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High-Flying Designs: The Tug-of-War Between Comfort and Profit in Airline Seating

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Air travel has always been one of the crowning glories of human innovation, proving that mankind can conquer almost anything if they put their minds to it. Over the decades, the aviation industry has been pushing the envelope of speed, efficiency, and safety, but much of the evolution doesn’t happen only on the outside of airplanes. Interior design has also been changing at an even more rapid pace, and a more visible struggle can be seen beyond seat class boundaries. Comfort, luxury, cost-efficiency, and profitability have always been the goals of all airlines, but these sometimes conflict with each other, creating an almost never-ending tug-of-war between maximizing airline profits and ensuring passenger comfort. We take a deeper close into the design philosophies and elements that define airline seating and the effects they have on the economy, the planet, and of course, human comfort.

Designer: James Lee (Butterfly Seating)

Minimalism vs. Luxury: A Deep Dive into Design Philosophies

Airline seat design has always fluctuated between two extremes, often exemplified by the division between economy and first-class sections. You have minimalism that focuses on efficiency and functionality on one end, and you have luxury that emphasizes premium experiences almost to the point of exclusivity on the other end. Of course, both philosophies are ideal to have in both seating classes to different degrees, but they also have different priorities that define the final seat design.

Designer: Aviointeriors (via Jason Rabinowitz)

Minimalist seats, for example, prioritize space efficiency and cost-effectiveness in order to both lower ticket prices as well as increase profits. By minimizing the space occupied by seats, using more lightweight materials, and adopting streamlined designs that are easier to clean, airlines can minimize operation costs while also increasing ticket sales and, therefore, increasing Revenue per Available Seat Mile or RASM figures. This is mostly seen in economy class seats and budget airlines, of which the likes of Ryanair and Spirit Airlines are best known. Aviointeriors’ 7.5kg “FABRYSEAT” concept is an example of extreme minimalism, pretty much just a metal frame with a fabric covering and a small headrest.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, luxury designs put comfort and convenience above all, even if it means increasing costs for both the company and the passenger. There is enough space to completely recline the seat into a bed and airlines offer extra amenities not available to other passengers. Given the price involved, these luxuries are only offered to business and first-class passengers, and Singapore Airlines and Etihad Airways are perhaps the most popular examples of such premium experiences.

Designer: Etihad Airways

Economic Impact of Different Seat Designs

Just like how airplanes themselves require a delicate balancing act to stay airborne, every aspect of seat design has an overall effect not just on passenger comfort but also on the airline economy in general. Two of the most important elements to be considered for seat configurations are the seat pitch and the seat width. Seat pitch, which refers to the space between one seat and the one in front of it, and the width of the seat not only affects passenger comfort but also how many passengers you can fit in the cabin.

You might think that having more seats and more passengers will always be beneficial for the airline, but that isn’t always the case. Cramped spaces are likely to also decrease customer satisfaction, leading to lower customer loyalty, and more seats and passengers will also weigh the plane down as well, requiring more fuel, interior modification, and, in the long run, higher operating costs. The duality between these two elements isn’t always clear-cut as well. For example, United Airlines has an Economy Plus that offers more legroom but at a higher price. This conundrum is at the heart of that tug-of-war that both airlines and even regulators face, balancing profit maximization and passenger satisfaction.

Designer: United Airlines

Ultra-Luxirious First-Class Seats vs. High-Density Economy Seats: A Few Case Studies

With dozens if not hundreds of airlines in operation around the world, there are just as many seat designs available that cover the spectrum between extreme minimalism and posh luxury. There are, however, a few that have stood out over the years, almost becoming representatives of these two design philosophies. Of course, business is more complicated than that, and most airlines have different sections or even aircraft that cater to different audiences and budgets.

On the luxurious side of flights, Etihad Airways is quite famous for its “The Residence,” offering a three-bedroom suite, a shower, and even a personal butler. Singapore Airlines’ Suite isn’t far behind with its full-length bed, 32-inch TV, and privacy sliding doors. Both airlines offer hotel-like amenities and luxuries available to those who can afford the rather steep price tag.

