AIX: Flying Palace lives up to its namesake

Gary Doy, director at Design Q says the task is significant.  “The A380 offers an incredible canvas on which to create an exceptional VVIP aircraft. At Design Q we believe it is our role to create designs that not only fulfil the customers’ expectations but also raise the bar, truly taking their breath away. This aircraft is all about the ultimate luxury travel experience and exudes confidence and commitment on the part of the owner.”

Noureddine Madoui, managing director North Africa & Middle East, Case4de, emphasises the complexity of such a completion. “There are many technical and certification challenges on this project however we are confident given the experience we have of this aircraft that the concept we have developed with Design Q is feasible from an engineering perspective and can be delivered to the highest of standards.”

The Flying Palace will truly live up to its moniker. A grand entrance hall with a floating spiral staircase joining three floors in the front section of the aircraft leads to a large boardroom and private lounge. The boardroom can either be open to the main entrance hall creating the feeling of a vast room or closed for private meetings. The boardroom is crammed with “class-leading technology” allowing the owner access to multimedia feeds from around the world without leaving his seat at the head of the table. Clever mood-lighting and display technology is used to immerse the guests in an array of ambient environments providing a unique “journey within a journey”.

A separate entrance, fit for a king, has been devised in the forward area of the aircraft. A private lift allows the principal to enter the aircraft from the ground providing both a sense of occasion and an effortless travel experience. Once in the aircraft the lift is used to travel between floors forming part of the principals own private area and an entrance to the more public grand hall.