Tag: Studio

Delta Air Lines to launch new service between Haneda to Honolulu, Hawaii

August 29, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) will launch a nonstop daily service between Tokyo International Airport and Honolulu International Airport on Oct. 28, 2023. The Haneda-Honolulu nonstop service will begin Oct. 29, 2023. This is the first time Delta has offered a service between Haneda and Honolulu after all Tokyo operations were moved from Narita Airport to Haneda in March 2020, the start of which was delayed due to the pandemic.

Delta’s Haneda-Honolulu flight will operate on a Boeing 767-300ER, offering Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin options.

Delta One customers can stretch out in a full flat-bed seat and enjoy premium amenities like artisan-made Someone Somewhere amenity kits, plush bedding made from recycled materials, additional beverage options before take-off, chef-curated meals and decadent desserts like a build-your-own ice cream sundae.

Meanwhile, customers flying in Delta Premium Select will have more space to relax in a wider seat with a deeper recline and an adjustable footrest and leg rest, along with an elevated dining experience, premium hand-crafted amenities and dedicated service touchpoints to further elevate their journey.

Customers in every cabin enjoy seat-back screens featuring hours of complimentary premium entertainment via Delta Studio, in-seat power, high-speed Wi-Fi available for purchase (to be for free by the end of 2024) and free mobile messaging. Delta partners with renowned Chef Norio Ueno to create the Japanese menu served in all cabins.

Eligible customers have access to the Delta Sky Club at both Haneda and Honolulu airports.

Delta schedule* for Haneda (HND) – Honolulu (HNL) flights:

Flight	Departs	Arrives	Operating Day	Aircraft
DL180	Haneda at 9:00 p.m.	Honolulu at 8:55 a.m. (same day)	Daily	B767-300ER
DL181	Honolulu at 2:00 p.m.	Haneda at 6:45 p.m. (next day)	Daily	B767-300ER

*The schedule is subject to change.

Cirrus Aircraft Launches Limited Edition to Commemorate 8,000th Delivery

February 6, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Cirrus Aircraft today unveiled a new Limited Edition aircraft to commemorate the delivery of its 8,000^th SR Series aircraft later this year – the 8000 Limited Edition SR Series. Inspired by the company’s rich history of designing and building aircraft that inspire people to experience the world through personal aviation, the new design features bold colors and unapologetic accents on the exterior and interior.

Echoing the momentum of the runway lines as you prepare for take-off, the 8000 Limited Edition SR Series features an exterior that is impossible to miss. The design is accentuated by an industry-first Volt wing paint scheme, commanding attention on the ground and in the air. The unmistakable graphics and colors carry through into the interior with Volt stitching on the seats and embroidery on the door, and luxury perforated leather on the seats and throttle. In addition to the exciting new design, each of the limited run of eight (8) exclusive 8000 Limited Edition aircraft will be delivered along with a curated series of gifts and events for the new owners.

Cirrus Aircraft’s first high-performance SR Series airplane – the SR20 – was delivered in 1999 and transformed general aviation with intuitive avionics, game-changing performance and revolutionary safety systems, including the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®). The SR Series has been the world’s best-selling single-engine piston for 18 years in a row, with a portfolio that includes the SR20, SR22 and the turbocharged SR22T. Later this year, the company will deliver its 8000^th SR Series aircraft and exceed 11 million flight hours in more than 60 countries around the world.

The sixth generation SR Series – G6 SR Series – quickly reaffirmed Cirrus Aircraft’s position as the industry leader and, once again, raised the benchmark for high performance, single-engine aircraft. The 2017 G6 SR Series launched the high-speed Cirrus Perspective+^TM by Garmin® flight deck, Cirrus Spectra^TM wingtip lighting, premium cockpit connectivity solutions and more. In the following years, the G6 SR Series was further enhanced with flight deck upgrades and new features in connectivity, including the Cirrus Aircraft mobile app powered by Cirrus IQ™ for access to real-time aircraft data from virtually anywhere in the world, flight data streaming and the ability to text or call contacts on the ground with FlightStream 510.

