Aviation

Southwest Airlines Reveals New Plans for Cabin Design, Seats, and Uniforms

Southwest Airlines Co. is introducing a new look and feel, with plans for redesigned aircraft cabin conveniences and interiors that are distinctly Southwest®, as well as new RECARO aircraft seats. Along with these efforts, Southwest has announced a refresh of its employee uniforms, giving more than 53,000 Southwest employees a more modern look.

New Interior Design and Seats to Enhance Cabin Comfort

For new aircraft deliveries starting next year, Southwest Airlines and Tangerine, a top transportation-focused design firm, will collaborate to update the cabin interior. The design is the result of in-depth research on how employees and customers view colour, comfort, and the overall onboard experience. With its deep blue tones, sky blue accents, and a nod to the Southwest Heart woven throughout the carpet, the design captures the warm energy of the Southwest.

Southwest chose the world-renowned manufacturer of luxury airplane seats, RECARO, as part of this update to offer cosy seating that goes well with the serene blue colour scheme intended for the renovated cabin. This decision was made based on customer research and product testing. Along with a sunray pattern on the seats, the iconic Southwest Heart emblem will be stitched throughout the interior. It will be debossed on the headrests of the seats. swa

The new RECARO seats feature an intuitively designed seat for maximum comfort while optimising seat width and overall support, as well as a multi-adjustable headrest cushion for improved head and neck support. To further enhance the experience, every seat will come equipped with a personal electronic device holder, enabling customers to conveniently enjoy free in-flight entertainment on their devices.

Newly-Designed Employee Uniforms Will Also Take to the Sky

Additionally, a Uniform Inspiration Team with 75 southwest Employees is working alongside current apparel vendor, Design Collective by Cintas, and uniform brand consultant and fashion stylist, Bonnie Markel, to develop the new look for Southwest Employees who work in and around airports, including Inflight Operations, Ground Operations, Cargo, and Technical Operations.

Airlines

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

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To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

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In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.