Concept launched: Q4 2025
Elements: Interior design, Technology, Comfort
Saudia’s team took its inspiration from the natural landscapes of its home base, Saudi Arabia, to create an exciting new design for its A321Xlr, coinciding with the launch of a new high-tech Business class suite.
The design concept for the A321XLR cabin was based on three key design principles identified to ensure an holistic approach to the project.
First was a determination to create a cabin that reflected the theme: ‘Excitement of Contrast’ and through this the intention was to reflect the diversity and variety of Saudi Arabia.
Second was a focus on a colour theme: ‘Cycle of the Day’ which was to offer an homogeneous and yet wide ranging colour spectrum with tones reflecting dawn, zenith and dusk.
The third pillar of the design was to be the airline’s new signature colour ‘alula’, a vibrant tan, chosen to signal progress and give a contemporary feel while also paying homage to the deserts and supporting Saudi’s position as the ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s unique landscapes.
Holistic design
An holistic design approach took account of the entire cabin but sought to offer a clear differentiation between the cabin classes.
The ‘Cycle of the Day’ influences included a light and cool colour scheme for the front of the aircraft, transforming gradually through to a warmer and more contrasting scheme, and on to a darker cooler tone at the rear of the aircraft.
Meanwhile, the ’Clarity of Dawn’ concept was the inspiration for the entrance area and galley where light and cool colours provide a fresh and welcoming palette.
In the Business class cabin ‘Vivid Zenith’ was the inspiration, resulting in a rich and warm palette with lots of contrast for a vivid finish.
In the Economy cabin, ‘Mystic Dusk’ was the inspiration, bringing a darker palette with a few touches of colour to create a cool and calming atmosphere.
All areas share the tan alula. The applied trims and finishes play with contrast, and were chosen to have an evolving effect through the day when combined with daylight and sunshine.
Premium atmosphere
In Business class, contrasting colours and materials have been chosen to create a rich and premium atmosphere allowing the passenger to feel welcomed and quickly comfortable as they settle easily into their personal space.
The colours and materials drew on the nature of Saudi Arabia combined with modern and subtle patterns. Rock formations, sand dunes and palm leaves stood model for the carpet design, the wall patterns and the weaving pattern of the seat fabric.
The new colours, concept and motif were applied on all soft products too including pillows and blankets, and are reflected in the inflight entertainment too.
The seat itself is an inviting environment with a strong contrasting colour palette and a comfortable appearance thanks to the use of premium materials including synthetic stone surfaces, genuine leather, and soft paddings with elaborate patterns.
The signature colour, alula, is used in all the key touchpoint areas for emphasis, and is supported by the high-end, rose-gold metal-plating finish for key elements.
The seat has a full lie–flat bed function and features a privacy door, a closed stowage cabinet for personal items with make-up mirror, a large single leaf meal table, ample stowage space and generous power and charging options.
The seat comes with updated technology including wireless charging in and a 27 inch screen. The exclusively designed reading light adds a touch of refinement and highlights the attention to detail given to the seat.
Companion travel
The Business cabin also has a special front row seat which sees the two front seats used to enhance the travel experience. It does this through a generous layout giving more space and also allowing companion travelling thanks to a sofa style buddy seat, a large screen, and an additional meal table. As a result, the space can be easily enjoyed with company.
Like the standard seat, the front row seat deploys into a full lie flat bed position and offers added comfort due to an integrated bed extension.
