is broken down into North and South wings, each extending from the central Reception area. The North Wing features The Bakery, which offers freshly baked bread and pizzas, as well as sandwiches, pastries, Asian and Western soups, and fresh salads. The North Wing also features the airline’s iconic Long Bar together with a television lounge and general seating area.

The South Wing features The Bistro, a self-service area where passengers can enjoy a variety of high-quality Asian and Western hot dishes and cold food selections, including delicious desserts and light leafy salads. At the Coffee Loft, passengers are treated to freshly brewed coffee and specialty tea, accompanied by freshly baked muffins, pastries and cookies.

Each of the shower suites located in The South Wing features a spacious shower, providing a calm, relaxing and private sanctuary in which passengers can freshen up before their journey. There is also an ‘IT Zone’, where passengers can stay in touch and entertained with facilities like high speed wi-fi and iMacs.

Now we love the wealth of lounges, which cater perfectly for frequent fliers, although even to our standards, 6 lounges is a little excessive, but it’s that mentality that makes for a great airline and great business class and first class experience, and for aviation geeks, you can’t beat the floor to ceiling windows over the airport apron. We are headed out to Hong Kong in a few weeks and will give a detailed report on all the lounge offerings at the airport, so stay tuned to thedesignair.net, subscribe using the link below or follow us on twitter to be the first to know!

To experience, book your business or first class ticket with cathaypacific.com

We released just the other day the news of the new Cathay Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport. But for those unfortunate folks not travelling on Cathay or a OneWorld carrier shouldn’t dismay! Plaza Premium’s latest lounge in Hong Kong, which is a pay-as-you-go lounge is open to all travellers at the airport for a fee. To coincide with the company’s 15^th anniversary, Plaza Premium Lounge (PPL) has made a big change with the opening of their flagship Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport. Centrally located in the airport’s West Hall and measuring a gargantuan 15,000 ft², the  24-hour retreat has become the largest pay-in lounge in Asia.

Designed by über cool Kinney Chan of Kinney Chan & Associates, the space is divided into several zones to provide travellers with multiple experiences and choices while at the lounge. Beyond the well-lit reception area, guests enter the main lounge and are greeted by a variety of seating configurations and a sleek, sophisticated design.

What’s nice to see is the fact they are trying to appeal to single travellers and couples/groups as well, with a variety of seating areas. Our favourite (and most plane geeks may agree) seats are the bar stools that look over the apron at HKG.

What trip to Hong Kong, even if you are just transfering would be complete without some amazing food. From their new release, Plaza Premium Lounge states they will introduce a new dining concept in the West Hall Lounge with the launch of The Market Place. “Catering to discerning diners with an appetite for variety, The Market Place comprises a range of food and beverage stalls, from a tea station serving Chinese milk tea and artisan, to a salad bar serving a range of healthy food options, to a Noodle Bar serving its signature Hong Kong-style fish ball noodles, steamed rice rolls and steamed dim sum. A feast for the senses, it is designed so that guests can interact with chefs at the various food stations and indulge in a selection of Hong Kong delicacies.”

But the main focus isn’t the food here, it’s the well designed, effortless intimate space that perhaps even Cathay would be proud to call their lounge (If it wasn’t on their doorstep!) In fact, the similarity between the Plaza premium lounge and Cathay’s ‘Solus’ chairs appear to be a little more than coincidence.

It’s not all ‘style and no substance’ WiFi, Showers, computer stations, power points and the natural concierge services of the team there mean you are more than catered for, no matter what your needs are from the lounge. And just like Cathay, Plaza offer plenty of other lounges at Hong Kong, including an arrivals lounge, land-side.

We have been to the Plaza lounges before, and this lounge in our opinion take the company to a whole new level of luxury and style, hopefully re-igniting their 110 other lounges around the world. To book your lounge access (and enjoy 15% off their multi visit passes, to celebrate their 15 years – until 31st Dec 2013) visit www.plaza-network.com

When we announced the launch of the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class product on the A330 we mentioned how much we loved the new bar designed by VW+BS, and recently they created a cool time-lapse video showing the design process over the period of 3 years. It’s a fascinating video, showing a natural evolution of the space, with obvious directional changes from the client. We spoke to Ian Macready from VW+BS to find out more about how the bar came to life.

This awesome video showcases a variety of differing designs. Was it a natural evolution to the finished product, or were there redesigns due to client input?
It was both. We worked extremely closely with the in house design team at Virgin Atlantic and the meetings were always lively and engaged. Although there were deadlines to be met, we were also able to explore many options within the process. We had never worked on aircraft interiors previously and this was entirely new to us. Virgin’s team are very knowledgeable and experienced about what can work. Virgin want to bring fresh eyes to the design process and they regularly seek out design studios from outside the aviation field, such as ourselves, to work with.

The designs seem to be constrained by a singular space, were you given the dimensions to work from to start with, or was the dimensions formed by part of the design process?
The space was pretty much defined right from the starting point. VAA had an agreed passenger layout for the seating in both Upper Class and Premium Economy and this pretty much defined the space we had. And there is an awful to include in the area. We had to consider waste disposal, wheelchairs, juice cartons, glass storage, ice buckets, coat stowage and the list goes on. That is why there were so many iterations in the design process, to get it exactly right.

Were the materials used in any way a compromise due to the strict regulations found within aviation?
The materials were not a compromise – the bar surface is a concrete veneer which is pretty unusual in an aircraft. Of course every proposed material had to be either rigourously tested or was from an approved list. Of course, with any design, there are parameters within which you have to work but this we consider a challenge, rather than a compromise. The bar stools we think are pretty amazing and we were impressed that VAA were committed to the design we had created.

What was your brief, and do you feel you fulfilled that? 
The brief to start with was very open: a bar in the sky that must seat at least three people and the related dining trays. Virgin Atlantic Upper Class is a very aspirational luxury brand and we worked very closely with the Virgin team to understand their brand and we carried out an awful lot of research into luxury trends and their future. The best way to understand whether our design has worked, is to see how passengers occupy the space, and on that score, it seems to have worked.

Were virgin as a client easy to work with? Were they demanding? 
Virgin’s design team are great and a very open minded bunch of people. Of course the project itself creates many demands – there are many third parties and outside agencies to satisfy – but the working relationship is still ongoing with VAA. We were working so closely with their in-house design team, it always felt that we were working together, rather than a more typical client / design agency relationship.

How closely were you working with the other agencies involved, and how closely with the Virgin in-house design team?
We were fortunate in that our day to day relationship was with the VAA design team and we rarely engaged with the other agencies except at the critical review meetings.

What are your favourite elements in this design? What do you think it is missing, and what would you have done differently now that it’s finished?
Our favourite element is that we have brought a new orientation to the onboard bar – it faces the passenger as you enter the plane -  and a piece of new architecture to the aircraft in that it sits within a pod. We have created a more social space for both crew and passenger on board the aircraft: the cabin crew is not positioned behind a bar, they are part of the space alongside the passenger. We think that this means that it is more convivial and there are many ways of inhabiting the space – on a bar stool, standing at the bar side-on, or leaning or perching on one of the leather covered ledges. It is difficult to know what we would have done differently except that now we know it will be launched next year on the 787 Dreamliner for VAA, in hindsight we would have worked that into the original design.

