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Air China, the second operator of the 747-8i passenger version, has just taken delivery of it’s new ‘Queen of the Skies’ with an interior designed by London based transport and hospitality design specialists, JPA Design. This is the same studio that brought one of the best seats to the skies, with the Singapore Airlines 777 Next Generation Seat.
his was a collaboration with renowned Chinese artist Mr. Han Meilin and features Mr. Han’s specially created artworks – ‘phoenix in flight and cloud’ as well as earthen tile patterns are referenced through the whole cabin.
Some may not realise, but the Air China logo designed back in 1985 by Han Mellin, not only symbolises a stylised Phoenix, also embodies the Latin characters ‘VIP.’ JPA have definitely taken the VIP experience to the skies, with their vision for a renewed and international carrier.
JPA has worked with Air China both on the ground and in the air, whilst paying homage to the airlines cultural heritage. “JPA have managed to created a fully cohesive design to unify the branding and colour schemes of Air China’s lounges and premium cabin interiors; this offers customers a seamless transition from the ground to the skies.” state JPA Design on their launch.
James Park, founder and principal of JPA Design also attends the welcoming ceremony in Beijing. He said: “With our design approach, JPA sets out to ensure that each element of the travel experience is considered, whether onboard or at the airport, so that passengers enjoy every part of their journey.”
In response to a trend of creating a truly culturally rooted passenger experience, JPA has created a culturally sensitive and user friendly product. All materials and finishes for seats, wall and divider wall laminates, curtains, carpeting, entrance areas, bar, stairwell area, colour and trim for lavatories and cabin lighting have been looked at by the studio. The aircraft includes the impressive and spacious First Class suites already found on Air China, designed by Acumen.
Sim Kim Chui, product innovation director at JPA Design and leading the Air China project states “In creating the new design for Air China, first and foremost it was important to harness the Chinese cultural element – the images of the phoenix and clouds – and project this internationally by crafting the images in a modern and contemporary way, in order to appeal to a global audience.”
“The design approach from the outset has been to integrate the look and feel of both the lounges and the cabins, ensuring that all the elements are thread through and the customer experiences a seamless journey.”