Designer: Singapore Airlines

Designer: Etihad Airways

Conversely, Ryanair and Spirit are poster children for high-volume, low-cost economy seats, with seat pitches averaging 30 inches or lower. Most of the designs are minimalist and utilitarian, employing mass-produced materials to keep costs low and tickets affordable. It might sound uncomfortable, but these configurations are quite popular with budget travelers, especially frequent flyers who simply need to get from A to B without much fuss.

Designer: Ryanair

Designer: Spirit Airlines

Sustainability in the Air: Balancing Eco-Friendly Designs with Cost and Comfort

These days, it’s no longer enough to be cost-effective or luxurious. Sustainability has become a major consideration in airline seat design, and to some extent an added complication. Companies and designers now also have to consider using eco-friendly materials that won’t compromise comfort and cost, and that’s not always an easy feat even for normal product designs.

There are a few airlines that have started that arduous journey, like Air New Zealand’s use of plant-based leather alternatives, or Recaro’s SL3510 carbon fiber-reinforced plastic to make seats lighter. There are also other concepts that not only utilize lightweight materials but also apply simpler structures and mechanisms to reduce the number of parts needed. Lighter and recycled materials can help lower a plane’s overall carbon footprint, but these materials can sometimes also cost more, so airlines have to balance the pros and cons of these as well.

Designers: JPA Design x Williams Advanced Engineering x SWS Aircraft Certification

Successes and Failures: Lessons From Both Past and Future

Aviation history is filled with stories of winners and losers, not just in flyer programs but also in seat designs. Some have become more notorious than others, while the rest served as lessons to be learned. JetBlue, for example, coined its own “Mint” business class, offering lie-flat seats and artisan dining to its transcontinental flights, a move that proved to be quite successful and popular with business travelers. In stark contrast, American Airlines’ decision in 2017 to reduce its seat pitch to below 30 inches was faced with much backlash that the company eventually backtracked.

Designer: JetBlue

Even in the realm of concept designs, there are a few that seemed to be too far-fetched and uncomfortable that they were immediately met with ridicule and even contempt. While not everyone will oppose having more seats on a plane to accommodate more passengers, a few designs seemed to prioritize that over passenger comfort, feeling like they were more interested in helping airlines game more profit instead.

The Economy Class Cabin Hexagon concept, for example, made use of a zig-zagging layout that would make some passengers, some of whom might be complete strangers, awkwardly facing each other. The Chaise Longue design, on the other hand, implemented the “double-decker” idea that would theoretically give more legroom for people on the “lower” decks but also make them feel more cramped and almost claustrophobic. Neither concept has so far been implemented, but there are also plenty of examples out there that miss the mark, one way or another.

Designer: Zodiac Aerospace

Designer: Chaise Longue

Final Thoughts

The design of airline seats is not a simple matter of choosing a form and a set of materials. There’s an ongoing tug-of-war between comfort and profit that also keeps changing over time. One generation might focus on comfort and luxury while succeeding generations might prioritize economy and efficiency. There’s also the matter of sustainability and eco-friendliness that is becoming just as important as these two factors. Airlines and designers must continually innovate and push the boundaries, looking not just for new materials but for better layouts and structures as well. Customers and regulators must also be vigilant that the interests of companies don’t overtake the experience of passengers. In the end, success in this domain hinges on understanding and anticipating passenger needs while crafting an economic model that sustains profitability amidst the ever-competitive skies.

The post High-Flying Designs: The Tug-of-War Between Comfort and Profit in Airline Seating first appeared on Yanko Design.

Korean Air’s 787 Dreamliner: Modern Luxury Meets Traditional Korean Design

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PriestmanGoode’s collaboration with Korean Air has led to a remarkable transformation of the cabin interiors for the airline’s 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft, seamlessly blending traditional Korean aesthetics with modern luxury. The project, initiated in 2018, brings a sophisticated, contemporary vision that honors Korean heritage while ensuring passenger comfort and modernity.