The 8000 Limited Edition SR Series was imagined and designed by the Xi Design Studio – Cirrus Aircraft’s talented in-house personalization team. The Limited Edition continues to expand the Xi Design Studio’s ability to incorporate luxury automobile-inspired details, handcrafted finishes and customization defined and inspired by the owner’s imagination.

JetBlue Unveils Reimagined Mint, Setting Stage to Change Transatlantic Market

February 1, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) today unveiled a reimagined version of its popular Mint experience, which first disrupted the market with a fresh take on premium travel at an “unpremium” price in 2014. JetBlue’s first complete redesign of Mint again sets a new standard – this time on transatlantic flights – featuring 24 private suites with a sliding door for every Mint customer, a custom-designed seat cushion by Tuft & Needle, and countless design touches that help every customer feel at home in the air. As part of the refresh, JetBlue will also introduce its latest innovation, the stunning Mint Studio, which will offer the most space in a premium experience from any U.S. airline (a).

“Mint was an idea to make premium travel across the U.S. less stuffy and more affordable, and its performance has exceeded even our most optimistic expectations of going beyond New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco,” said Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer, JetBlue. “It’s remarkable how Mint’s thoughtful design has resonated with customers as we successfully grew it to more than 30 routes. We put our heart into this redesign of Mint and were inspired by our original vision of offering customers an exceptional experience at a lower fare – which is what JetBlue is all about.”

The first major design overhaul of Mint – designed in partnership with Acumen Design Associates – will launch on JetBlue’s highly anticipated London flights this summer, and a 16-seat layout will debut on a limited number of flights between New York and Los Angeles in 2021.

Introducing the New Mint Experience

We made every seat a suite: Inspired by the popularity of the four private suites in its current Mint configuration, JetBlue’s transatlantic Mint will offer more privacy with 24 individual suites. Every inch of space anticipates customer needs, with features including a tilting 17-inch Thales AVANT seatback screen, wireless charging capabilities, an integrated phone ledge for multitasking, and easy-to-reach in-seat power, as well as laptop, shoe and handbag stowage.

JetBlue is the first carrier to outfit its aircraft with Thompson Aero Seating’s VantageSOLO seat, the company’s revolutionary single aisle seating solution with a herringbone configuration developed and designed specifically for narrow-body aircraft and further customized for JetBlue.
Mint Studio is the pinnacle of space and privacy: The all-new Mint Studio – conceptualized by Acumen and developed in partnership with AIM Altitude – is JetBlue’s latest game-changing innovation, offering the most space in a premium experience from any U.S. airline. Each aircraft will have two Mint Studios in the first row, providing ample room for working or relaxing, and featuring a 22-inch tilting Thales AVANT seatback screen, an extra side table for added productivity, and a guest seat that can accommodate an additional Mint customer during flight at cruising altitude. When reclined, customers can kick back and relax on the largest lie-flat bed of any U.S. carrier (b).
Our proprietary seat design is truly a bed in the sky: JetBlue tapped Tuft & Needle, the innovative mattress company that pioneered the bed-in-a-box trend, to shape the entire Mint sleep experience onboard. Engineered for comfort, every Mint seat is layered with Tuft & Needle’s proprietary T&N Adaptive® foam and a breathable cover to create a cool and comfortable sleep experience unlike anything in the sky. The seat complements additional sleep amenities developed in partnership with the brand, including a convertible blanket with a built-in foot pocket, a memory foam lined pillow with a pillowcase, and a snooze kit with a matching eye mask and earplugs.

Bringing the JetBlue Touch to Transatlantic Travel

JetBlue’s latest version of Mint will feature a thoughtful, residential-inspired design and custom-for-JetBlue touches throughout the cabin interior.

Residential textures, such as flannel-covered privacy dividers, concrete lampshades, woodgrain table patterns and soft, vegan leather-covered seats and headrests, make customers feel at home in the air.
Custom-created suite gradient panels bring light into the cabin, while patterned door shrouds with the signature Mint leaf make a bold brand statement in a functional way.
First-of-its-kind mood lighting enhances the inflight experience, and a welcoming blue floor arc helps direct the customer boarding flow.

Transatlantic Mint product features and design elements, combined with the award-winning service from hospitality-trained Mint inflight crewmembers, will offer an elevated flying experience for a fraction of what other airlines charge for premium seats.

