Boeing's 747, introduced in 1970, promised unprecedented spaciousness with its jumbo design. Initially, airline executives were unsure how to utilize the extensive space offered by the aircraft, which was more than twice the size of its predecessor, the 707.
To address this challenge, interior designers explored a range of creative ideas. Among these was the Tiger Lounge, a downstairs area accessible via a staircase from the main passenger deck. This space could alternatively serve as a restaurant or smoking club bar area. Boeing also proposed using the nose area of the 747 as a lounge and suggested an "Austin Powers"-styled lounge concept long before it became popularized.
The variety of proposed designs aimed to highlight and capitalize on the new spacious era that Boeing's 747 heralded.