Designer: PriestmanGoode

Korean Air Business Class

The business class cabin features bespoke Collins Horizon Business Class seats with high privacy walls, 24-inch monitors, Bluetooth headphones, USB-C ports, and a full drop-down screen between seats. These features cater to modern travelers’ needs for privacy, connectivity, and convenience. The seats convert into double beds in the middle section, enhancing comfort for long-haul flights.

Korean Air Business Class – Middle section converts into bed

Rich textures brushed finishes, and intricate patterns inspired by traditional Korean textile art add a luxurious and unique cultural layer to the design. Patterns like Jogakbo patchwork and linear dynamic structures provide depth and character, ensuring a cohesive design language.

Luxury materials, such as rich, dark tones combined with soft, tactile fabrics, create a sense of sophistication and comfort. Detailed stitching and fabric choices reflect traditional Korean art, while brushed metal finishes and high-quality plastics ensure a premium feel and durability. The cabin layout maximizes privacy and personal space, catering to solo travelers and pairs, enhancing the overall passenger experience, and underscoring the focus on providing a state-of-the-art experience.

The economy class reflects a thoughtful integration of cultural and contemporary elements. The seats are upholstered in vibrant fabrics inspired by Hanbok saekdong, showcasing Korea’s cultural diversity. The color palette in economy class blends dark and light neutrals with bursts of color, creating a visually pleasing and comfortable environment. The ergonomic design ensures passenger comfort, while the aesthetic choices provide a cohesive and elegant look.

Korean Air Economy Class

The design process involved meticulous selection of materials and patterns. Each element, from geometric patterns inspired by Jogakbo patchwork to linear dynamic structures, has been thoughtfully integrated to enhance the passenger experience. High-quality materials ensure durability, while the design is timeless, promising longevity and continued appeal. The pattern development and material selection reveal a rigorous process where traditional Korean motifs were reimagined in a modern context. Custom patterns and textures developed by PriestmanGoode’s Color, Material, and Finish team, including those inspired by Jogakbo and Hanbok, are seamlessly incorporated into the cabin’s interiors.

Luxury materials and textures are evident throughout the cabins. Rich, dark tones combined with soft, tactile fabrics create a sense of sophistication and comfort in business class, while vibrant, multicolored fabrics bring a lively yet refined ambiance to economy class. The cabin lighting complements the color scheme, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The overall layout ensures easy movement and accessibility, with thoughtful placement of seats and aisles.

Each swatch of fabric, every thread, and the choice of colors reflect a deep respect for Korean heritage and a commitment to quality. The collaboration between PriestmanGoode’s design team and Korean Air has resulted in cabin interiors that are visually stunning and functionally superior. Attention to detail in every design aspect ensures passengers have a comfortable and luxurious experience.

PriestmanGoode’s use of materials draws inspiration from luxury automotive and domestic settings, ensuring both durability and elegance. The layering of rich textures, brushed finishes, and pressed fabric patterns creates a sophisticated and timeless atmosphere in the cabins. The meticulous attention to detail in business and economy class underscores the consultancy’s ability to innovate while respecting cultural nuances.

Overall, the redesigned cabins demonstrate Korean Air’s commitment to providing a high-quality passenger experience. The new interiors promise longevity and continued appeal with a design that honors tradition while embracing modernity. This project by PriestmanGoode highlights the importance of blending cultural heritage with contemporary design principles, creating a luxurious and culturally resonant flying experience for Korean Air passengers. The result is a cabin interior that is both functional and beautiful, offering a unique and memorable experience for all who fly with Korean Air.

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A Boeing 737 Was Transformed Into This Luxurious Villa Perched On A Cliffside In Bali

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Dubbed the Private Jet Villa, this extraordinary home is built from the fuselage of a Boeing 737 aircraft and is subtly perched on the edge of a beautiful cliffside in Bali. The Private Jet Villa features an all-new stunning interior that replaced the functional cabin. The interior includes a bedroom with a jacuzzi in the cockpit. Designed by Geometrium Studio, the home is nestled on an exquisite spot 150 m above sea level, above the Nyang Nyang Beach Cliff in Bali, Indonesia. The airplane was originally in service in Indonesia, but after it was decommissioned, it was moved to the site using a truck and crane and then renovated on-site.