Continuing our comparison reports on some of the most popular and competitive routes in the world, we have taken a look at our Asian super-highway between Singapore and Tokyo-Narita. There are 5 main competitors (plus low-cost Scoot) that run the city pair, including ANA, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Delta and United. To make it easy we have highlighted our winners from each category in bold.

The Breakdown

Unsurprisingly the Asian carriers rule the roost here, with Singapore Airlines, one of the world’s best carriers up against stiff competition with ANA and JAL both offering 787 services. But Singapore Airlines (lounge pictured above), with their A380 are able to provide more seats, more comfort and more space for the journey. Delta though, are well worth a look, especially if you travel a lot in the States. If a bed is an absolute must, than ANA won’t be for you, and if Aisle access is important, with a 50/50 split of seats with access in United, they would be one to avoid. Scoot, which we haven’t included is due to the fact their ‘ScootBiz’ fits closer into the premium economy product, than the business class product.

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or Twitter!

We love a bit of online viral marketing, and three airlines this week have really taken the internet by storm. If you have been living under a stone for the last few days, here’s a catch up for you to take your dinner party conversation to a whole new level. The three airlines in question are British Airways, Virgin America and Air New Zealand.

British Airways

No. This isn’t a fake video…. If you have been in London recently, especially on the taxi-run into Heathrow, you may have noticed some genius animated billboards taking plane spotting to a whole new level. Designed by Ogilvy 12th floor, the British Airways digital billboards use custom-built surveillance technology to detect planes flying overhead and change the current digital display to that of a child pointing at the plane. The billboards also display the plane’s flight number and route. To take a look at the latest arrivals, head to Chiswick and Picadilly circus, where the video billboards are conveniently positioned on the flight path. Interestingly the adverts don’t say “Here comes the ontime BA flight xxx…” or don’t poke at their competitors, which would be a nice touch “Here comes the delayed xxxx flight from…” Still, the youtube clip has already amassed a massive following.

Virgin America

Yes, another video, this one showcasing the dymanic and uber-cool nature of Virgin America, who is determined to shake up continental American travel and offer something above and beyond the watered down experience that sadly most Americans were subject to when travelling between states. On October 29^th, Virgin America launched a brand new video to be shown onboard, which has a unique twist. The full safety message has been put to a song, and the instructions are danced through the 5-minute soundtrack. Filmed by director Jon Chu (who also shot Justin Bieber’s ‘Never Say Never’ concert film), it stars a varied cast that includes American Idol contestants and Olympic champions.

The tongue-in-cheek video features 14 different dance styles, and took 26 hours to film on set, using a total of 36 dancers. You really must have been under a stone not to see this one, as it’s already scored (amazingly) over 6.5million hits in a month.

Air New Zealand

We love Air New Zealand‘s seemingly unbreakable bond with ‘Middle Earth’ and The Lord Of The Rings franchise. Making a phenominal connection, helping promote the magical country with it’s tourism drive, Air New Zealand has refused to lose its link to the mega-movie big-screen spectacular. The latest incarnation, a promotional video,”Just another day in middle earth” uses real-life ANZ staff who have had a ‘make-under’ in order to appear like characters from the latest movie, that is coming to the theatres soon.

Keen Hobbit lovers will notice the video also features Kiwi Dean O’Gorman, who plays dwarf Fili, and the voice of Sylvester McCoy, The Hobbit Trilogy’s Radagast the Brown. To support the ANZ video, viewers of the video from around the world can enter for their chance to win one of four trips of a lifetime for two to their choice of either Middle-earth (New Zealand) or to the premiere of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug in Los Angeles, including airfares, accommodation and rental car. (But be quick, it finishes 27th November)

Another feature of the Air New Zealand marketing campaign will be the unveiling of a Boeing 777-300 aircraft in special Hobbit film-inspired livery on December 2 in Auckland.

British Airways, whose travel spas are run by well known brand Elemis, are undergoing a refurb and will have a new look, just in time for Christmas. The refurbished Terminal 5 spa will now offer state-of-the-art massage chairs, which will offer additional massage therapy, whilst the real therapists can focus on the passengers hands, feet or shoulder areas. The new grooming area will be supported throughout the spa area with a soothing colour palette and natural materials, and will also offer a mirrored product zone, where passengers can buy Elemis skin care products at a reduced British Airways discount.

We like the look of the new spa, which has a much more professional and clean image compared to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse counterpart which until recently has had very little in the way of competition in Heathrow. The clinical and more refined look seems to sit with the Terminal 5 experience, and doesn’t rely on an overtly designed environment to pamper their guests. We will be interested to see the real images when they are released, no doubt the finish will be first class and add another feather into British Airways’ continually modernising hat.

To compliment the new look spa, British Airways have also announced their new Club World amenity kits. The drawstring bag (one for men and one for women) is designed to double up as a shoe or lingerie and underwear bag and includes Elemis products to refresh, revive and rehydrate, created in travel sizes exclusively for British Airways customers.

The men’s bag includes Skin Soothe Shave Gel (7ml), a Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (5ml) and an Ultra-conditioning Lip Balm made from Beeswax (4g), along with a Razor, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste and a pen.

The women’s bag (our favourite) includes a Limited Edition Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (7ml), soothing apricot facial wipe, the Ultra-Conditioning Lip Balm (4g) and some Pro-Collagen Hand & Nail Cream (5ml) along with socks, toothbrush, toothpaste and pen.

Kate Thornton, British Airways’ head of product and service said: “Our goal as an airline is always to make flying as relaxing and pleasurable as possible. Our teams have worked hard with the experts at Elemis to create a calming spa environment at Terminal 5, a new range of services and a specialist range of in-flight amenities to help make that a reality.”

Sean Harrington, Elemis’ managing director said: “We’ve listened closely to British Airways’ customers and designed a unique offer for premium travellers both on the ground and in the air. The British Airways and Elemis brands are both synonymous with luxury and we’re extremely proud to be working together.”

What with the new spa, new amenity kits and new A380 and 787 experiences, maybe now is the perfect time to do some Christmas shopping in New York? That’s our excuse!

Book your premium experience with www.ba.com

Emirates, one of the most luxurious airlines in the world has launched the world’s longest A380 route. Shortly after the end of the longest flight in the world (The Singapore Airlines A340-500 Singapore to Newark flight) Emirates has brought a little joy launching not the longest in the world (That is still owned by Qantas’ 747-400 route between Sydney and Dallas) but the longest A380 flight between Los Angeles and Dubai.

Los Angeles now welcomes A380′s from the majority of the aircraft’s operators. Qantas, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Korean Air, China Southern, Air France and Emirates.

Whilst the airline already served Los Angeles, this is the first time the A380 has been scheduled between the city pairing. The landmark flight, has an exciting route, crossing the Russian Federation, the North Pole and Eastern Canada, and has a published duration of 16 hours 20 minutes, more than enough time to delve into over 400 hours of in-flight Hollywood movies (which the airline is now marketing as a winning formula for the route).

“Bringing the glamorous A380 set of wings to the City of Angels seemed like a natural fit as this aircraft mirrors the luxury of the Hollywood lifestyle,” said Hubert Frach, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations West. Emirates 23rd A380 service replaces the airline’s Boeing 777-200LR on the route. The introduction of the 489-seat A380 service, powered by US made GE GP7200 engines, is a direct response to demand with over one million passengers travelling between Los Angeles and Dubai so far.

