First Design Q Avro RJ70 rolls out

BAE Systems Regional Aircraft has completed the first Avro RJ70 executive aircraft with the Design Q interior. The conversion from a regional airline configuration was done by Inflite Engineering at London Stansted Airport. The airplane has been delivered to Bulgarian national carrier Bulgaria Air, which will operate it on behalf of TIM group, the airline’s Varna-based parent.

Designers paid particular attention to the aircraft entrance, with a foyer accented by a curved bar on each side of the aircraft door. Electrically controlled pocket doors offer entrée from the foyer to the main cabin.

The main cabin begins with two club-four arrangements and principal seating, including two articulated “armchairs” and a curved sofa opposite the entertainment center. A mirror at the mid-cabin divider creates the illusion of a much larger space.

Behind the mirror divider, in the aft compartment, is a first-class passenger layout.
Design Q followed a design more often found in larger aircraft, avoiding the “built-in” look. “Younger and more design-aware customers entering the marketplace…are looking for a more contemporary and high-quality interior, with a trend toward more open-plan layouts and modern surface finishes,” said Design Q joint founder Gary Doy.