Da notare la registrazione è stata effettuata nei mitici Abbey Road Studios, non si bada a spese.
L'Arabia Saudita lancia Riyadh Air
- Autore Discussione rick@BCN
- Data d'inizio
Bellissima quella di Ethiad, quando ho volato io non c’era, ma perché l’hanno levata ?
- 1 Febbraio 2012
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Ah, saperlo! (cit.)
Credo semplicemente perché fossero scaduti i termini contrattuali e non si è trovata una quadra per il rinnovo.
Per me quella musica, associata al sorseggiare un lemon mint, equivaleva ad essere già in contemplazione del deserto del Liwa, anche se magari ancora fermi al satellite di FCO.
Giaco
Utente Registrato
- 11 Maggio 2013
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- 1 Febbraio 2012
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Parzialmente OT, ma non troppo.
Un articolo che non le manda a dire e che mette in dubbio la reale capacità di portare a termine (o mettere a terra, come va ora di moda dire in Italia) megaprogetti al limite del fantascientifico.
Da seguire con molta attenzione, anche perché Riyadh Air fa parte del grande disegno complessivo, ed i soldi alla fin fine quelli sono.
P.S. Le parti in neretto a suggello di quanto la reputazione di McKinsey sia oramai ai minimi storici.
_____________
futurism.com
Over the Line
Mar 10, 12:14 PM EDT by Victor Tangermann
Saudi Arabia's 100-Mile Skyscraper Is Turning Into a Disaster
Who could've seen this coming?
The Saudi crown family's megalomaniac dreams of building a gigantic city of the future in the middle of the desert are getting a brutal reality check.
Saudi Arabia's plans for Neom, a futuristic fever dream which includes a massive all-inclusive resort on the coast, a second ski resort in the mountains, and an up to 106 miles-long pair of 1,600-foot skyscrapers called The Line, is running into major financial problems.
As the Wall Street Journal reports, capital expenditure estimates to build Neom to what officials call its "end-state" by 2080 have ballooned to $8.8 trillion, which is over 25 times the kingdom's annual budget.
Worse yet, an audit report reviewed by the newspaper found that officials were trying to fudge the numbers to hide evidence of the project's ballooning costs. The audit found "evidence of deliberate manipulation" of finances by "certain members of management."
It's a damning new development that highlights the grandiose and unrealistic goals set by Neom's main advocate, Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.
According to the WSJ, officials are trying to shield the royal from harsh realities as well. For instance, in an apparent attempt to make it appear as if Neom's ski resort had an internal rate of return that met some sky-high expectations, officials hiked up the projected prices of staying at the yet-to-be-completed site. One "boutique hiking hotel" room, previously priced at $489, was readjusted to cost $1,866. An "inventive glamping" site shot up in price from $216 to $794 a night.
These efforts were reportedly aided by McKinsey consultants hired by the project.
Officials then tried to hide the manipulation of costs. An email revealed that Antoni Vives, who was put in charge of Neom's coastal resort called Sindalah, told consultants that "we must not proactively mention cost at all" before a key meeting, per the WSJ.
The Line, in particular, has shot up in costs significantly. The original plan was to have the skyscraper stretch 100 miles through the desert, but that plan is looking increasingly unlikely. Even schemes for a first piece of the skyscraper were revised from ten miles to just 1.5 miles within the next decade.
Recommendations to reduce the planned height of the pair of skyscrapers to around 1,000 feet from 1,600 feet to save costs were vehemently opposed by crown prince bin Salman himself.
Still, the current goal is to open up the first half of the project's first piece by 2034.
"We’ll start to go vertical — hopefully — at the end of this year," The Line development lead Denis Hickey said at this year's World Economic Forum, as quoted by the WSJ.
In short, the kingdom's Neom project appears to have turned into a mess of unprecedented proportions. And even leadership is on some shaky grounds. Neom's former CEO Nadhmi al-Nasr quit in November, weeks after a documentary alleged that tens of thousands of foreign workers had already died during the city's construction.
As of right now, Sindalah is still largely unfinished, despite Saudi officials throwing a lavish, $45 million launch party in October. The event was attended by high-profile celebrities, including actor Will Smith and football quarterback Tom Brady.
But the resort's golf course and hotels have yet to open to the public four months later.
Meanwhile, consulting firm McKinsey is making bank. According to the WSJ, the company has earned more than $130 million a year for its services. A spokesperson, however, denied that the firm "has been involved in the manipulation of financial reporting."