The details
Operating daily as EK 215:
Departing Dubai at 0820hrs and arriving at Los Angeles International Airport at 1250hrs the same day.
The return flight, EK 216, departs Los Angeles at 1600hrs and arrives in Dubai at 1950hrs the following day.

We do like the Emirates A380, it’s a good product, and will add a bit more comfort, especially in the premium cabins on this hefty 16 hour flight. Perhaps next time we travel to the states, the A380 is the way to go!

Air Canada, who have created one of the densest seating 777‘s going, which apart from their new business class cabin (which is great), packed passengers in their economy cabin, has now released impressions of their 787. Whilst the economy cabin offers 3 x 3 x 3 seating (which although tight is similar to almost all 787 carriers) Air Canada have invested into a proper premium economy cabin (and an upgrade from the current 777 version) and most importantly a very decent business class cabin.

The airline will start to receive their 787s in the Spring of 2014 and their first route will be Toronto – Tel Aviv. According to their press release the 787 will feature a contemporary, sophisticated cabin design in a palette of slate grey and neutral tones with accents of Canadian red and celeste blue.

Business Class

Highlights of Air Canada’s new International Business Class cabin on the 787 Dreamliner include 20 lie-flat ‘Executive Pods’ with an adjustable pneumatic cushion system that can be extended into a fully flat sleeping position 80 inches in length. New features that enhance the airline’s award-winning International Business cabin include:

• An adjustable pneumatic cushion headrest offers a massage feature, unique for an airline in business class.

• The personal entertainment screen with touch handset, at 18 inches, is the largest offered by a North American airline in business class. Universal power and USB outlets are available at each seat.

• Air Canada is also debuting a new espresso and cappuccino service for International Business Class customers featuring Lavazza coffee freshly brewed onboard.

• A 1-2-1 configuration guarantees direct aisle access with window views featuring the largest windows of any aircraft flying today.

Now we know that the design of the seat is reminiscent of quite a few airlines’ business class seats, such as Cathay Pacific, American Airlines, Qatar Airways’ 787 business class cabin even, but there are subtle differences, and to be honest, we are a big fan of this seating arrangement. Passengers in the centre of the cabin can enjoy the opportunity to sit together if travelling with a partner, and those looking for a little privacy can take a seat facing out to the window in these strategically positioned seats.

Premium Economy

Look familiar? Yes, It’s a very similar seat to the new British Airways Premium Economy seat, and with that in mind, think comfort and space. Air Canada’s Premium Economy cabin on the 787 Dreamliner has 21 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration providing the standard 38-inch legroom and generous 19.5-inch seat width and 7-inch recline. Each seat is equipped with a 9- or 11-inch enhanced definition intuitive touch personal entertainment screen, as well as universal power and USB outlets. Air Canada’s Premium Economy cabin service, unique in North America, offers premium meals, complimentary bar service and priority check-in and baggage delivery at the airport.

We aren’t a great fan of the light blue bulkhead graphics, as they appear cheap and almost ‘leisure airline’ in appearance compared to the slick and graphic grey tones of the seating in this cabin. The little flashes of red are nice touches on the headrests, although the fact they appear non-adjustable may prove uncomfortable for some.

Economy Class

There is very little innovation in the economy cabin, it has 210 slimline seats in a 3-3-3 configuration providing personal space consistent with the comfort of Air Canada’s current Economy cabin. Each seat is equipped with a 9-inch enhanced definition intuitive touch personal entertainment screen with USB outlet and a universal power outlet available at arm’s reach. Which is almost industry standard now. Obviously passengers will enjoy the larger windows, lower cabin altitude and higher humidity, meaning for a more comfortable flight, but we were hoping for a little more innovation here.

The Gallery

This year there have been many new lounges appearing around the world. Each offering a unique level of luxury and identity that has meant a broad and interesting collection of spaces in a variety of spaces. Excellent spaces that didn’t make the list, but should still be commended, include Virgin America’s ‘The Loft‘ in LAX, Hong Kong’s new independent Plaza Lounge and last year’s ‘Dolce Vita’ lounge in Rome for Alitalia.

Whilst there are a few familiar faces compared to last years list, there are some new faces here, showcasing the recent investment into the customer experience in the aviation field. Whilst these lounges have been awarded the recognition on an overall product, from service, to space, to their individuality, it is predominantly the design of the lounges that has the weighing factor.

10. Qatar Airways lounge, London Heathrow Terminal 4

Designed more as a private club than a lounge, Qatar Airways‘ new business class lounge in London Heathrow is a welcome change to the more generic spaces that are gradually fading away at the UK’s main airport. The space features a wealth of zones, from Brasseries to Delicatessens, Showers to IT zones. The Signature Martini bar however is the perfect way to unwind after a long day at work, before boarding a flight to Doha. There is even a wine tasting menu to delve into. The entire space, which has a modern and striking Middle Eastern design, is both elegant and defined and helps lift the otherwise slightly dreary Terminal 4 experience. This combined with the new 787 service from London, is a must-do trip. The touches of Qatar Airways’ Middle Eastern heritage, Arabic calligraphy on walls and carpets, the mosaics and the gentle sounds of water features and atmospheric scents of real olive trees and herbs around the dining areas, this is one fully immersive experience not to be missed.

9. Air New Zealand Lounge, TBIT, LAX

Opened a little over a month ago, the new Air New Zealand ‘Star Alliance’ Lounge at the Thomas Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles’ LAX airport is the first indoor/outdoor lounge at the airport. It is a haven for travellers in the new TBIT terminal. It’s not small either, the new premium customer facility offers space for around 400 Business Class and Star Alliance Gold passengers, including an exclusive area for First Class passengers. Designed by global architectural firm Gensler, the 18,000 square foot (1,675 square meter) lounge features a unique open air terrace, featuring fire pits and a water wall, offering panoramic views of the northern runway towards the Hollywood Hills. The lounge’s experience zones are designed to accommodate passenger needs ranging from social gatherings to quiet time away from home. In addition to the outdoor terrace, the lounge offers a bar area for socialising, a library space, a den, a study and a media room. Those wishing to freshen up before their flight can do so in one of eight shower rooms. Run by Air New Zealand, expect brilliant service, great food and a wonderful wine selection.

8. LAN/TAM Lounge, Bogota

We love that LAN & TAM have combined forces, investing into creating a ‘Best Of Latin America’ offering for their travellers. The latest investment is in the shape of five VIP lounges for their premium passengers. The first of which is the El Dorado lounge in Bogota, designed by Olivia Putman, Mathias Klotz & Lillian Allen, and is a retro-über-styled lounge. LAN and TAM offer their passengers a dedicated (and thoughtful) children’s area, along with relaxation areas, individual bathrooms, showers, chaise lounges for sleeping, Business Centres and unique beverages and cuisine inspired by all that the region has to offer. And what of the service offering? Expect nothing less than the warm hospitality that South America is famous for. It’s the design we love here, which is more Mad Men in style. A hint of 1960′s luxe, that brings our hearts back to an era of true JetSet glamour, once found only by the exclusive international premium travellers of some of the biggest American carriers. A lovely touch is that the lounges are also available to premium economy passengers, further enhancing the product in all of their premium cabins.

7. Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge, Istanbul

Last years number 9, Turkish Airlines‘ 1100sq/m CIP lounge in Istanbul really makes the airline the real ‘European’ version of the Middle Eastern counterparts. The airline lounge is separated out into small sections, carefully done with a clever use of joint arches that span the area. Grand pianos, TV screens, pool tables, library, showers and an array of differing dining options separated out into unique dining areas feature in the lounge. The only thing that is missing is a view of the apron, still, with live flight tracking, there’s something there to keep the aviation geek in all of us happy. The big thing here is the design though, it’s so stylish, modern and effortlessly mimics the design aesthetic of the region, making the lounge a destination in itself. Turkish Airlines, as it has expanded dramatically over the past 12 month, is becoming an airline to contend with!

6. Qatar Airways Private Terminal, Doha

A non-mover this year, but the second entry for Qatar Airways. A private terminal with chauffeur driven cars to the plane, perfect. Qatar Airways really does deserve its 5 star Skytrax rating for how it treats its passengers (more like guests than travellers). This dedicated terminal is a calm, tranquil and subtle Middle Eastern gem. Polished surfaces, swathes of orchids, a spa that belongs in a hotel and some of the best lounge staff in the industry really set this airline’s lounge experience apart from the others. The terminal, available to both business and first class passengers, has its own duty free shops, fine dining options, and personal hosts that cater to every need. This is a lounge you are happy to connect through, and I bet most secretly wish for a longer connection time than they actually have. What is evident here, from a design perspective, that the lounge feels complete and understated, and the quietness of the design actually enhances the passenger’s experience, making them focus on the services provided, rather than their ornate surroundings.

5. Lufthansa First Class Terminal, Frankfurt

Much more business than pleasure, this very strong and masculine designed terminal echoes the design ethos of the Lufthansa. Featured in last year’s list, this stand-alone dedicated terminal at Frankfurt still doesn’t get much press, it’s almost like a secret in the aviation industry, a club dedicated to First Class passengers who value privacy as much as they do comfort. Valet parking, personal staff, a cigar lounge, even the opportunity to take a bath makes you feel like you’ve come home, rather than taking a flight, and whilst there are cocktails, a lá carte menus and fine wines to splash out on, don’t be fooled, this terminal means business. Wifi, business centres, printing, faxing and a host of gadgetry means that this is more an office than your actual office. We love the design of this terminal, it plays to its efficiency and doesn’t add any unnecessary flourishes to its design, and if the reviews of the actual product are anything to go by, a must visit!

4. British Airways Concorde Room, London Heathrow Terminal 5

British Airways new First Class product, rolled out last year now gives a real reason to fly First Class with BA. The older tired cabin was in many respects a downgrade from the newer Club World product, but now it feels there is a refined and considered product here. One of the best reasons to fly BA is to use the Concorde Room, dedicated to First Class passengers only (no frequent flying economy passengers here). The best bit about the lounge however is its fine dining options. The menu is fairly extensive and food and wine are really at the top of their game. If you need some time to relax, they offer ‘Cabana’ style rooms, with comfortable day beds and en-suite facilities. Obviously flying first means you have access to the Elemis spa that is part of the larger lounge concept at Terminal 5. Forgot to book the Opera in New York? Don’t forget to check out the Quintessentially concierge, only here at the Concorde Room, a lounge living up to its name, where time does tend to go faster than you want.

3. Emirates First Class Lounge, Dubai

Emirates has always been seen as a global market leader when it comes to luxury airline travel, however over the past years its competitors are hot on the tails, causing Emirates to refocus and reinvest into their products. The new terminal at Dubai International Airport provided Emirates with the blank canvas it required to create one of the largest lounge complexes in the world. Whilst there is a massive Business class lounge, it’s the First Class lounge that gets our vote. The perfect place to prepare or recover for your long flight to Los Angeles, perhaps, the lounge is split into three different seating themes, with the addition of a lá carte dining, spa treatments, bubbling indoor water features and a wealth of luxurious offerings mean that Emirates, normally a one-stop airline for most travellers, means the stop over can now actually be better than the mini-cabins of the airplanes themselves. No mean feat. Recently the airline has improved the service offering in the lounge, helping it climb the ladder this year to a respectable 3rd place. If only the place felt a little more intimate, we could see it climbing higher.

2. Qantas First Class, Sydney

What is it about Aussies that just get design so right. Qantas is no exception, with a lounge spearheaded by their Creative Director Marc Newson the International First Class lounge really is leaps and bounds ahead of their competitors. A large lounge, compartmentalised to provide smaller areas of privacy. There’s a spa that can offer a 50 minute long all body massage surrounded by a living wall of lush green foliage, a restaurant with fine Australian cuisine on tables that look like helipads and a wine list that any Michelin-starred restaurant would be proud of. There’s also a libary, and business centre (naturally), and a sweeping panorama of the airport. What really helps set this lounge apart is the feeling it was designed from the ground up, a space that wasn’t ever meant to be anything from what it now is. The wooden veneers, clean white seating, splashes of red and living walls offer a calming, contemporary environment that don’t challenge the eye, but naturally provide a sense of relaxation and luxury. A difficult blend to master, but this lounge, just seems effortless. Now that Qantas will own the furthest flight in the skies, there is good reason to rest up and enjoy the lounge for as long as possible before boarding. Still a delightful lounge, and only beaten by a conglomerate of lounges.

1. Cathay Pacific ‘Lounges’, Hong Kong

Since the launch of The Bridge, Cathay Pacific has taken full dominance of Hong Kong International airport. With a whopping Five main lounges (six if you include G16 Lounge, which is partnered with Dragonair), the airline has managed to sneak effortlessly designed lounges into every nook and cranny of the gargantuan airport. Featuring The Bridge, The Cabin, The Wing, The Pier and The Arrivals lounge, there is no chance of not finding yourself a seat to relax. Whilst The Wing, situated just after passport control, is the largest of all the lounges, and perhaps the most convenient, it is The Bridge, that has become the main attraction now. Split into two lounges, connected by a walkway, on entering the hardest decision you have to make is ‘left or right’ as each wing offers a slightly different experience. This wonderful lounge, which we will review in detail soon, is supported by a myriad of other lounge experiences, from dark and intimate lounges, to practical and light and airy lounges, Cathay have managed to create a sense of unity in their design, whilst offering every traveller something to fall in love with. But it’s not just the clean lines, marble finishes, artworks, textures and soft furnishings that make these lounges sing to us. It’s the service levels, whereby every staff member is a sheer delight every time we have visited. It’s hard to treat these lounges as anything but one entity, as you are able to visit all of them or just one (such as The Cabin which featured in last years list) when you fly. Whilst they are spread out, they work as one, and each lounge has familiar elements that run throughout them all. We salute Cathay Pacific in 2013, with their new business class, excellent first class product and lounges to die for, this airline has quietly taken on it’s competitors, and won.

Our good friends at Fiji Airways, winner of the best livery 2013 in our Top 10 Liveries have now extended their brand to the domestic and regional carrier Pacific Sun. Pacific Sun, since the new re-branding of Fiji’s International airline, has been at odds with the earthy colours and sophisticated cabins, although obviously the friendly and heartfelt service remains.

