Acumen Design Associates has been shortlisted for the Cabin Design – Concept Award in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2023.

Acumen Design Associates have been at the forefront of aircraft interior design innovation, particularly in the premium segment. In 1995, they pioneered the first ‘Flying Bed’ for British Airways and have played a crucial role in the development of many Super Business Class seat models in recent years. Through their partnership with Counterpoint Market Intelligence, they have observed the impact of these new business class seats on the First Class sector.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the growth in size and features of the new breed of Super Business Class seats led many airlines to significantly reduce their First Class seat capacity. Some airlines responded by introducing Super First Class suites fitted to larger aircraft models, such as the innovations Acumen created for Etihad Airways’ A380 cabin interior in 2014, which included The Residence and the revolutionary First Class Apartments. However, the pandemic had a dramatic impact on commercial aviation, forcing some airlines to further reduce their capacity or remove First Class entirely, partly driven by the early retirement of the A380.

Acumen Design Associate’s goal was to create the ultimate First Class cabin and set a new benchmark for the industry while retaining the privacy and exclusivity of First Class travel without compromise. They wanted to differentiate First Class beyond the new Super Business Class products and offer a consistent product and experience across an airline’s diverse fleet with minimal impact on seat capacity.

Acumen’s First Class suite concept, ‘The First Place,’ consists of three luxurious private suites across the width of the aircraft that can be configured in a three, six, or nine seat layout. It can also be designed to fit four suites abreast if higher seat densities are required, enabling a double suite option in the centre. Each of The First Place suites contains a separate seat and an innovative chaise-longue that could both be certified for taxi, take-off, and landing. The separate leather armchair is styled to reflect high-end residential furniture, can rotate and recline to offer a suitable take-off position, and can also be used for formal dining and comfortable work adjacent to the large one-piece desk/table. The chaise-longue is the centrepiece of the suite environment with a simple and lightweight mechanism to translate from the default ‘lounging’ position into an uncompromised flat bed with dedicated cushioning for optimized sleep and relaxation.

The unique patented layout of the passenger environment creates a room-like cabin with a perfect balance between privacy and openness. Privacy is delivered by a rotating soft wall privacy panel and a single sliding suite door, both of which are operated manually and designed to be simple, giving the passenger greater control of the level of privacy they desire. Any technology in the suite had to be intuitive and discreetly integrated, such as surround sound and noise cancelling technology built into the armchair wings, heating/cooling technology incorporated in the chaise-longue, and induction power charging embedded in table/side furniture. The passenger would simply use a touch screen tablet to control all in-suite powered functionality, including climatic control, lighting, and even hotel-style inflight service.

The suite also has two monitors for viewing, a large 32-inch LED screen for lounging/bed viewing from the chaise-longue and an 18-inch monitor for viewing while seated in the armchair. The large one-piece table can slide to any position within the suite, be it formal dining for two or a relaxed ‘Breakfast in Bed,’ and there is a sliding ottoman/buddy seat that allows dual dining and further relaxation options. The suite also incorporates substantial stowage opportunities, including the space under the chaise-longue, which is large enough for carry-on luggage and airline bedding.

Acumen Design Associates believe that ‘The First Place’ concept is a totally unique patented design that perfectly meets the heightened needs of the future First Class passenger and the airlines’ desire to offer a consistent product across their network. Above all, it brings back exclusivity and differentiation to First Class, creating a private space with greater flexibility to work, rest, and play, but also to enjoy time onboard without compromise.

Associated: Counterpoint Market Intelligence

Acumen Design Associates

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