Summary:
- Brussels Airlines is investing EUR10 million per aircraft to deliver a new business class, premium economy and economy offer on its Airbus A330 fleet;
- The airline describes its new business class cabin as a "boutique hotel feel with an Art Nouveau signature" that is "far from a traditional business class" design.
- The new interior has been designed in collaboration with JPA Design and will debut in commercial service from Apr-2019.
The new interior has been designed in collaboration with JPA Design and will debut in commercial service from Apr-2019. The airline says it now offers three "highly differentiated classes" related to individual passenger price points, but offering "typical Belgian hospitality" throughout. It is based around offering "the same small scale personal experience as one finds in a boutique hotel".
"With this significant investment in our long-haul travel experience, we emphasise once more on our commitment towards an exceptional passenger experience," says Christina Foerster, CEO, Brussels Airlines.
"We want to be the most personal airline, give a personal service to every guest and offer everyone the warm hospitality Belgium is known for. And that is exactly the essence of a boutique hotel, offering a world-class service in a small scale environment. The comparison of our aircraft - especially on the long haul - with a boutique hotel makes a lot of sense," she adds.
Premium-quality material such as wood and leather have always been important when it comes to Belgian design and Belgian Art Nouveau and Victor Horta are the inspiration for the new A330 cabin interior. The dome light of the ceiling in the boarding area features an Art Nouveau design, while all seats feature 3D textured fabric, inspired by famous Belgian designers like Dries Van Noten.
As culinary excellence is also key to Belgians, Brussels Airlines has teamed up with a Belgian Star Chef every year to design the business class menus on its long-haul flights. With its new cabin the airline also bring the Belgian beer and bar culture to the sky, by including a self-service bar in its aircraft for premium passengers and offering a varying choice of eight famous Belgian beers to all guests. Next to that, Belgian wines, coffee and premium Belgian chocolates from Neuhaus are offered.
Brussels Airlines describes its new business class cabin as a "boutique hotel feel with an Art Nouveau signature" that is "far from a traditional business class" design. It offers a staggered configuration of 30 seats that offer a mix of single and double occupation, each able to be converted to a lounge sofa or a two metre long full flat bed. The carpet pattern in business class is inspired by the vault design of historical Antwerp central station.
Its brand new premium economy offering provides a "premium seat with increased private space, comfortable cushioning and an expanded armrest allow to travel undisturbed". Designed in soft purple and blue colours, it is "completely separated" from the other classes, creating a quiet and relaxed environment for passengers.
The new premium economy offers a 38" seat pitch (23% more legroom compared to Economy Class), a wider seat with a bigger headrest and a 40° seat recline. A 13.3" HD screen, a large table that includes AC & USB power plugs, an upgraded culinary experience, a water bottle and hot towel, and later during the flight ice cream as a movie snack, complete the experience.
Meanwhile, the economy cabin refresh has been "inspired by the sunrise on the North Sea". The new economy seat features an ergonomic headrest offering increased privacy and adjustable neck support, a large seat recline, personal USB port and a wide choice of entertainment on a 10.1'' screen.