Launched recently, the new livery for Fiji Link is a wonderful addition to the Fiji Airways family. Very similar in design, yet still unique, the tail-fin art will sit proudly on the ATR’s that will come into service in mid 2014. As for the name, Fiji Link, this was decided through a competition run by the airline, to come up with names from the fans and travellers, and staff of the airline, to help find a name that worked and that Fiji could be proud of. When the competition closed, there were 4 main runners for the name, (Although these won’t be revealed) and the winner Fiji Link, was a clear winner with over 60% of the votes.

Shaenaz Voss, Pacific Sun’s General Manager said: “In our further unprompted public surveys, the word ‘Link’ was a clear preference as a key term for the new name. It was extremely important to us that our staff, particularly the Pacific Sun team, were part of the decision making process. ‘Fiji Link’ is an appropriate name for our airline and like its parent Fiji Airways, ‘Fiji Link’ will fly the Fijian flag wherever it flies. As an important part of our regional network, the airline will embody Fiji’s position as a hub and gateway to the South Pacific. We are reinventing ourselves with this rebrand and once completed, our customers and the people of the Fiji will experience a new level of service excellence from ‘Fiji Link’.”

Its basic and functional name shouldn’t detract from the fact this is now one solidly connected and unified brand. The new ATR72s should also provide extra comfort and a modern cabin for travellers, and with the uniforms that will no doubt be run out (still unconfirmed) across the fleet, expect to see plenty more of the wonderful Fijian prints bringing colour and design to an otherwise understated, clean and crisp cabin.

We love the design once again by Fiji Airways, and the fact it has subtle differences from the mainline Fiji Airways livery. Fiji Airways has used the Teteva and the Makare motifs on the tail again designed by renowned Fijian Masi artist Makereta Matemosi, which have huge cultural significance, and are proudly a prominent part of the Fiji Airways brand. We can’t help but feel it’s a similar ethos to the O’hana by Hawaiian regional airline. (Not that this is a bad thing) We are hoping to do a review of the Fiji Airways experience early next year, so subscribe if you haven’t already so you are the first to see our full report on this new Pacific gem.

The Gallery

Royal Brunei, when we reported on their new livery and look a while ago, didn’t inspire us too much, their artists impressions made the aircraft look flat and badly proportioned. Now we like to think they saw our comments and made a few tweaks, but realistically, we know that the aircraft reality and artists impressions can vary significantly. Either way, the design in reality is really quite sophisticated, and we stand corrected, we actually really like the livery design.

What has changed is the darker underbelly on the aircraft (you can see the difference in the artists impressions and the photographs above), providing a much stronger colour balance than yellow and white, now with the black/dark shades of grey. The darker element of the fuselage has helped balance the yellow and white top, adding depth and strength to the whole design. A simple fix, but a successful one.

We have taken a look inside the Royal Brunei Jet too, the new fully flat beds in business class and modern seating in economy, will help lift the airline into the 21st century, offering a competitive and relaxing experience for their long haul travellers. Whilst Royal Brunei was often the cheapest choice for the Kangaroo route between the UK and Australia, it used to less appealing compared to it’s competitors due to the 3 stops, compared to the usual two. Now, the airline is one of the best options. There’s no denying that the 787 offers a more comfortable cabin experience, with lower pressure and higher humidity levels. Plus the airline is now pushing the two stops as a welcome way of breaking the journey and making it more enjoyable, offering stop overs in both Dubai and Brunei.

The 787 will be the main fleet of the airline as the orders come in, offering the only aircraft type to fly long haul. Meaning that the experience the whole way through your journey will be the same, no lesser aircraft here on the last bit of your journey, disappointing you as you board. We take a look at the new products to give you the full low-down!

Business Class

One of only a few airlines to still launch forward facing seats in business (realistically still one of the most favourite configurations for couples travelling together). The new ‘Countour’ seats will offer a seat pitch of 79″ with electronically operated seat transition, translating leg rest and footrest, 4-way manually adjustable headrest and backrest with lumbar massager; the fully flat bed length will be 77” (6′ 5″) in length full flat including the personal Ottoman. Yes, you heard right, one of our favourite elements… massaging seats. The seats also offer an estimated 11% more bed surface. The seats will be in a 2 x 2 x 2 configuration, which can prove problematic when travelling at the window seat when trying to step over your partner, so if you are travelling solo, perhaps pick an aisle seat. But the good news is each of the seats offer privacy screens meaning solo travellers don’t feel they have to talk to a stranger for their entire flight.

For those wanting to get immersed in IFE, expect a 15.4 inch touchscreen LCD Monitor with Panasonic eX2 in-flight entertainment system featuring 55 movies and 59 TV programmes along with the rest of the usual IFE offerings, including route maps, games and music. If that isn’t enough, expect full in seat power and USB ports in each seat. As for the catering, well, yes, it is a dry airline, meaning no alcohol, however, the airline more than makes up for this with fresh juices and excellent fusion cuisine and the airline is enjoying new tablewear including new fine glasswear.

Economy Class

Economy in Royal Brunei has always been a good product, featuring a more than comfortable 33″ seat pitch. Now on the 787 expect super huge windows, super large overhead bins and a cabin environment that has mood lighting, better circulation and a general sense of space all around. Being the Zodiac ‘Weber 5751′ seats you can expect a decent amount of comfort, with a decent recline and obviously and adjustable headrest. The 3 x 3 x 3 seating makes the seats narrow, but it’s the same experience for all carriers apart from ANA now in a 787. To keep you entertained, each seat is supplied with a 9 inch personal touch screen monitor, along with USB socket and a shared power socket (2 sockets per 3 seats) but with the USB socket, and most people charging their iPhones and Tablets on that, expect no problems sharing the sockets. A nice touch is Royal Brunei offer noise cancelling headsets for both Economy and Business Class passengers.

What of the cabin? We love the colour tones in the cabin, the variety of coloured seats helps break up the cabin and make it feel more intimate. The muted moss greens and aquas sit along with the white walls, and give a sense of sophistication and tranquility. Green is a colour being used more and more in cabins, as chromotherapy research has shown that green offers a subconscious feeling of serenity and relaxation, and is why it is often used in hospitals and spas. The crisp white headrest covers though give the cabin a sharper edge, and helps modernise the cabin.

In business, the seats appear comfortable and the clean lines help remove unwanted clutter, providing more space per passenger. The muted autumnal tones and greys mean business and add an air of sophistication and luxury to the cabin. In all, this muted interior sits perfectly with the bright and bold exterior. This is one contemporary solution, both on the interior and exterior of the aircraft. We cannot wait to try this ‘BetterFly’ soon!

A question I am constantly asked by Captains since I became a pilot was “Why the move from a creative industry to one that is so technical?” I always smile when I’m asked that question. I tell my flight deck companion to open their eyes and look outside. “You think there is no creativity, look around you. The world is constantly changing, as is the weather, every minute we get to look at something different, something beautiful. There is your creativity.” People say there is an art to flying. It’s a very apt saying.