Designer: Geometrium Studio

Converting the old Boeing 737 into a majestic home was no easy feat. The home had to be placed on a cliffside, and there was also a lack of space and odd dimensions to deal with. To deal with these issues, the studio installed a new ducted ventilation and air-conditioning system, which conceals the electrical systems and a water supply in the cargo hold. The furniture was specially custom-designed to perfectly fit into the space’s curved walls. The studio mitigated the limited space through the use of natural wood, light tones, and concrete textures.

Rounded shapes and forms were integrated into the interior, which mimicked the tubular shape of the aircraft fuselage. These shapes were seen in the bathroom, and in other interior touches as well. Mirrors were also incorporated into the home to add an illusion of spaciousness and comfort, while natural light was maximized by utilizing original windows.

A floating staircase offers access to the interior. This staircase connected to the living room, dining room, and a big shared kitchen in the center. This section connects to the plane’s two wings, which include terraces, and offer stunning views of the landscape. One of the wings juts over the cliffside. The central section leads to two bedrooms. The first bedroom is located in the cockpit, and it includes a jacuzzi bathtub and a double bed, as well as its en-suite bathroom. The second bedroom is located in the tail section and it has an en-suite bathroom as well.

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NASA’s Innovative X-59: The Supersonic Jet Designed to Fly with a Whisper, Not a Boom

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NASA has officially revealed the X-59, an experimental aircraft developed in partnership with Lockheed Martin, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. This plane has a unique stretched-out arrowhead shape and is painted in red, white, and blue to redefine supersonic flight. The X-59 has an ambitious yet profound mission: to break the sound barrier over land while minimizing the sonic boom to a level that won’t startle those on the ground.

Designer: Lockheed Martin Skunk Works x NASA

The X-59’s design is a marvel of aerospace engineering. Its most striking feature is its elongated nose, measuring 38 feet long, which is over one-third of its total length of 99 feet and 7 inches. This design is integral to the aircraft’s ability to reduce sonic boom intensity. Within this innovative structure, there’s a compartment for a single pilot. However, the X-59 breaks conventional norms by having a flush cockpit with the aircraft’s surface, eliminating the need for a forward windshield. Instead, pilots will rely on an advanced camera system and a screen inside the cockpit, providing them with a virtual view of their surroundings.

The two NASA test pilots operating the X-59 are equipped with a state-of-the-art 4K monitor, replacing the traditional glass windshield. Despite this unconventional setup, the aircraft does include traditional windows, although these do not offer a direct forward view. Instead, a glass canopy allows the pilot to look up or to the sides, enhancing spatial awareness. Interestingly, the aircraft also features two additional windows that offer limited forward visibility due to the placement of a wing assembly known as a canard. This innovative design prompted a humorous exchange, with lead test pilot David Nils Larson joking about a “Wonder Woman mod” for see-through metal canards.

The X-59 also boasts the eXternal Visibility System (XVS), a cutting-edge feature combining images from two cameras outside the aircraft with advanced terrain data. This system ensures pilots have comprehensive visual information, even without direct forward visibility. The aircraft is equipped with two distinct camera systems: a high-definition camera on the top and a retractable camera on the bottom. The latter is crucial for having a view of the runway and retracting during flight to maintain aerodynamic efficiency and reduce sonic boom impact.

NASA’s X-59 aircraft is specifically designed to reduce the effects of breaking the sound barrier. Typically, when an aircraft flies at speeds of approximately 925 miles per hour at an altitude of around 55,000 feet, it produces shockwaves that create a loud sonic boom. However, the X-59 aims to produce a milder “thump” sound instead. The aircraft’s careful design, including its long nose, plays a crucial role in achieving this. The long nose helps to space out the shockwaves created by the aircraft, preventing them from merging into a louder sonic boom.

