Cathay Pacific has secured two Crystal Cabin Awards at the recent Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) held in Hamburg, Germany. The Hong Kong-based airline’s success hinges on “human-centric design thinking,” acknowledged with two awards for its Aria Suite cabins and the onboard art initiative, ‘Gallery in the Skies.’
The airline, an integral part of the oneworld alliance led by CEO Ronald Lam, continues to emphasize passenger experience through innovative approaches. This year’s awards underscored its use of space within widebody aircraft, aligning with its strategy for enhancing passenger comfort.
Cathay Pacific achieved its first award for the Aria Suite business class cabins in the Passenger Comfort category. This product, introduced on the Boeing 777-300ER, also received the iF Design Award alongside recognition for its in-flight entertainment (IFE) system.
The second award, Judges’ Choice: Airline Innovation, was given for the ‘Gallery in the Sky’ art concept. Guillaume Vivet, General Manager of Customer Experience Design at Cathay Pacific, remarked, “These accolades are the result of incredible teamwork by our people at Cathay Pacific and with our partners,” adding that the awards reflect the airline’s “deep commitment to delivering a world-class customer experience through thoughtful, human-centric design.”
The Aria Suite represents a pioneering concept in aviation, allowing the entire suite environment to be controlled through connected panels. Collaborations with JPA Design and Reaktor facilitated its development. The suite enhances the business class experience with features like a four-abreast configuration, adjustable lighting, and customizable cabin settings.
Simultaneously, ‘Gallery in the Skies’ transforms retrofitted Boeing 777-300ERs into unique art spaces with curated pieces by 15 artists linked to Hong Kong. Each aircraft hosts different artworks, cultivating a unique experience for frequent travelers.
Cathay Pacific’s innovative designs and commitment to integrating cultural elements into its services evidence a forward-thinking approach in the competitive airline industry.