As a commercial pilot, I’m constantly subjected to a variety of home-grown Go-Pro videos from First Officers and Captains who have managed to film a majority of their trips, and edit them in a sped up montage to some generically aviation themed music. Whilst hats have to be tipped to the fellow flight deck personnel who manage to film these spectacular shots, there is one video that we think everyone should take a look at. Our friends at Air Tahiti Nui, who has a beautiful livery, have created an awesome video. Taken over a period of months, it showcases the ever changing world that pilots live in. Whilst we don’t ordinarily get this geeky, here’s a great little video for the weekend.

Sister Airline to the award winning Cathay Pacific; Dragonair, the regional / medium-haul carrier has just announced its cabin offerings to lift the airline’s level of luxury. The most recent announcement is the launch of their First Class offering. If the seat looks familiar, that is because it is identical to Cathay Pacific’s new long-haul business class seat which we reviewed recently. Dragonair has developed its new First Class product for its three-class Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The product will be due to enter service in the late first quarter of 2014. This will sit alongside the airline’s new business class and economy class products.

The New First Class Cabin

As passengers enter the cabin, they immediately appreciate the sense of space and openness. Clean, sculpted lines define private seats with direct aisle access. Warm-tone natural leather is used on most interior surfaces of the seat for a luxurious feel and soft touch. Abstract patterns, richly woven fabrics and original artwork harmonise to create a warm, premium residential feel. The instant a passenger steps into their private area, they notice the generous space available in the Side Storage, which is sufficient for handbags or laptop cases. A Side Cabinet and a Shoe Locker provide storage for small valuables and personal belongings. A Vanity Mirror is concealed under a flap inside the Side Cabinet door. During the flight the Side Cabinet can be fixed in the open position to double as a privacy screen.

Settling into the contemporary wing-back chair, passengers are cocooned in their own private area which has been sculpted to maximise living space. Individual privacy is assured without compromising freedom of movement. The outboard seats are gently angled towards the windows, giving passengers a perfect view. The centre seats are gently angled towards each other, making them perfect for those travelling with a companion. When a passenger is reclined into the seat with the screen deployed, privacy is assured. However at the touch of a button the seat slides forward, allowing passengers to interact with their travel companions over a central Cocktail Table.

As for entertainment, Dragonair’s entertainment is now upgraded to an Audio Video on Demand (AVOD) system to allow passengers to select their own choice of movies and music during the flight. Each seat is equipped with a universal Power Supply outlet to keep electronic devices fully charged. A Multi-port Connector includes an RCA port, an iPhone/iPod connector and a USB port. The RCA and the iPhone/iPod connector allow passengers to connect their own devices and watch video through the Personal TV. The USB port can be used to charge devices such as mobile phones and tablet devices.

The Facts
Fully Flat Bed
20.2″ wide seat
27.6″ wide bed
75″ long (82″ from tip to toe)
15.4″ AVOD touchscreen TV
iPhone / iPad / iPod and USB ports with power socket

It’s no secret that we weren’t fans of American’s new livery when it came out, and although we loved the new 777 premium cabins, we thought the livery was missing the mark, being overtly American, one thing that Internationally has always been a nationalistic stereotype picked up on by the rest of the global community.

It was a story that was picked up on by newspapers, commented on on news channels and had fans up-in-arms, causing a huge amount of controversy, however the outgoing CEO of American at the time said the new livery was here to stay. Now that the merger has completed between the two American carriers, new American CEO Doug Parker kept getting asked one question in his interviews.
Are you going to keep the livery that American unveiled last January?

His reply was to offer it to the staff of the airline, with a vote taking place currently (finishing in a few days), announced in an internal memo. In a lengthy and well constructed letter, he mentions “While I enjoy debating the merits of certain aircraft liveries as much as anyone, I have always believed they are not particularly important to the success of an airline.” Whilst this comment isn’t wrong, it is in our instance a little short-sighted. The livery, is by essence the biggest billboard for the airline possible, it needs to impart the personality of the airline, especially in countries where American is less known. A big American flag, no matter how it is described, can be seen as a negative, and no other major carrier uses their national flag so blatantly on their aircraft for the same reason. Carriers now have to appear international and less country-centric to appeal to a broader audience and show a more culturally sensitive approach.

He further goes on to describe that for financial and technical reasons, they won’t change the entire plane look, but only focus on the tail. We have to agree, that is a sensible move. Not only is it financially a more viable and logical step, from a branding perspective, a rapid change in a brand image can be damaging, showing an instability at the airlines core. However, he has offered his staff two choices, that both seem perhaps a little unconsidered.

One option is to offer the current livery design that has been rolled out over 200 of the 620 aircraft currently in the fleet.

The other option, offers the original Masimo Vignelli “AA” initials with eagle crest which is because “we have heard from many employees that they miss the old AA with the eagle.” Now if you ask us, this is a step backwards, as we are now looking at two contrasting logos on one aircraft. Now whilst here at thedesignair.net we would love to see the old logo and livery forever (It won our top livery 2012) we can also see the need for change. What we can’t understand is why there weren’t other options offered for the tail fin design that managed to feel a little more considered.

Even us here at thedesignair.net, quickly knocking up in a morning, seemingly have been able to create something that may be able to replace the flag tail, without having to step back to the past.

In our versions (above) the new ‘Eagle swash’ design is perfectly designed to match the tail fin angle, and when the eagle’s beak is taken off, the logo cleverly becomes ‘all things American’ but in a more subtle way. A star can now be seen, along with the red, white and blue of the tail – forming all the elements of the American flag. Wrapping the logo around the fuselage (as in the first image) will also help balance the livery design, connecting the tail fin with the fuselage. Whilst we our ideas aren’t perfect (and will probably come under fire), they showcase the fact that more can be done with the jet than just these two options that Doug Parker wants to offer. Infact, we are holding this open to a vote…

So the votes are in. American Airlines employees have voted, and the figures have been totted up. The new American tail stays. According to airchive, there were 60,418 voters, which accounts for 60% of their staff. Interestingly, 31,355 people voted in favour of the tail. We can save you the math. That’s 52%. Not exactly the largest majority, and really proves the workforce was divided. And considering the rest of the workforce didn’t vote, the actual votes only account for roughly 30% of the airlines staff.

Our votes, currently show only 48% of viewers would vote for the new tail (not employees we should point out), perhaps this is due to the fact that more options were provided – even though we aren’t saying ours were any good. Was this a smart publicity stunt by CEO Doug Parker, to provide the illusion of choice, by offering an inferior option to the current tail being rolled out across the fleet? To stop critics constantly bringing up the issue? Obviously that is sheer speculation on our part, but the point remains. The tail isn’t a clear cut winner, and that’s a shame. We feel with more consideration, the airline could have created something a little less controversial, and produced a livery that may still have shocked a few, but created a larger following and liking by most.

Still, in the words of Massimo Vignelli, the original logo designer, we find a little solace over the matter, “There was no need to change. It’s been around for 45 years. Every other airline has changed its logo many times, and every time was worse than the previous one. Fifty years ago there were very few logos in general. Somebody started to do logos and people started thinking that logos were important, and now there is a plethora and so many don’t make sense. You see the pages of the sponsors of a concert or an exhibition, and at the bottom there are 50 different logos. It’s ridiculous. A word is so much better.” and as for the new branding “I will not be here to make a bet, but this [new logo] won’t last another 25 years.”