Ford GT Heritage Edition Celebrate Storied 1966 Daytona Win

August 20, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

2021 Ford GT Heritage Edition inspired by the GT40 MK II’s 1966 Daytona 24 Hour Continental race victory!

– Ford Performance unveils new Ford GT Heritage Edition inspired by the 1966 Daytona 24 Hour Continental, a stylish Frozen White with exposed carbon fiber and Race Red livery that pays homage to the 55th anniversary of the epic race where Ford achieved its first 24-hour endurance win

– Exclusive Ford GT Studio Collection offers even more exclusivity with unique and widely customizable design features in a limited-availability package for only 40 Ford GT supercars slated for production across the 2021 and 2022 model years

– New 2021 Ford GT Heritage Edition and Studio Collection are the pinnacle of Petersen Car Week, which started airing Wednesday on the Petersen Museum’s YouTube channel, which includes highlights include several virtual events featuring 25 hours of original content from manufacturers and enthusiasts, plus automotive lifestyle and auction house activities

The Ford GT is America’s only Le Mans-winning supercar, and taking this pinnacle of Ford Performance even further for 2021, Ford is revealing two new enhancements today – the first-ever Heritage Edition inspired by the original model’s first endurance win at the 1966 Daytona 24 Hour Continental race, plus an all-new Studio Collection package offers even more exclusivity and design enhancements.

“For this Heritage Edition, the Ford Performance team went deeper into the Ford GT’s race history and crafted a limited-edition model that stylistically honors the 55th anniversary of the Daytona 24 Hour endurance race that would eventually lead to our successes at Le Mans,” said Mike Severson, Ford GT program manager. “Plus, for customers who want to highlight the carbon-fiber body and functional cooling ducts that help deliver Le Mans-winning performance, the Ford GT Studio Collection offers another new way GT fans can personalize their supercars.”

The announcement of two new variants of the Ford GT were the highlights at the conclusion of 2020 Petersen Car Week, which started airing Wednesday on the museum’s YouTube channel. The virtual event featured 25 hours of original content from manufacturers and enthusiasts, along with automotive lifestyle and auction house activities.

Click the image below to watch the video!

Porsche and Boeing Partner on Premium Urban Air Mobility Market

October 10, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

– Companies sign MOU to investigate product development for premium market

– Builds on efforts to develop new urban air mobility ecosystem

STUTTGART, Germany and CHICAGO, Oct. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Porsche and Boeing [NYSE: BA] signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the premium urban air mobility market and the extension of urban traffic into airspace. With this partnership, both companies will leverage their unique market strengths and insights to study the future of premium personal urban air mobility vehicles.

“Porsche is looking to enhance its scope as a sports car manufacturer by becoming a leading brand for premium mobility. In the longer term, this could mean moving into the third dimension of travel,” says Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. “We are combining the strengths of two leading global companies to address a potential key market segment of the future.”

As part of the partnership, the companies will create an international team to address various aspects of urban air mobility, including analysis of the market potential for premium vehicles and possible use cases.

Boeing, Porsche and Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences are also developing a concept for a fully electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle. Engineers from both companies, as well as Porsche subsidiaries Porsche Engineering Services GmbH and Studio F.A. Porsche, will implement and test a prototype.

“This collaboration builds on our efforts to develop a safe and efficient new mobility ecosystem, and provides an opportunity to investigate the development of a premium urban air mobility vehicle with a leading automotive brand,” said Steve Nordlund, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing NeXt, an organization that is laying the foundation for a next-generation mobility ecosystem in which autonomous and piloted vehicles can safely coexist. “Porsche and Boeing together bring precision engineering, style and innovation to accelerate urban air mobility worldwide.”

A 2018 study by Porsche Consulting forecasts that the urban air mobility market will pick up speed after 2025. The study also indicates that urban air mobility solutions will transport passengers more quickly and efficiently than current conventional means of terrestrial transport, at a lower cost and with greater flexibility.

