Concorde fit-out from Factory

Factory Design is developing new interiors for British Airways’ seven-strong Concorde fleet in a £14m redesign project. The first aircraft will be refitted in June 2000. BA is unsure how long the subsequent roll-out will take.

The London consultancy will work alongside BA’s design management team to create new seats, washrooms and galleys. Meanwhile, CD Partnership is advising on colours, fabrics and accessories for the planes.

Passengers are being consulted for their views on the redesign. BA chief executive Bob Ayling says: “We want to ensure that our most regular passengers are involved and contributing to the plans.”

Factory Design managing director Peter Tennent says Concorde’s existing interior design, which was refitted in 1993, “could be better. The aim is to bring the elegance of the outside of the planes inside”.

CD Partnership’s appointment follows its redesign of the Concorde lounge at JFK airport in New York last year. CD Partnership director Richard Doone says: “We have striven to create designs and put forward ideas that embody the very essence of Concorde’s innovation, energy, dynamism and glamour.”

The airline is investing heavily in the interiors due to the high cost of manufacturing completely new supersonic planes. The flagship fleet will also front BA’s move into the 21st century.

“Concorde captures the spirit of innovation and excitement wherever she flies. This investment is a measure of our commitment to continue flying the only supersonic commercial aircraft well into the next millennium,” claims Ayling.