From June 15, Gulf Air’s fresh Boeing 787 commences its journeys connecting Bahrain and London, accompanied by an innovative business class seat designed for this renowned Middle Eastern airline.
The highly esteemed Apex Suite, which is also utilized by Japan Airlines and Korean Air, has been given a unique touch by UK-based design consultancy Tangerine.
Tangerine, led by Daniel Flashman, collaborated closely with Boeing to incorporate raised privacy panels into the 26 business-class suites. These panels were carefully designed to meet stringent line-of-sight visibility regulations for the crew while maintaining optimal height.
Drawing inspiration from Bahraini architecture, the panels showcase a captivating 3D sculpted surface miming geometric forms.
As the cabin lighting illuminates the surface, it casts intricate shadows, creating a tranquil and soothing ambiance within the suite.
Tangerine implemented various functional enhancements to Gulf Air’s Dreamliner business class seat. One notable modification is the inclusion of a flip-down footrest at the entrance of the window seat.
This footrest, secured by a specially-sourced magnetic latch, adds comfort for the window-side passenger and optimizes the available bed space.
Another improvement involves stacking the armrest and central console, alongside modifying the shape of the back shell. These adjustments result in a significant increase in armrest space, offering passengers greater comfort during their journey.
It’s all about the detail.
Drawing inspiration from Bahrain’s skilled artisans and the rich heritage of falconry, the cabin trim and finish reflect the country’s exquisite craftsmanship. A tasteful blend of dark materials and opulent gold accents, coupled with intricate detailing, imbues the interior with a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere.
The seat headrests, arm caps, and business class footstool are adorned with luxurious rich brown leathers, reminiscent of the supple texture of a falconry glove. Meticulously crafted stitching and exquisite detailing are employed to achieve an elegant and refined aesthetic throughout, elevating the overall finish to a level of sophistication.
To harmoniously connect all the suite elements, the pattern featured on the privacy panels reappears in varying scales within the upholstery fabric and even on the inner lining. Moreover, the suites are elegantly framed by a graceful almond-gold trim, captivating the observer’s gaze while subtly echoing the airline’s fresh ‘falcon wing tip’ branding.
With its distinct cabin design, Gulf Air establishes a remarkable presence in the market, uplifting the customer experience to unparalleled heights.