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As the top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

Lexus Premieres New Luxury Yacht

September 25, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

New embodiment of Lexus’ commitment to deliver innovative and amazing experiences
Expressing the Lexus design language a new in the form of a 65‑foot yacht
Exceptional performance and quietness befitting a maritime flagship
An extraordinary user experience created by advanced technology
High-quality craftsmanship and Toyota Production System built-in quality

Boca Raton, Fla. (September 19, 2019)— In its continuing challenge to deliver innovative and amazing experiences to its customers, Lexus held the world premiere of its first luxury yacht, the Lexus LY 650, today in Boca Raton.

The LY 650 is a new embodiment of Lexus’ challenge to go beyond the automobile to deliver innovative and amazing experiences. Based on the Lexus Sport Yacht Concept first shown in January 2017, the LY 650 features unique styling and superb cruising performance. Lexus – which aspires to be a true luxury lifestyle brand – has fused advanced technology and craftsmanship to provide an irreplaceable experience that stimulates the senses and exceeds owner expectations, even at sea. This LY 650 flagship yacht is the new embodiment of the Lexus “CRAFTED” philosophy, to which exquisite attention to detail and anticipatory hospitality are applied in every possible aspect.

The shape of the hull, the abundant volume of the stern, and other elements, in addition to beautiful curved lines, give the LY 650 unprecedented and distinctive exterior styling. Collaboration with Italian yacht design studio Nuvolari Lenard*¹ has resulted in an advanced design and a comfortable interior living space that exemplifies high quality in every detail. Furthermore, in pursuit of cruising that achieves the exhilarating performance of a Lexus, the yacht rides on a light and highly rigid composite hull that combines CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced plastic) and GFRP (glass fiber-reinforced plastic), and was jointly developed with Marquis Yachts LLC*². Additionally, the LY 650 is equipped with LY-Link, an advanced connectivity technology for boating that shares timely information and provides control of various yacht functions.

The LY 650 is built in collaboration with the craftspeople of Marquis Yachts in Pulaski, Wisconsin, USA. With the start of LY 650 manufacturing, Marquis Yachts has applied the famous Toyota Production System in its production processes to improve production efficiencies and quality. The new yacht will appear at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in Florida Oct. 30 – Nov. 3, 2019.

President Akio Toyoda commented: “The LY 650 symbolizes the challenge taken by Lexus, which aspires to be a true luxury lifestyle brand, to venture beyond the automobile. A collaborative team between Toyota and Marquis Yachts introduced the Toyota Production System to the boat manufacturing facility to improve productivity and quality. This allowed the Lexus “CRAFTED” philosophy of anticipatory hospitality and meticulous attention to detail to become a reality in the form of a luxury yacht. I am truly looking forward to seeing the advanced, high quality LY650 display its beauty on the oceans across the globe. As a mobility company, we are pursuing new possibilities for mobility even on the sea.”

Click the link for the full story! https://pressroom.lexus.com/lexus-premieres-new-luxury-yacht-new-embodiment-of-lexus-commitment-to-deliver-innovative-and-amazing-experiences/

Alaska Airlines Announces New Service to San Luis Obispo

September 4, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Daily nonstop flights will connect Southern California and the Pacific Northwest to San Luis Obispo

SEATTLE, Sept. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Alaska Airlines announced today it will launch daily nonstop service between San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport and San Diego International Airport on Jan. 7, 2020, and San Luis Obispo Regional Airport and Portland International Airport on June 18, 2020. The new destination offers travel enthusiasts from Southern California and the Pacific Northwest easier connectivity to California’s fastest growing wine and recreation region. Tickets are on sale now.

Alaska Airlines announces new service from San Luis Obispo

“We are excited to add nonstop service to San Diego and Portland, Oregon, from San Luis Obispo, furthering our commitment to California’s Central Coast,” said Brett Catlin, Alaska Airlines managing director of capacity planning and alliances. “Whether visiting nearby Paso Robles to experience the renowned food and wine scene, cycling through hills and vistas, or enjoying our on-board West Coast-inspired food and beverage menu, Alaska guests can look forward to experiencing our award-winning service.”

“These new Alaska Airlines flights are the successful outcome of years of planning and coordination,” said Kevin Bumen, A.A.E., San Luis Obispo airport director. “With the help of our community partners, the county and the airport are excited to bring these new opportunities to our travelers, and to provide deeper connections into the Alaska Airlines network.”

