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Paul Edwards
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Head of Design and Brand Management Airbus
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Paul leads the application of strategic design across all Airbus cabins. Prior to joining Airbus, he was a senior design manager for Philips Design and before that Virgin Atlantic, where he helped conceive the premium economy experience. Paul has worked on both Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including the A340600, A380 and 787.
To read Paul’s full Q&A, please visit us online at > APEX.AERO/ PAULEDWARDS
Airline Passenger Experience Association
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hat’s exciting about aircraft cabins of the future? Passengers are becoming more aware of the airline and aircraft type they are flying, increasing the need for product differentiation. What excites me is how changes in society (such as an aging population), diverging airline business models and advances in materials and technology could have an impact on aircraft cabins of the future. What is most important when it comes to onboard comfort? At the core of Airspace is comfort, which is influenced by ambience, service and design. For example, our cabins are the quietest on the market; less background noise means less stress, making it easier for passengers to relax and sleep. Comfort is as much about things you can see as those you can’t, and also about a combination of elements rather than one specific feature. How has in-flight connectivity affected cabin design? From seating designed to accommodate portable electronic devices to cabin crew using connected devices to improve efficiency and service on board, this is one area that can enhance the travel experience for passengers and crew, as well as potentially driving revenue for airlines. Every job has a cool factor. What’s yours? Being located in Hamburg, we are really close to our assembly lines. Seeing aircraft
being built and delivered is really inspiring. However, for me, working with great people and interesting customers is a big part of what makes my job cool. What’s the best seat on the plane? Many people like the aisle seat, but I prefer to sit next to the sidewall – and not just for the view out the window. Our sidewalls are sculpted and designed to give the passenger as much space as possible, so I always have enough room for my head and shoulders! Two things that you miss most about home when you’re traveling? Time with my family and being able to make a good cup of tea! Craziest travel experience? I once flew from Heathrow all the way to the Farnborough Airshow. I was working for Virgin Atlantic at the time and they were the launch customer of the A340-600. It felt as though we literally jumped over the fence! Your top three films of all time? Rear Window, Bullitt and Blade Runner. If you could sit next to anyone on a plane, who would it be? My heroes growing up were Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, so they would be high on my list. If not them, it would be Alvar Aalto or Raymond Loewy, design heroes who really changed the world we experience.
volume 7, edition 2
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