In a move that underscores the importance of passenger experience in the aviation industry, design firm Tangerine has unveiled its latest collaborations with two major airlines: Japan Airlines (JAL) and LOT Polish Airlines.
Both projects reflect a deep understanding of cultural nuances and a commitment to luxury, comfort, and functionality.
For JAL’s new A350-1000 international fleet, set to launch at the end of November 2023, Tangerine has crafted a First-Class cabin that embodies the essence of Japan. The configuration, described as 1.1.1, offers passengers a spacious and luxurious environment. Notable features include a robust dining table reminiscent of Michelin-starred restaurants and a seat designed to accommodate two passengers. The First-Class suite door boasts lattice work inspired by traditional Japanese Ukiyoe artwork and woodcraft. Junta Nishigaki from JAL praised Tangerine’s ability to seamlessly integrate “the essence of Japan” with a global viewpoint.
The Business Class on JAL’s A350-1000 is designed for high privacy, featuring a custom door with sustainable eLeather trim and graphic patterns influenced by Japanese artworks. Premium Economy and Economy Class seats, manufactured by Safran, also bear Tangerine’s signature touch. The Premium Economy seat, in particular, stands out as the first electronically moving seat of its kind on an aircraft.
On the other hand, LOT Polish Airlines, one of the world’s oldest national carriers, sought to infuse its 95-year heritage into the new interiors of its Dreamliner 787-8. Tangerine’s design team embarked on a cultural immersion in Poland, drawing inspiration from the country’s rich history, landscapes, and abundant copper resources. Matt Round, Chief Creative Officer at Tangerine, highlighted Poland’s significance as Europe’s largest copper producer, a material that now accentuates the warmth of LOT’s cabin interiors.
The design vision for LOT extends beyond the cabin interiors. Tangerine has also crafted the aircraft’s entranceway, finished in copper and detailed with ‘wychinanki’, a traditional Polish paper cutting art. The color blue, synonymous with LOT, has been redefined across all cabins. Each cabin’s bulkheads capture the breathtaking views of the Tartra Mountains during sunrise and sunset, with gradient hues representing different times of the day.
Izabela Leszczyńska, Director of Product Development and Customer Experience Department at LOT Polish Airlines, encapsulated the design’s essence, stating that while it aligns with modern business trends, it also pays homage to Poland’s rich cultural heritage.
In both collaborations, Tangerine has showcased its prowess in blending cultural insights with innovative design, setting new benchmarks in the aviation industry.