Below is Doug Parker’s email to his employees. Note the perhaps a little over-exaggerated line, “I’m really pleased to have a firm decision we can all embrace.” C’est La Vie.

Dear Fellow Employees,

The votes are in. After three weeks, much conversation and more than 60,000 employees voting, we now have an answer to the question about what will be painted on the tails of our aircraft. It was very close but the majority has spoken and the new flag tail will proudly represent American Airlines – and all of us – for years to come.

As I said early in this process, I was indifferent as to which option we chose, I just wanted you to be able to choose. Now that the votes are in, I’m really pleased to have a firm decision we can all embrace. This is the airplane we will fly as we restore American to the greatest airline in the world — and that is exciting.

It is particularly exciting to see how engaged our team was in this decision. Consistent with our imperative to Engage Our Employees, we took the unprecedented step of asking our team members to choose our livery, and a phenomenal 60% of you participated. We of course can’t vote on every decision at the airline, but we do want input from all of you on issues that are important to your work lives. This turnout proves what we already knew: we have team members who care a lot about American Airlines and its future. That is a great asset and we look forward to hearing and learning more from you all as we move forward.

For those of you who really wanted to bring back the AA, know that it will still be with us. First, it will take us many months to paint the 580 US Airways aircraft and those aircraft will be the priority which means the remaining classic Silverbirds will still be flying for some time. Also, as previously announced, we intend to have heritage aircraft in our fleet going forward, so the AA livery will remain in our system even after all of the fleet has been painted.

What’s really great is that this livery now represents the people of American Airlines. We voted for it and it is ours. I will now forever look at this livery with a great sense of pride and know that you will too.

Thanks for taking the time to give us your input. This was a small but important step in bringing us together and beginning to move forward. Now let’s get working together on the difficult task ahead — restoring American to the greatest airline in the world.

At thedesignair.net we are great fans of Cathay Pacific’s product. The seamless experience is effortless and well considered. From their onboard product to their lounges, attention to detail seems paramount, and it’s this design ethos that has put them at the top of the Lounges 2013. We take a closer look at their lounges, and give you a first hand experience of the product.

The Bridge
Perfect for those missing home

The Bridge, Cathay Pacific’s latest lounge, is situated at the far end of the airport, can be accessed either by the train, or 5-10 minutes down the departure hall on the multiple conveyor belts (Which can be worth the slightly longer trek, as there are a few art exhibitions on route, that are worth a quick stop-and-look.) On arrival, you are presented by a long white marble desk, similar to that of all the other lounges. The biggest decision on arrival is either left or right. Right, and you head to a long champagne bar, a Bakery and a TV lounge, turn left and you can sit at the bistro or take a shower, in both wings, you can enjoy the homely comforts of the main seating areas.

Although the full review here gives a detailed description of the lounge, it doesn’t impart our personal experience from our trip to Hong Kong last month. When we visited the lounge, it had just turned night-time, and the space feels just like we would want our house to be if we were extremely wealthy: comfortable, intimate and luxurious. The ‘lounge style’ furniture here isn’t just style over substance, the seats were very comfortable, the lighting intimate, but perfect for reading or relaxing by. The sectioning of the areas meant that you never felt like you were in a crowded lounge, and apart from the two dining areas, the bistro and the bakery, you would feel like there were only a dozen other souls in the lounge.

The views from the two wings of the lounge are great as well, giving a great view of aircraft coming and going from the airport. By far, the quality of the lounges, the art-works, the service and the dining (which throughout the lounges was of a similar proposal and level of quality) meant the Bridge was our favourite lounge, but to be honest, it was difficult to choose a favourite, as each had its merits.

The Wing
Perfect for travellers running short on time

By far the most conveniently located lounge of all, The Wing, which is also the airport’s largest, is situated just after passport control on entering the departures hall. The lounge which can be accessed from the same level for First Class passengers, or the lower level for business class passengers, is perhaps the older brother of The Bridge, but it also has the same level of service on offer. Situated over two levels, the lounge is large, and feels open to the elements with the large arching canopy of the airport’s terminal still on display, but the openness helps give the lounge passengers the chance to relax and embrace the space on offer.

With a wealth of grey granite, white marble, bamboo and off-white leather, the upper levels can appear cold, and probably best enjoyed in daylight, rather than the sterile airport lighting, but for those looking for something cosier, especially at night, head to the downstairs lounge (whose view isn’t great), with it’s own buffet bar, art gallery, workstations and showers, it’s almost worthy of being its own lounge in its own right. Upstairs though, the myriad of zones, buffet stations, noodle bars, and the most ridiculously long marble bar mean that any passenger can find the perfect spot for themselves to sit, relax and do some last minute emailing before the flight.

It’s fair to say, The Wing serves a good purpose, and is in so many ways, far more superior to most airport lounges out there and its convenience is perfect, situated near the shopping area, and train terminal to take you to most of the gates. Whilst great for business travellers who need some space for a meeting, or who are travelling in a group larger than two, the lounge’s uber-cool sterility, on reflection meant we were more drawn to the other lounges on offer.

The Cabin
Perfect for travellers with a loved one

Noted for it’s position in our top 10 lounges 2012, ‘The Cabin’, which was new at the time, hasn’t even come close to showing its relatively young age. The subterranean-feeling lounge is accessed mid way on the left hand side of the main departure hall, located near the Dragonair lounge, and is accessed by lift or staircase. Once down in this almost secretive getaway, you are greeted by the familiar looking white marble desk and a view of the airport apron. Once in, right takes you to a business lounge, which at night is light dramatically by a blue backlit wall, which is vibrant and energising.

Head left and you will experience the rest of the lounge, a series of spaces situated in a long and thin lounge, connected by a ribbon of lush red thick carpet, and with a seamless view of the aircraft and hills in the background. Inside the lounge is a dining area on the back of lounge, and lounge seating at the front. It’s very dimly lit in here, and almost romantic in nature. Some of the seats by the windows look out and are perfect mini-sofas for snuggling up to a loved one, whilst watching the world go by.

Or if you are a solo traveller, some of the laid back retro-recliner chairs are perfect for sitting with a drink and checking your emails before a flight. We liked the den like nature of the lounge, and it’s layout and design reminds us slightly of the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in San Francisco. This is definitely the quietest of the lounges, and that may be of appeal to a great many travellers in the rather hectic Hong Kong Airport.

The Pier
Perfect for those who don’t want a long walk

Another lounge that’s under the main concourse, and situated on the north pier of the airport’s departure hall, the deceptively large lounge was remarkably busy for being so far away from the passport control. The reason for this, is its size and location is perfectly suited for Cathay (and OneWorld) departures headed from the far end of the airport. The lounge, which is split into three clear areas, a champagne bar, a main relaxing lounge and a dining area. Part of the lounge was sectioned off for First Class passengers only.

This lounge offers all the creature comforts of the other lounges, and it’s popularity made it a buzzy atmosphere. Although the ceiling is the same height as the lounge in The Cabin, the larger nature of the lounge makes the ceiling feel a little low, but this does help to make the space a bit more intimate. A lot of the passengers here seemed in fairly large groups when we arrived, perhaps this is a good location to hold meetings, but we saw no more merit to this lounge over the others to support that fact.

