Factorydesign's new Etihad Airways' cabins take flight this year
The designs for Etihad Airways’ new Airbus A380 and Boeing B787 Dreamliner aircraft are the first time a whole airline interior has been given such a bespoke treatment.
This major project confirms Factorydesign as highly successful aviation design specialists, whose experience spans from Concorde’s last refit to new seating for JetBlue Airways, SAS and AerLingus.
Factorydesign worked as part of the three-strong London-based Etihad Design Consortium, which the airline created as an industry first to manage this ground-breaking project. While Factorydesign was responsible for designing Etihad’s passenger experience and cabin interior elements, Acumen Design Associates designed the seating and Honour Branding coordinated the EDC and managed the interface with Etihad Airways.
Early in the programme, Factorydesign worked with Honour Branding to deliver an in-depth study of the Etihad brand, a strategic positioning for the airline, and a product design language that would support Etihad into the future.
The centerpiece is The Residence by Etihad, the airline industry’s most luxurious onboard living space, available only on the airline’s A380 aircraft. Factorydesign created the concept, which has a living room, separate double bedroom and en suite shower room.
Factorydesign’s remit extended from welcome spaces, galleys and lavatories, to lighting and passenger destinations, as well as whole areas such as The Lobby - a premium lounge. Even entranceway galleys in Economy with bi-fold and stow doors and electronic shutter glass, have been elevated beyond the normal.
The result of Factorydesign’s work is an aircraft interior with the individuality and exclusivity of a luxury boutique hotel, boasting more design innovations than any other airline’s cabin.