Alaska will operate once daily nonstop service between San Luis Obispo and San Diego, and between San Luis Obispo and Portland, Oregon. Guests can begin booking travel today. The new routes further amplify Alaska’s commitment to the California market, building on recently-announced service additions linking San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego to destinations including Anchorage, Boise, Spokane and Redmond/Bend.

San Luis Obispo, well-known for its wine and food scene, is a key new market for the airline and underscores Alaska’s commitment to providing guests with bright flavors inspired by the West Coast. Alaska has a long-standing partnership with Broken Earth Winery, based in nearby Paso Robles, California, and currently serves noteworthy wine blends on all Main Cabin flights.

With Alaska’s much-loved Wine Flies Free program, wine aficionados can check a case of wine with no baggage fee, after visiting 31 West Coast cities, including San Luis Obispo. For sports enthusiasts looking to break a sweat while on vacation, Alaska’s sports equipment checked bag program is one to take advantage of.

To celebrate the start of service, Alaska and the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport hosted a press conference and celebration today. During the event, the airport unveiled a specially commissioned chalk mural by local artist Rachel Hamann, of Dot + Cross Studio, who created the artwork over the past week. The mural, which encompasses the airport’s two-story parking elevator and is highly visible to all airport visitors, is a whimsical take on vintage airplane banners and features the Alaska logo and iconic aircraft tail.

Alaska Airlines and its regional partners fly 46 million guests a year to more than 115 destinations with an average of 1,200 daily flights across the United Statesand to Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica. Alaska Airlines ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers in North America” in the J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction Study for 12 consecutive years from 2008 to 2019. Learn about Alaska’s award-winning service at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (ALK).

Studio ORD Selected to Design New O’Hare Terminal

April 2, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

The expansion project at Chicago O’Hare is expected to cost $8.5 billion and is hoped to increase the ease with which passengers travel through the terminal, increasing the passenger experience.

The City of Chicago has announced the selection of an architect team to lead the design of the unprecedented $8.5 billion expansion programme for O’Hare International Airport. Studio ORD has been selected to design the new O’Hare Global Terminal and Global Concourse. Studio ORD will work with the City of Chicago and the airlines to design the new Global Terminal and Concourse.

Click the link below for the full story! https://www.internationalairportreview.com/news/83778/studio-ord-design-chicago-terminal/

Dezeen’s top 10 skyscrapers of 2018

December 13, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

In keeping with todays architecture theme, reporter India Block picks 10 of the year’s best skyscrapers for our review of 2018, from one sporting a 100-metre-high waterfall to the northernmost tower block in the world.

Towering 170 metres over Milan, the Generali Tower expresses Zaha Hadid Architects’ signature curves in a helical twist that runs through the tower.

No two floors are aligned inside the 44-storey skyscraper, hence the nickname “the twisted one”. Now the city’s third-tallest building, it stands together with Arata Isozaki’s 202-metre high Allianz Tower and the incomplete 175-metre tall PwC tower by Studio Libeskind on Milan’s former expo site.

Click the link below for the full story!

https://www.dezeen.com/2018/12/11/top-10-skyscrapers-2018/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily%20Dezeen&utm_content=Daily%20Dezeen+CID_3d991e789379574a3e1c77cfd48c90eb&utm_source=Dezeen%20Mail&utm_term=Dezeens%20top%2010%20skyscrapers%20of%202018

Tencent Headquarters, Shenzhen, China by NBBJ

LA Airplane Hangar Becomes Google Spruce Goose Office

December 6, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

American studio ZGF Architects has transformed the interior of a 1940s hangar in Los Angeles into a Google office, featuring open workspaces, elevated walkways and exposed timber beams.

The office, called Google Spruce Goose, is located in Playa Vista – a neighbourhood near LAX airport. The project entailed the overhaul of a large timber-framed hangar that was constructed in 1943 by Howard Hughes, the famed businessman, film producer and pilot.

Measuring 750 feet (229 metres) in length, the facility was built for the construction of the H-4 Hercules airplane, nicknamed the Spruce Goose due to its massive size and wooden structure.

Click the link below for the full story and pictures!

Google Spruce Goose Office

The original Spruce Goose now resides in the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.

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