Dragonair unveils HK$ 195 million re-design of aircraft cabins, service enhancements

In an initiative designed to raise the travel experience of its passengers to a new level, Dragonair has unveiled the most comprehensive re-design of its cabin interiors ever, with lie-flat seats and personal video monitors introduced  by the airline for the first time.

The re-design also encompasses new seat configurations, new colour schemes, fabrics and serviceware, and in-seat power supply for laptops.

"This initiative represents the biggest investment in service and cabin enhancements in our history, and is a true evolution in style for Dragonair," said Stanley Hui, the airline's Chief Executive Officer. "Our aim is to elevate comfort and service to new levels on an airline flying intra-Asia routes.

"Travellers in Asia expect high levels of personal service and facilities to match; Dragonair now delivers this."

The re-design project has taken 17 months from concept to implementation, and the new look and design will be progressively introduced to Dragonair's fleet of 21 passenger aircraft.

New First and Business Class seats, a new seating configuration in Business Class and the video entertainment system will be progressively introduced  into the airline's nine wide-bodied A330 aircraft.

The airline collaborated on the project with Ludeke Design of Switzerland, which has extensive experience in designing for leading Asian and European airlines. The industrial design studio styled the new First Class seat and was closely involved in developing the design guidelines and philosophies  underpinning each aspect of the new cabin interior and service enhancements.

"The re-design has succeeded in giving each of the cabins a unique personality," explained Mr. Hui. "Our new First Class exudes prestige and individuality; Business Class is contemporary with a look and feel that is  synonymous with lifestyle; and Economy Class has an air of fun and freshness.

"Together they encapsulate the character and personality of Dragonair, a  dynamic airline that is growing and innovative." 

Highlights of the new design and service upgrade include:

First Class

An exclusively designed, state-of-the-art lie-flat seat - a first for an airline flying intra-Asia routes - upholstered in custom-designed royal maroon woven fabric. The seat can be reclined to any position, including an ergonomically profiled "lazy-Z" or to a lie-flat bed position.

Each seat features a 10.4" personal video monitor airing Dragon-On-Air entertainment through five channels.

Each seat also features a 110V AC in-seat power supply for use with a laptop and portable electronic devices that requires no adapter cable. Dragonair is  the first airline to offer the 110V AC KID Skypower system within the operational network for China Mainland.

À-la-carte meal service, with a choice of starters and main courses, served at a time of the passenger's choice (available on Beijing and Shanghai routes only). Menu changed every 15 days.

Meals are served on specially designed bone chinaware from Narumi of Japan.

Business Class

The Skyluxe seat has a pitch of 45", and features a four-way lumbar support and a six-way adjustable headrest.

Seats upholstered in contemporary yet sophisticated aqua blue fabric.

Seating is in a spacious 2-2-2 configuration.

Each seat features a 110V AC in-seat power supply for use with a laptop and portable electronic devices that requires no adapter cable.

Inflight video entertainment is through 15" and 9" wall- and ceiling-mounted LCD monitors.

Meals are served on Wedgwood chinaware.

Economy Class

Seats are upholstered in a variety of colours: cherry red; celadon green; and aqua blue.

Selected seats feature a 110V AC in-seat power supply for use with a laptop and portable electronic devices that requires no adapter cable.

Inflight video entertainment is through 15" and 9" wall- and ceiling-mounted LCD monitors.

Meals are served on new, colourful serviceware.

Dragonair is a Hong Kong-based airline, operating a fleet of nine A330-300s  four A321s and eight A320s, in addition to three Boeing 747-300 freighters. The  airline's passenger network covers 28 destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, while its cargo network connects the markets of Europe, the Middle East, Japan, Taiwan and China Mainland.