Airis

2023

In collaboration with Aw Ker Wey and Joshua Lim

You're always welcome on board with Airis, our new in-flight AI assistant. With unparalleled efficiency warmed by its human-like characteristics, Airis is a friendly companion to both passengers and cabin crew alike — elevating the air service experience by attending to everyone's needs for a seamless and unforgettable journey.

Imagined for the business class experience of 2030 and beyond, this design concept enhances and extends service on a Singapore Airlines long-haul flight through the integration of artificial intelligence with the airline's iconic and world-renowned cabin crew.

More Efficient Service

Airis helps to make the cabin crew's service more efficient by nudging passengers to complete safety checks and simple, transactional requests before the crew has to step in. Using visual cues, auditory cues, and social pressure, Airis guides passengers through all necessary tasks they have yet to complete before take-off. This frees up the cabin crew to focus on establishing a positive, friendly relationship with passengers.

Every business class seat is equipped with a handset inspired by 1930s’ hotel phones which were the means of access to premium service only available to the most affluent and important guests. Passengers can use the handset to speak with Airis, bringing them old-school luxury service with a human touch. Airis sends these requests on the cabin crew’s dedicated iPad and optimizes their workflow by assigning a hierarchy based on their urgency and nature.

Better Communication With Passengers

With added anticipation and transcription, announcements with Airis are less jarring and more easily understood, while still conveying a sense of urgency. For foreign-language speakers, live-interpretation ensures that every passenger is able to receive the same level of care and attention, and every stewardess is able to meet their service standards.

Extending Service To Beyond The Flight

Airis extends its service beyond the flight by using in-flight entertainment to identify passengers' interests and recommend relevant people, places, and things to enhance their trip. It can also arrange transportation for busy business class travelers before they land, eliminating the stress of travel. Additionally, Airis can periodically recommend specially curated trip packages via the SingaporeAir mobile app based on passengers' interests, potentially increasing ticket sales for SIA.

The Seat Design

Airis’ approachable and friendly demeanor is complemented by the warm tones and soft forms that permeate our design. The soft chunky, one-piece seat wrapped in dark Raf Simons’ upholstery is contrasted with a light, neutral colour palette to accentuate its formless shape that you just feel like sinking into. The simplicity of the cabin space with continuous, free-flowing curves echoes the AI’s ability to provide a seamless flight experience, while lively orange accents add a user-friendly hierarchy to important touchpoints in the design.