Summary:
- Discover Airlines unveils a next-generation long-haul cabin concept as part of a three-digit million-euro investment, retrofitting its Airbus A330 fleet to elevate the leisure travel experience across all classes.
- The new ‘Ocean Blue’ cabin delivers a holistic passenger experience upgrade, combining human-centric lighting, modern design, enhanced privacy and comfort, and premium seating innovations from Economy through Business Class Suites.
- From connectivity to cabin differentiation, larger 4K screens, Bluetooth audio, USB-C power, wireless charging and improved ergonomics reflect how airlines are using digital and product innovation to compete in the long-haul leisure segment.
Discover Airlines – part of Lufthansa Group – is equipping its long-haul fleet, comprising 16 Airbus A330-300s, with a completely new cabin. The leisure airline is introducing the latest product generation in all three travel classes, aiming to create a customer experience of the highest standard.
The first aircraft with the new cabin will be operational in April 2027, with the rest of the Airbus A330 fleet to be retrofitted gradually thereafter. All aircraft are scheduled to be equipped with the new cabin by mid-2028. After the refit, each Airbus A330 will have 288 seats: 227 in Economy Class, 31 in Premium Economy Class, and 30 in Business Class.
The new cabin is called ‘Ocean Blue’ and is inspired by the vastness and colours of the ocean. The new cabin has a modern and elegant appearance: bold blue tones, clear shapes, selected colour accents, and fine details create a high-quality ambience that extends across all three classes. The cabin concept is complemented by human-centric lighting, which uses different light colours to support passengers’ biorhythms and contribute to their well-being onboard.
The name ‘Ocean Blue’ is also an homage to the company’s history: Discover Airlines started in 2020 as an internal project under the name ‘Ocean’.
“With this investment, we are setting new standards for long-haul leisure flights,” said Discover Airlines CEO Ulrich Lindner. “Five years after our founding, we are investing a three-digit million euro sum specifically in comfort, quality, and the travel experience of our guests. This is a clear commitment to the further development of Discover Airlines. We are proud of what we have achieved and look forward to welcoming our guests to the new ‘Ocean Blue’ cabin soon.”
The new cabin provides an upgrade in all travel classes:
- Economy Class: Thanks to optimised seating, passengers will benefit from more legroom and a comfortable seat angle. The 6-way adjustable headrest and increased storage space further enhance comfort on long journeys. As before, passengers can also book seats with significantly more legroom on request.
- Premium Economy Class: With ‘Ocean Blue’, Discover Airlines is significantly improving the Premium Economy offering and providing a top-of-the-range product within the leisure segment. The seat uses an innovative hard-shell design. It can be adjusted effortlessly without disturbing fellow passengers. Discreet privacy screens ensure greater privacy. A large seat recline, an integrated leg rest, and built-in reading lights allow for flexible and comfortable seating positions.
- Business Class: The 1-2-1 configuration gives every seat direct access to the aisle. Around half of the seats are paired seats, with an adjustable privacy divider. As before, the seats can be converted into a flat bed approximately two metres long. Compared to today’s model, they offer significantly more privacy, personal space, and storage options.
- Business Class Suite: A special highlight are the two new Business Class Suite seats in the front row, with sliding doors approximately 1.2m high, 32-inch monitors, generous open legroom, more space and storage, and an expanded culinary offering. Thanks to the privacy divider, the suite can be used together or separately.
Meanwhile, all classes feature significantly larger 4K touchscreens with integrated Bluetooth functionality for connecting personal devices such as headphones. In Economy Class, USB-C ports are available at every seat. Business Class and Premium Economy offer USB-C and power outlets, as well as wireless charging. In Premium Economy, travellers can enjoy noise-cancelling headphones for the first time.
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