PHOTO: Has Airbus risen to Boeing's challenge with latest private jet interior?

Bluejay cabin concept for Airbus ACJ219 [Photo: Airbus]

A number of high-profile announcements have been made at this year’s European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE) in Switzerland.

From the premiere of Jackie Chan’s Hollywood-style short film to promote the Embraer Legacy 500 private jet (click here to read more and watch the video) to the grand unveiling of Boeing’s BBJ 3 aircraft interiors (click here for photos), the scale has been pretty big.

Of course, Airbus was never going to watch all these announcements in silence. So, what was the European heavyweight’s grand reveal?

Well, Airbus Corporate Jet Centre (ACJC) has been presenting its stunning ACJ319 Bluejay cabin concept. Judge for yourself, I’ve included a photo on this page. P.S. Don’t forget to like my Facebook page to stay updated with the latest aviation photos, videos and stories. Click here to visit!

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Designed by the head of ACJC’s own Creative Design Studio Sylvain Mariat, Airbus states this new cabin configuration maximises use of the space provided by the ACJ319 corporate jet and was inspired by the avant-gardism, shapes and colours of director Stanley Kubrick’s film 2001: A Space Odyssey.

“The contemporary cabin concept’s keystone is its use of light and space in perspectives that can be modulated via translucent partitions between the forward lounge and dining area,” stated a press release.

“These partitions use the latest generation of switchable glass that is able to change from transparent to translucent and vice versa.”

Here’s six more features of the ACJ319 Bluejay cabin concept:

• A high-low table that employs special extensions at its extremities to seat five people without adding new seats
• A decorative light made by the French crystal house Baccarat using fibres of carbon and crystal
• A special U-shaped galley providing crew with a spacious separate area where they can work with ease
• A “bright and airy” washroom with large square shower
• A unique VIP seat inspired by the Charles and Ray Eames-designed Lounge Chair, which has become a classic in the history of modern furniture.
• A fine hologram display that shows the names of arriving guests in soft blue tones – which has never before been seen on a corporate jet and offers a modern complement to the classical crew welcome.

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PHOTO: LOT Polish Airlines welcomes third Boeing 787 Dreamliner



LOT Polish Airlines Boeing 787 [Photo: LOT Polish Airlines]

LOT Polish Airlines has expanded its fleet of Boeing 787s, with a third Dreamliner arriving at Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport this week.

The aircraft, which flew directly from Pain Field Airport near Seattle, was piloted by LOT captain Jerzy Makula (who also brought the first Dreamliner to Poland), in addition to captain Andrzej Szymański and captain Krzysztof Turkiewicz.

I’ve included a photo of the third LOT Polish Airlines (registration number SP-LRC) on this page. Remember to like The Aviation Writer’s Facebook page for more aviation photos, videos and stories. Click here to visit.

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LOT Polish Airlines is planning to reintroduce its Boeings 787s back to regular service from 5th June 2013. The aircraft comes in a three-class setup (Elite Club, Premium Club and Economy class), with enough seating for 252 passengers.

In total, the European airline expects to have five Boeing 787s by August this year.

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Boeing 737 to be converted into aviation-themed restaurant, with waitresses in hostess uniforms

Aviation food for thought [Image: stock.xchng]

Here’s a mouth-watering story for aircraft enthusiasts. An ambitious entrepreneur called Buks Westraad is redeveloping an old Boeing 737 into an aviation-themed restaurant, with waitresses dressed as air hostesses. There’ll be waiters too, who will wear flight captain uniforms.

The aircraft, which was previously owned by Congo Airlines, is now parked as Tempe Airport (outside of Bloemfontein), ready for its grand transformation. According to media reports, the kitchen and dining room will be located below the aircraft.

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“To get hold of the plane was one thing but with a weight of 30 tonnes and a wingspan of 26 metres, it was a logistical challenge to get it to Bloemfontein,” Buks Westraad told SABC News.

Construction of the restaurant and refitting the airplane will start soon and the new owners are hoping to serve their first meals in September 2013.

What are your thoughts on the idea? Will it prove a winner? As always, leave your comments here and don't forget to like my Facebook page to keep updated with the latest aviation stories, photos and videos. Click here to visit.

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