While the X-59 is ready to roll out, its flight tests are scheduled for later this year. The pilots, having practiced in simulators, acknowledge that the X-59 may not be the easiest aircraft to handle, but its purpose transcends conventional flight performance. This aircraft is not just about breaking speed records; it’s about revolutionizing supersonic travel over land in a quiet and discreet manner.

In conclusion, the X-59 marks a pivotal moment in aviation history. It combines innovative design with cutting-edge technology and holds the potential for faster and quieter travel in the future. As this aircraft prepares to take to the skies, it carries with it the hopes and aspirations of the aviation industry, where the barriers of sound and efficiency are overcome with ingenuity and vision.

The post NASA’s Innovative X-59: The Supersonic Jet Designed to Fly with a Whisper, Not a Boom first appeared on Yanko Design.

Award-Winning Solar-Powered Aircraft Ushers in a New Era of Zero-Emission Travel

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Carbon-neutral flight seems to quite literally be on the horizon with this conceptual falcon-shaped aircraft. The eponymously named Falcon Horizon embraces the boundless potential of solar power with a uniquely designed body that additionally helps with lift and allows the aircraft to navigate the skies. Departing from conventional aircraft design, this concept harnesses the advantages of flying wings, drawing inspiration from the efficiency of birds of prey.

Designer: Laszlo Nemeth

In an era where solar-powered manned flight is not only possible but actively under development, the aviation industry carries a weighty responsibility to chart a sustainable course. Falcon Solar minimizes the need for cumbersome batteries, leveraging solar energy not just for propulsion, but also for shaping the boundary layer around the wing, unlocking heightened efficiency. The solar panels extend from one wing to another, covering a massive area of the airplane, and therefore providing it with the power it needs to complete its journey. The delicate balance between propulsion and boundary layer manipulation yields superior overall performance.

As we witness the dawn of a new age in aviation, Falcon Solar stands as a testament to the potential of clean, renewable energy sources to reshape the skies. Although just a concept for now, its innovative format speaks to the collective aspirations of a world seeking greener horizons, while propelling us towards a future where the sky truly knows no limits. Explore the future of flight with Falcon Solar – where innovation meets sustainability.

The Falcon Solar is a winner of the Red Dot Award: Design Concept for the year 2023.

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Air Chair is a wheelchair that easily integrates into airplane seats

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As a “mobile” person who loves to travel, I can only imagine how difficult it is for persons with disabilities to travel on airplanes and go through airports. They have to rely on the assistance of their companions or the airplane personnel in order to board a plane and they have to keep their wheelchair in storage for the entire flight duration. If it’s a long-haul flight, they have limited mobility and accessibility. That’s why this new design concept for a wheelchair is pretty important to help them have a more convenient traveling experience.

Designers: aamer siddiqui and Ali Asgar

The Air Chair is a concept design for a wheelchair that can be used for an entire travel experience for the person with disabilities. It can be used to go through the airport and once boarded on the plane, it can be integrated into the aircraft seat without having to remove a seat or fold up the wheelchair itself. The idea also is to be able to use the inflight features of the plane and the airplane seat in the wheelchair so that they will still be able to avail of these features while sitting in their own chair.

They were able to create a design that will accommodate the wheelchair even if the plane has a narrow aisle. The seat dimension is 16.5″ which should be able to fit most aircraft seats, at least for the regular-sized plane sections of the Boeing 777-300 plane. The wheelchair itself slides into the seat and should be able to use features like the seatbelt, life vest, and even the inflight infotainment system that the aircraft provides. It has a C-shaped design and has spherical wheels for easy sliding into the seat and should fit like a glove. There’s also a locking mechanism that attaches to the metal bar under the chair that will make it stable and prevent any unnecessary movement the entire flight.

