Hawaiian Airlines has strived to give passengers that Hawaiian feeling from the moment they board its new fleet of 18 A321neos by evoking the natural splendor of Hawai’i in the cabin through clever use of color and form.
The medium-haul, 189-seat A321neo aircraft – being delivered between Q4 2017 and 2020 – will usher in Hawaiian’s next growth era when they enter the carrier’s western US network, complementing Hawaiian’s fleet of long-haul, twin-aisle aircraft used for flying between Hawai’i and the US mainland and 11 international destinations (details of the A330 cabins HERE), and its narrow-body Boeing 717 fleet flying short, interisland routes.
“Hawaiian presented JPA Design with a unique proposition and set of creative challenges,” said Tim Manson, design director of the airline’s chosen design partner, JPA Design. “Collaborating closely with the team at Hawaiian, we crafted a cabin interior that draws inspiration from Hawaii’s rich past and contemporary present. Symbolism from Hawaii’s story is woven throughout the cabin interiors, subtly immersing guests in an environment that brings an elevated authentic premium leisure experience.”
Seating throughout the three-class A321neos has been created in partnership with B/E Aerospace. The 16-seat Premium Cabin will be appointed with leather recliners, and a custom lighting fixture incorporating Hawaiian’s signature ‘wave’ motif. The 45 Extra Comfort premium economy seats will offer 5in more legroom than in the 128-seat economy cabin, priority boarding and other perks. Seats in all cabins will be equipped with high-power USB outlets for device charging, while guests in the Premium Cabin and Extra Comfort seats can also access AC power outlets. All seats will also feature device holders so guests can make the most of the airline’s new wireless streaming IFE offer.
Textiles and other materials throughout the cabin pay homage to traditional Hawaiian crafts, from bark cloth (kapa) to fishing nets. The design teams have strived to maintain visual interest throughout the journey, through subtle details such as the Hawaiian language used in signage, to unexpected textures, to custom floor and wall laminates in each lavatory.
“With each cabin, we try to integrate a sense of identity and place, while remaining fresh and modern in our design language,” said Avi Mannis, the airline’s senior vice president of marketing. “In that sense the A321neo has provided a superb canvas on which to project a sense of modern Hawai’i.”
New to Hawaiian’s guest experience, the A321neo will feature wireless streaming inflight entertainment. Guests will be able to download an application on their personal devices before they board to enjoy a wide selection of complimentary movies, TV shows, and Hawai’i content available exclusively through the airline’s Hawaiian Skies channel. Holders for personal hand-held devices and tablets will be integrated into the tray tables of the Premium Cabin as well as the first row of Extra Comfort, and built into the backrest of all other seats in the aircraft.
For a virtual tour of Hawaiian’s A321neo design, visit HawaiianAirlines.com/A321neo
