Airlines

ATR Unveils Advanced Design of New All-Business Interior

In a significant development at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2024, ATR has unveiled its cutting-edge All-Business Class configuration, a part of its ATR HighLine collection announced last year.

This innovative interior design, featuring a unique 1-1 layout, aims to redefine luxury in regional air travel. The All-Business Class interior, named ‘ETEREA’, is distinguished by its spacious individual business seats, each offering direct window views and aisle access.

Designed by Geven, these tailor-made seats boast exceptional personal space and privacy, thanks to the ATR’s wider cross-section, which surpasses the comfort levels of narrower regional jets currently in operation.

The ETEREA seats, measuring a generous 21.6 inches in width, provide ample legroom and recline capabilities. Each seat is equipped with a personal side console that functions as both a table and a storage compartment. This thoughtful design maximizes convenience and comfort, catering to the needs of discerning business travelers.

ATR’s All-Business Class interior offers several customization options, including an executive ceiling achieved by removing overhead bins, USB A+C charging ports, in-flight entertainment, high-speed internet access, and premium material finishes. These features collectively create an unparalleled in-flight experience, making regional travel more luxurious and efficient.

Berjaya Air, a Malaysia-based airline, will be the launch customer for the ATR 72-600 HighLine All-Business Class. Starting in 2025, Berjaya Air will deploy two customized aircraft to serve its luxury hotels and resorts. The modification of Berjaya Air’s aircraft will be executed through a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), ensuring the highest standards of safety and performance.

In addition to luxury and comfort, ATR HighLine-equipped aircraft are designed with sustainability in mind. Emitting 45% less CO2 than similar-sized jets, these aircraft are set to revolutionize the regional travel industry by promoting eco-friendly travel solutions and accelerating the decarbonization of regional air mobility.

ATR’s new All-Business Class interior represents a significant leap forward in regional aviation, combining luxury, convenience, and sustainability. With the introduction of the ETEREA seats and the support of launch customer Berjaya Air, ATR is poised to set new standards in the aviation industry, offering an enhanced travel experience for business travelers worldwide.

Airlines

SAS Relaxes Dress Code: Flight Crew Can Wear Sneakers and Show Tattoos

In a bold move to modernize its image and foster inclusivity, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has announced a significant update to its uniform policy.

SAS allows flight attendants to have visible tattoos

Effective immediately, the airline’s flight attendants and front-facing employees are now permitted to display visible tattoos and wear sneakers while on duty. This decision positions SAS among a progressive group of airlines that are reevaluating and relaxing their long-standing grooming and dress code standards.

Starting today, our team members can proudly display their tattoos and wear sneakers while in uniform! This change is a part of our commitment to a modern, inclusive, and welcoming environment. 🧑‍✈️ #flysas pic.twitter.com/eGvTAJ9Lsm— SAS – Scandinavian Airlines (@SAS) July 1, 2024

The announcement was made on Monday, marking a departure from decades-old policies that enforced a strict and uniform appearance among crew members. This shift is part of SAS’s broader commitment to creating a more modern, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

The airline aims to reflect a diverse and contemporary workforce, thereby enhancing its appeal both to current employees and potential recruits. SAS’s new policy reflects a growing trend within the aviation industry, as airlines recognize the importance of individuality and personal expression among their employees.

Virgin Atlantic, Alaska Airlines, and Air Canada have also adopted

By allowing visible tattoos and sneakers, SAS joins the ranks of Virgin Atlantic, Alaska Airlines, and Air Canada, all of which have already made similar changes. This shift is seen as a strategic move to attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive job market.

The decision to relax uniform policies is not without limitations. While SAS is embracing a more casual and expressive dress code, certain guidelines remain in place to ensure a professional appearance. Sneakers must be of an appropriate color that complements the uniform, and tattoos must not be offensive or inappropriate.

These boundaries help balance personal expression with the need to maintain a cohesive and professional brand image. For decades, flight attendants around the world have had to conform to rigid dress codes that restricted visible tattoos and mandated specific footwear.