Mercedes designs VIP aircraft interior concept

Mercedes-Benz has taken its design team to a new level, pairing with German airline Lufthansa to develop airline interiors for short and medium haul private aircraft.

The collaboration is between Mercedes-Benz Style - the luxury automotive giant's design concept division, which has previously devised furniture, yacht and helicopter concepts - with Lufthansa Technik, a subsidiary of the airline which specialises in retrofitting and customising aircraft.

Together, the two companies will develop an "innovative, luxurious and integrated cabin concept" timed to coincide with EBACE 2015 (the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition).

A statement announcing the collaboration says the two companies will forgo the traditional separation of ceiling, wall and floor with a dynamic, spiral layout and independent spatial zones without the typical arrangement of seat and wall elements.

Lufthansa Technik will combine its decades of experience in the customisation of VIP and VVIP aircraft, with "Mercedes's typically strong emphasis on contrast in terms of material, colour and lighting," the statement says.

The concept is targeted at "a private global clientele with a strong affinity for unique design".

The cabin windows are concealed by so-called black panels, which are inspired by the screen design in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and appear to float in front of the aircraft's windows.

The panels can be electronically dimmed from black to transparent and can be integrated with displays and touch screens for entertainment and information purposes.

Design Daimler AG vice president Gorden Wagener said it was an inspiring challenge to transfer the company's design philosophy into the area of aeronautical engineering.

"The spectacular architecture of the interior shows creativity and modernity.

"Sensual surfaces and clear forms, combined with intelligent high-tech features and perfectly shaped modern luxury are the characteristic features of Mercedes-Benz design."

Lufthansa Technik AG VIP & Executive Jet Solutions senior vice president Walter Heerdt said they wanted to offer a highly discerning global clientele a standard of interior design that leaves nothing to be desired.

"Whether for private or business use, our modular completion concept perfectly fits every purpose."

The two companies said they would be evaluating customer interest on the VIP market and developing the design concept in coming months.