The Contintental Express
by Eskild Hansen Design Studio

Eskild Hansen Design Studio has introduced the Continental Express, a private Airbus ACJ220 interior concept that reinterprets the golden age of rail travel through a contemporary Scandinavian lens, offering a more narrative driven approach to long-range aviation.

Rather than following conventional private jet layouts, the studio has structured the cabin as a sequence of five distinct environments, echoing the compartmentalised experience of historic luxury trains such as the Orient Express. Each space is designed with a clear purpose, encouraging a slower, more considered mode of travel where the journey itself becomes central to the experience.

The sequence begins with the Dining Gallery, where a sculptural split, curved table accommodates six guests beneath Art Deco inspired ceiling detailing. This is followed by the Salon, a more relaxed setting with a U-shaped sofa and screen, balancing openness with a sense of enclosure. At the heart of the aircraft lies the Lounge, conceived as a social hub reminiscent of a 1930s bar carriage, complete with a central counter and a more intimate alcove for conversation or games.

Further along, the Stateroom provides a private retreat, featuring a spacious bed and a dedicated writing desk that recalls pre-digital travel rituals. The journey concludes with a meticulously detailed bathroom, designed to extend the same material richness and atmosphere found throughout the cabin.

A consistent material language unifies these spaces. Dark walnut structures inspired by Scandinavian cabinetmaking frame softer, tactile surfaces such as quilted textiles, velvet and leather. This interplay between warmth and precision defines the interior’s character, supported by a restrained palette of warm creams, brushed brass and textured neutrals.

Lighting has been carefully orchestrated to enhance the experience, with indirect illumination and soft golden reflections creating a cinematic and immersive atmosphere. According to Eskild Hansen Design Studio, the project addresses the often unresolved tension between richness and restraint in private aviation interiors.

By combining Art Deco references with Nordic simplicity, the Continental Express offers a layered yet composed environment where every element contributes to a cohesive narrative, positioning flight not as a transition, but as an integral part of the journey itself.