To be honest, it’s a lounge that was successful, and whilst we would be happy with any of these lounges for a long period of time, it felt more like an outstation lounge, one that you would see away from it’s home base, and this may be reflected in the fact the newer lounges have upped the ante.

The Arrival
The perfect quick fix-me-up before heading off into the Blade Runner capital of Hong Kong.

The Arrival on the land side of the airport is a small, but perfectly formed lounge which will be the perfect place to have a shower and a quick bite to eat before the long trek into town. The seating area is small but this isn’t a waiting room, the lounge focusses its attention on showers and giving passengers a decent meal to complete the business class experience.

The showers are by far some of the best we’ve had. Hot water is instant and the showers powerful. The shower rooms are also amazingly spacious, giving plenty of space, and meaning we don’t have to do the changing room shuffle to get changed. Once refreshed, heading to the dining table, being presented with a hot food menu, was a surprise, as the buffet bar looked more than ample. The Bento Box we received was tasty and really another mouth watering treat after the excellent breakfast onboard.

Our friends at Hawaiian have just released a video time-lapse of the painting of their very first ATR. Whilst we announced this a while ago, secretly we’ve been waiting for the chance to see this livery for real. The new aircraft are absolutely stunning and are yet another winning livery for the pacific – which seems to be the hotbed of good liveries (Hat-tip to Fiji Airways). The latest livery, by Hawaiian artist Sig Zane and son Kuha’o is a complicated masterpiece which showcases the route network of the island along with interpretations of traditional pacific island graphic prints.

The livery will be a welcome addition to the isles, although we have to say, the registration bubble on the rear of the aircraft annoys us a little bit (as I am sure it will the designer) Whilst it has to be there, and there isn’t much that can be done about it, as it has to be legible, seems like a sore thumb on an elegant design. Perhaps removing the purple outline to the bubble would have been a more subtle way of placing the registration – or placing it on the lighter area of the design. We are headed out to Hawaii next month, and will try to get some more pics and information. In the meantime, what do you think of the new livery?

JAL has just announced an industry first, bringing even more comfort to the skies in their first class cabin. Originally the airline used tempur mattresses and pillows in their first class cabin, but after response from their passengers flying in their business class cabin, the airline has rolled out the already established ‘airweave’ mattress and pillow across into their first class cabin.

However, the airline has updated the mattress to include one surface which is firm and a soft reverse side, dubbed “airweave DUAL MODE” the new mattress will be served in First Class in JAL SKY SUITE 777 on their Japan – London, Los Angeles and New York routes. We love the fact that passengers are now able to make different choice by preference and enjoy a more comfortable sleep during flights.

‘This specially designed airweave ‘DUAL MODE’ was originally created to aid the sleep of Japanese representatives for Winter Olympics 2014 in Sochi. In the airweave mattress, the density of the material is gently changed into many layers to create a comfortable bed functioned with firm and soft at both surfaces separately. Additionally, and cleverly, there is an increased density of material that can perfectly support the waist and provide ideal lying posture.

Holy smokes, another safety video from Air New Zealand? Hell, why not?  The previous, dubbed “Safety Old School Style” features America’s sweetheart comedienne Betty White and a cast of golden oldies. Past Air New Zealand safety video hits have included the Hobbit-themed ‘An Unexpected Briefing’, ‘Fit to Fly’ starring fitness guru Richard Simmons and more recently ‘The Bear Essentials’ featuring renowned television adventurer Bear Grylls. But the latest is perhaps one of the most controversial yet.

Titled ‘Safety in Paradise’ released a few days ago, the film was shot in the picturesque Cook Islands and features some of the biggest names in modelling. Chrissy Teigen, Ariel Meredith, Hannah Davis and Jessica Gomes all star while one of the original supermodels and three time Sports Illustrated cover girl, Christie Brinkley, makes a cameo appearance from her supposed ‘home’ in Los Angeles.

“The behind the scenes video (released last week) has generated much conversation around the world about our brand and the Cook Islands as a destination since it was released last week. It’s exciting for us to release the full video today and we hope it will encourage many viewers to consider a trip to the Cook Islands,” says Jodi Williams, Air New Zealand Head of Global Brand Development. This is a clever turn around from Air New Zealand, who faced fierce opposition to the video. This isn’t the first time women have been used so obviously to promote an airline, from the world’s largest low cost carrier, to carriers in Asia, the timeless image of women and airlines still has strength in brand promotion, and always spark column inches in the newspapers.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Editor MJ Day says Safety in Paradise is an exciting component of the magazine’s 50th anniversary celebrations. ”Our partnership with Air New Zealand is brilliant in every way. We were able to create a raucous safety video in the true spirit of SI Swimsuit and our Kiwi friends,” says Ms Day.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has a major worldwide marketing campaign planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the magazine and Air New Zealand will feature in that activity.The Cook Islands is a key Pacific Island destination for Air New Zealand. The airline has operated flights there for more than 40 years and in 2013 alone carried almost 200,000 people to the island paradise from Auckland, Sydney and Los Angeles.

Royal Brunei has just announced the latest in their branding developments at the new and improved airline. Today was the announcement of their new cabin crew uniforms, replacing the older (and bolder) red and yellow uniforms. The new uniforms follow the traditional Brunei fashion, and as stated by the airline, “the new collection reflects tradition, while evoking a modern simplicity.” The new threads will be launched in April to coincide with their Dreamliner launch to Melbourne

RB is proud that most of their project has been developed, implemented and completed in Brunei. Much of the design work was completed internally to ensure the new ensemble reflects Bruneian tradition. In addition, the fabrics have been carefully selected and tailored by Brunei based Khazanah Lady House, with matching shoes from BATA Brunei.

New female crew blouses have been tastefully detailed with traditional songket patterns along the hem, trim and back and flower patterns on the fabric. Colours will range from coral dust to morning sky to ‘fresh’ mint, based on the seniority of the crew. This warm spectrum of colours has been designed to reflect the friendly and welcoming nature of the new RB brand. Matching traditional headscarves and flowing chestnut brown skirts will complete the updated ensemble.

Male crew members will be wearing three-piece suits in matching brown, with a similar spectrum of Malay-inspired shirts and traditional standing collars. The male uniforms come across more considered in comparison to the girls, where you can see elements such as the shoulder pads hanging off of the shoulder.

Whilst we love the change and it’s great to see the use of locally sourced workmanship, it is sad to see the more opulent designs go. The previous designs had a print which was bold and striking, but the new designs, with their more subtle and sophisticated look do sit better within the cabin and have a much more modern cut. The release of the images doesn’t showcase the rest of the uniform, such as jackets, raincoats, or any other changes, but for a conservative country, these uniforms (more so the girls than the boys) could be elegant.

What we might have liked to have seen was more synergy with the new brand image. There are no references to the yellow sash livery (reserved for royalty), but yellow could have been a great key colour to really lift the uniforms further and modernise them especially in small doses such as the trim or lining. The name tags also sadly feel unconsidered. To us, there seems to be a lack of a uniform company being used which may be a mistake, as the uniform fits are a little awkward and there isn’t enough connection with the new brand and the uniform.

That said, the airline should be proud of constantly putting its feet forward. No doubt, through wearer trials the designs may be adapted, fine tuning the design to an international standard.