DESIGN B R I EF
aircraftinteriorsinternational.com
020 JUNE 2019
HOUR HOUSE
VERDICT
Some of the ideas for the Flex Booths may be a little
fanciful, but one should not focus on the details.
Ultraflex is a good starting point for airlines seeking
a conversation about creating a great ultra long-haul
passenger experience, with scope to create further
solutions and refinements within the space.
Such a space could even open up new
opportunities for airlines to charge an ancillary fee
for access to the space, or to generate revenue
through sponsorship of the product display space.
The design fits well with recent research by
Qantas, in collaboration with Sydney University’s
Charles Perkins Centre, which found that people
have expressed a desire for ‘sense of separation’
experiences for ultra long-haul flights, including
social spaces and private zones.
THE BRIEF
With ultra long-haul flights approaching reality, the stopover could
become a thing of the past – potentially as soon as 2022, if Qantas’
Project Sunrise plans go ahead. However, flight durations of around
20 hours will not be an attractive proposition for passengers unless
new onboard experiences are added to keep them feeling healthy
and entertained.
DESCRIPTION
The solution offered by AIM Altitude is Ultraflex, a multi-functional
social space concept. At the heart of the space are a range of
central half-height monuments, which link the floorplan together
and offer stowage space for half-size carts. The units can also help
promote social interaction, serving as anything from a standing
desk to a retail space, to a bar unit. A sculpted and padded surround
gives the units a contemporary style, and also enables them to
serve as ‘perching pads’ for passengers to lean on, as a comfortable
and space-efficient way to enjoy the space.
These units are flanked by full-height monuments, one with
a focus on entertainment, its flexible design enabling uses such
as a pop-up bar for watching live sporting events on the IFE
display. Meanwhile, the forward centre ‘deli galley’ located
opposite is designed to feel inviting to passengers, who will feel
drawn to its self-service display cabinets.
Flanking the space are multi-functional ‘Flex Booths’. These
versatile destination monuments can be customised with various
themes and modes, according to customer and/or route profiles.
For example, two private spaces can be specified, which would be
suitable for anything from a romantic meal to a work presentation,
or even a yoga or prayer area if the bench seating and credenza
table are stowed away.
Further Flex Booth options include a simple but useful sofa area,
or even exercise stations comprising a desk, a cycle seat, step plates
and a massaging muscle-roller so that low-resistance exercises can
be performed whilst working or enjoying IFE content. This threeperson
space is intended to provide an easy and fun way for
passengers to keep blood circulating and to reduce stiffness and
discomfort during the flight.
/aircraftinteriorsinternational.com