Hawaiian Airlines has completed a comprehensive retrofit on the first of its 18 Boeing 717 aircraft, featuring an island-inspired interior cabin redesign by PaulWylde, and new lightweight main cabin seating from UK-based Acro Aircraft Seating.
Previously, five different cabin configurations were operating among Hawaiian’s neighbor island fleet. When all reconfigurations are complete later this year, the identical galley, lavatory, and 128-seat configuration onboard each aircraft will provide a consistent onboard experience for travelers while decreasing the airline’s operational complexity.
Intended to evoke high-performance automotive design, the new main cabin seats will certainly be comfortable enough for the B717 fleet’s 20- to 60-minute flights. The seatbacks feature a ‘tablet table’ machined from solid aluminum, sized and designed for complimentary beverage service and the use of a tablet device.
The refreshed interior color palette connects travelers with the elements of the islands through earth tones, a deep aqua seat, and accents of fuchsia and sky blue. Contrast stitching in the upholstery brings out natural forms of the islands. Other design elements include new seat covers and leather arm caps in first class; new carpeting, galley flooring and curtains; and new forward windows on certain aircraft.
Paul Wylde, CEO and creative director at PaulWylde design consultancy explained the cabin designs, “We wanted to capture the magic of flying to, and within, a truly unique destination – Hawaii – through color and material, trim and finish. This program is part of a wider strategy that we are leading in integrating the whole onboard experience.
“The B717 first class cabin is appointed in a sophisticated deep espresso leather with sky blue accents, while economy proudly displays a crisp deep aqua, reminiscent of the coral reefs, lagoons and beaches that surround the islands that many people compare to Paradise. A bright fuchsia piping detail ignites the cabin and creates rhythm throughout. A dynamic wave detail, used as an accent texture, captures movement and has connotations of the ocean, while the seat retains a smart, efficient, almost sporty feel.”
The airline’s entire narrow-body fleet, which operates more than 160 short-haul flights daily between the islands of the state, will be retrofitted to feature these new cabin enhancements by the end of 2015.