The Air Chair will give passengers with disabilities the freedom to move around on their own if they prefer to, from their home to the airport to the plane and off the plane. The current options that they have can often be demeaning and inconvenient. The next step for the designers is to make a working model and eventually, they should be able to pitch this product to the airline industry and even direct to customers as well. On paper, it’s a well-designed concept that will be able to offer users “freedom, mobility, comfort, and security” when they travel.

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Decommissioned Boeing 747 reincarnates as suspended office space for Seattle complex

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If you thought the office you visit every weekday is not as interesting as you want it to be, then you should look forward to this suspended Boeing 747 office and lounge space in the towering Seattle apartment complex.

Real estate development firm Westbank wants to do something out of the box for its WB1200 Stewart development in Seattle. So, they really went bonkers and decided to bring the Boeing 747 smack in the middle of the towering 48-story high-rise buildings. This 25-feet long Boeing airplane was formerly operated by United Airlines, and now its wings have been clipped to function as a cool office and lounge space. The project underway in partnership with Tokyo-based architecture firm OSO is under work and is designed by Henriquez Partners Architects.

Designer: Westbank and OSO

According to Michael Chaplin, Westbank’s VP of development in Seattle, “We were always looking for a way to make this space not feel like your typical three-story retail mall.” Slated to open later this year, the space will be a head-turner as the plane floats one story above the ground. With its semi-deployed landing gear, those who walk beneath will feel as if it is coming in for a landing. The interior space of this niche installment in the city will be used to host events, hold meetings and act as an office space or leasing properties.  There will be a public gallery too which will be open for visitors to explore.

Measuring almost the length of a football field, the decommissioned Boeing 747 will fill the long alley of Westbank’s galleria. The raw aluminum body of the plane is fully exposed for onlookers to rejoice, and soon it will be brought in pieces from California to be assembled at the location, and for this, the building’s floor is being replaced. The flooring will transition into the plane’s interior seamlessly which in itself will be a unique experience.

There are not many details other than this, but Westbank has hinted, that the space will feel anything but like the 747 fuselage. As Michael further added, “You walk down the street, turn the corner, and probably the last thing you’d think would be in this space is the 747 fuselage.”

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This crafty little bed comes with overhead storage… just like on an airplane!

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Perhaps the most ingenious inspirational overlap I’ve seen in a while, the COBBO bed gives beds a rather clever little upgrade! The COBBO bed uses the empty space between the mattress to put a nifty cabinet, reminiscent of the overhead storage you get on airplanes… so you can live out your wanderlust airplane fantasies while sitting at home!

An airplane’s cabin is perhaps the most ideal example of space optimization. Every single nook and corner of an airplane cabin goes unwasted… with the seats being packed in the most space-saving orientation, tables being folded up to eat less space, and overhead areas being used to store luggage, that would otherwise need to be kept on the floor. Michael Hilgers decided to carry this utilitarian approach from aircrafts into regular homes, giving it a minimalist upgrade that looks much more visually aesthetic than functional.

The COBBO bed, designed for furniture manufacturer OTTO, comes with a simple Nordic-inspired design with solid oak legs and white storage cabinets that are located above the sleeping area. The bed’s slightly tapered design serves two purposes, it gives the piece of furniture both visual and physical lightness, since the cabinet above the bed is significantly slimmer than the bed itself. This allowed Hilgers to use slim wooden pillars instead of metal ones, since the cabinet above the bed wouldn’t end up being overly heavy.

The slim cabinet/shelf comes with four doors (two on either side) that open to reveal a perfectly slim nook to store items like books, quilts, throws, and cushions. It’s a clever way to provide storage without cluttering the floor, making it perfect for smaller rooms, student housing, people who like minimal interiors, or just the wanderlust who wants the experience of being in an airplane but can’t travel much because of the pandemic!

