Executive airline takes to the skies

Brand Environment is creating an identity and interiors for fledgling UK business airline Duo, which will be unveiled in October to mark the opening of the airline’s second UK base, in Edinburgh. The project is worth in excess of £100 000 in fees to the group.

Duo will compete with European airlines flying to destinations including Oslo, Geneva, Zurich and Milan from Edinburgh. It currently flies to 14 European cities from Birmingham.

Brand Environment has been involved in naming, brand creation and positioning, interiors, communications and graphics, says a consultancy spokeswoman.

Duo aims to bridge the gap between ‘no-frills’ operators and scheduled business carriers to offer a more personal service, she adds. With around 68 seats, the planes are smaller than average and feature only one class of travel.

‘It’s an executive jet feel. The idea behind the brand is personal service and understated confidence,’ she explains.

Brand Environment was appointed at the end of last year after winning a pitch against Turner Duckworth and Cada.

Duo Airways was previously franchised to British Airways from Danish airline Maersk Air. Duo is the result of a management buyout earlier this year.

The company’s Scottish routes were launched after it received aid from a Scottish Executive fund designed to boost the number of direct international services from Scottish airports.