Hawaiian Airlines Announces Premium Lie-Flat Seating

Image provided by Hawaiian Airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines today announced plans to introduce new luxury design elements and enhanced service options in its A330 premium cabins, including the addition of 180-degree lie-flat seats.

The airline has developed its new seats in partnership with Optimares, an Italian manufacturer focused on traveler-centric design.

“We have designed an experience that will usher in a new era in premium service to Hawai’i, one that resulted from a thorough review of guest feedback and intensive research to develop a best-in-class product for our long haul aircraft,” said Mark Dunkerley, president and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. “Together with our partners at Optimares and PaulWylde, we have created a truly bespoke design that delivers world-class comfort and style, while staying true to our island roots. Whether traveling for business, with family or on a romantic retreat, the new premium cabin evokes an engaging bold, contemporary sense of Hawai‘i, complemented by the warm aloha spirit of our cabin crew. We’re creating an environment of tranquility and comfort in the air.”

The 180-degree seats will use an innovative seat platform to fold into 76-inch beds, maximizing space for travelers while providing options for privacy as well as a shared flight experience.

The airline will also feature an advanced in-flight entertainment experience powered by the next generation of large-format tablets and equipped with a telescoping tablet arm that adjusts to optimize viewing angle and comfort.

“The new premium class product implemented exclusively for Hawaiian Airlines by Optimares has been developed around a clear strategic vision shared between the teams,” said Alessandro Braca, CEO of Optimares. “The product has been created for the unique needs and expectations of the Hawaiian Airlines guest, combining high-tech solutions and a truly innovative design.”

Hawaiian worked with West Coast-based brand and design consultancy PaulWylde to translate the airline’s signature design, rooted in the natural colors and forms of the island landscape, into the cabin experience.

The cabin design will incorporate flowing curves evocative of the winds and ocean, while combining organic textures, pops of bright saturated color, and luxury materials like leather from Poltrona Frau.

“There’s an undeniable magic to Hawaiian,” said Paul Wylde, founder, CEO and creative director. “The airline has such a rich culture and romantic brand identity that stands out from other airlines with distinction. It’s a designer’s dream to be able to translate this brand expression into the modern aircraft cabin environment. Our challenge was to balance a modern, stylish and premium aesthetic that’s increasingly expected from guests with the unique authenticity, culture and color of Hawai‘i—a destination that many compare to paradise.”

Hawaiian, PaulWylde and Optimares collaborated to ensure the seat and cabins are uniquely tailored to the needs of the Hawaii traveler. The seats will be installed in a 2-2-2 configuration ideally suited for couples and families.

The first newly outfitted aircraft is expected to enter Hawaiian’s long-haul network in the second quarter of 2016. The airline will begin installing lie-flat seats in the remaining 22 A330 aircraft in September 2016 through 2017.

As part of the cabin redesign, Hawaiian also announced it will add 28 additional Extra Comfort seats on each A330 aircraft in response to growing demand for its popular premium economy service. The option features 36 inches of seat pitch, priority boarding at the gate, complimentary on-demand in-seat entertainment and a personal power outlet.

Today, Hawaiian’s wide-body, twin-aisle Airbus 330-200 aircraft seats 294 passengers, with 18 in Business/First Class, 40 in Extra Comfort and 236 in the Main Cabin.

The new configuration will seat 278 passengers, with 18 in Business/First Class, 68 in Extra Comfort and 192 in the Main Cabin. Seat pitch in the Main Cabin will remain a roomy 31 inches.

Hawaiian operates its A330 aircraft on the majority of its North American and international routes. Amenities include personal on-demand entertainment system, comfortable legroom and a roomy interior. Adding to the enjoyment of the travel experience is the carrier’s signature onboard hospitality program, Mea Ho‘okipa (“I am host”). Travelers are treated to island-inspired complimentary meals and made-in-Hawai‘i snacks to go along with the airline’s engaging presentation of the islands’ culture, people and aloha spirit throughout the flight.

For more information, visit HawaiianAirlines.com.