Designer: Michael Hilgers for OTTO

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Disability-friendly Aircraft seat design by PriestmanGoode folds up to fit a wheelchair in its place

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Design Studio PriestmanGoode, along with Flying Disabled and SWS Certification, has unveiled Air 4 All, a system that aims to revolutionize and democratize air travel for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) by enabling powered wheelchair users to remain in their own wheelchair for the entire air journey. The aircraft seat features a folding design that allows the seat to conceal itself within the backrest, while a rail and lock on the floor lets powered wheelchairs slide in and lock into place, fitting in the area where the seat once was. The launch coincides with the 35th anniversary of the Air Carriers Access Act, passed by US Congress in 1986 to guarantee that people with disabilities would receive consistent and nondiscriminatory treatment when traveling by air.

Designer: PriestmanGoode for Flying Disabled and SWS Certification

PriestmanGoode mentions that the Air 4 All system is designed to be compatible with a wide range of airline seats and powered wheelchair types. Currently, the system has been designed keeping the narrowbody 2+2 configuration in mind, giving flights the ability to convert front row seats and install a wheelchair guidance and locking system to the aircraft. This configuration allows for up to two wheelchairs per row to travel on a single flight. A consortium formed by PriestmanGoodde, Flying Disabled, and SWS Certification will also be working alongside Sunrise Medical to establish those powerchairs that would be fit to fly, as well as to retrofit and create new standards for powered wheelchairs, thus enabling passengers with the most challenging disabilities to travel. Chris Wood MBE, Founder of Flying Disabled mentioned that “Air 4 All is the first system that has been developed jointly by a design agency, a certification body and with input from the disabled community. With a leading global wheelchair manufacturer as well as the subsidiary of a major airline on board to develop the product, it’s a truly collaborative project.”

In a press release, Paul Priestman, designer and Chairman of PriestmanGoode said “Air 4 All will usher in a step-change in the industry and finally offer equal access to comfort, safety, and dignity for all passengers. The biggest barrier in the past has been that giving greater space to passengers in wheelchairs would have reduced seat count and resulted in a loss of revenue for airlines. Air 4 All solves this problem and has the added benefit of enabling airlines to retain the design of their cabin on every seat, ensuring brand consistency and a cohesive brand experience for all passengers. Air 4 All will facilitate a smoother boarding and disembarking experience for PRMs and will also significantly reduce the number of wheelchairs that are damaged through poor handling.”

The Air 4 All seating system forms just one of many innovations by PriestmanGoode in the aviation industry. In 2019, the studio unveiled an eco-friendly in-flight meal tray made from non-plastic elements that were “either partially edible, reusable, soluble or biodegradable.” The studio has also extensively worked with Airbus as strategic design and innovation partners for over 20 years.

The Air 4 All has been granted a patent, and the first prototype of the Air 4 All system is expected in December 2021. The patent covers all types of wheelchairs across every mode of public transport. The consortium is looking for partners across the transport sector to develop the system for other modes of travel like rail and metro.

Designer: PriestmanGoode for Flying Disabled and SWS Certification

Bell & Ross’s aircraft radar-inspired timepiece will make you look like an international Bond villain!

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Ever seen a watch that’s fascinating yet unsettling at the same time?

The Red Radar Ceramic from Bell & Ross looks absolutely stunning with its aircraft control radar-inspired dial. Designed in a sinister black-and-red color-way, the watch features a dial with multiple concentric circles and a sweeping seconds hand to make it look like the radar’s in the process of scanning. To tell the time, the dial comes with two airplanes that indicate the hours and minutes respectively as they rotate around in circles. It’s a treat to watch time go by, and I’m sure the next time you’re passing through an airport, the TSA’s going to really think you’re a cool cat!

As its name suggests, the Red Radar Ceramic comes with a 42mm wide ceramic body. The watch itself runs on Bell & Ross’ own BR-CAL.302 automatic movement, and is housed in a casing that’s water-resistant up to 100 meters. To top things off, the watch obviously comes with a sapphire crystal glass on top, but for added appeal, the glass is tinted red too, giving the watch its crimson radar-inspired design.

The watch is a part of a limited release, with just 999 units up for sale. If you fancy yourself a slick Bond villain-type and you’ve got $4,300 to spare, you could probably get your hands on a piece.

Designer: Bell & Ross