Un articolo che non le manda a dire e che mette in dubbio la reale capacità di portare a termine (o mettere a terra, come va ora di moda dire in Italia) megaprogetti al limite del fantascientifico.
Da seguire con molta attenzione, anche perché Riyadh Air fa parte del grande disegno complessivo, ed i soldi alla fin fine quelli sono.
P.S. Le parti in neretto a suggello di quanto la reputazione di McKinsey sia oramai ai minimi storici.
_____________
Saudi Arabia's 100-Mile Skyscraper Is Turning Into a Disaster
The Saudi crown family's dreams of building a gigantic city of the future called Neom in the desert are getting a brutal reality check.
futurism.com
Over the Line
Mar 10, 12:14 PM EDT by Victor Tangermann
Saudi Arabia's 100-Mile Skyscraper Is Turning Into a Disaster
Who could've seen this coming?
The Saudi crown family's megalomaniac dreams of building a gigantic city of the future in the middle of the desert are getting a brutal reality check.
Saudi Arabia's plans for Neom, a futuristic fever dream which includes a massive all-inclusive resort on the coast, a second ski resort in the mountains, and an up to 106 miles-long pair of 1,600-foot skyscrapers called The Line, is running into major financial problems.
As the Wall Street Journal reports, capital expenditure estimates to build Neom to what officials call its "end-state" by 2080 have ballooned to $8.8 trillion, which is over 25 times the kingdom's annual budget.
Worse yet, an audit report reviewed by the newspaper found that officials were trying to fudge the numbers to hide evidence of the project's ballooning costs. The audit found "evidence of deliberate manipulation" of finances by "certain members of management."
It's a damning new development that highlights the grandiose and unrealistic goals set by Neom's main advocate, Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.
According to the WSJ, officials are trying to shield the royal from harsh realities as well. For instance, in an apparent attempt to make it appear as if Neom's ski resort had an internal rate of return that met some sky-high expectations, officials hiked up the projected prices of staying at the yet-to-be-completed site. One "boutique hiking hotel" room, previously priced at $489, was readjusted to cost $1,866. An "inventive glamping" site shot up in price from $216 to $794 a night.
These efforts were reportedly aided by McKinsey consultants hired by the project.
Officials then tried to hide the manipulation of costs. An email revealed that Antoni Vives, who was put in charge of Neom's coastal resort called Sindalah, told consultants that "we must not proactively mention cost at all" before a key meeting, per the WSJ.
The Line, in particular, has shot up in costs significantly. The original plan was to have the skyscraper stretch 100 miles through the desert, but that plan is looking increasingly unlikely. Even schemes for a first piece of the skyscraper were revised from ten miles to just 1.5 miles within the next decade.
Recommendations to reduce the planned height of the pair of skyscrapers to around 1,000 feet from 1,600 feet to save costs were vehemently opposed by crown prince bin Salman himself.
Still, the current goal is to open up the first half of the project's first piece by 2034.
"We’ll start to go vertical — hopefully — at the end of this year," The Line development lead Denis Hickey said at this year's World Economic Forum, as quoted by the WSJ.
In short, the kingdom's Neom project appears to have turned into a mess of unprecedented proportions. And even leadership is on some shaky grounds. Neom's former CEO Nadhmi al-Nasr quit in November, weeks after a documentary alleged that tens of thousands of foreign workers had already died during the city's construction.
As of right now, Sindalah is still largely unfinished, despite Saudi officials throwing a lavish, $45 million launch party in October. The event was attended by high-profile celebrities, including actor Will Smith and football quarterback Tom Brady.
But the resort's golf course and hotels have yet to open to the public four months later.
Meanwhile, consulting firm McKinsey is making bank. According to the WSJ, the company has earned more than $130 million a year for its services. A spokesperson, however, denied that the firm "has been involved in the manipulation of financial reporting."
Ultima modifica:
Intanto, fresh off the press.
New milestone achieved: Riyadh Air is officially licensed and cleared for takeoff!
Today, we proudly received our Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the GACA - General Authority of Civil Aviation - Saudi Arabia, handed over by H.E. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA, to our CEO Tony Douglas, in the presence of H.E. Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of GACA, during a ceremony held at King Khalid International Airport.
This certificate signifies that we have met all regulatory requirements in line with civil aviation law for air safety and operational quality standards, paving the way for our inaugural commercial flight by the end of 2025.
Fonte: LinkedIn official account. Il loro media hub stranamente non riporta ancora la notizia.
New milestone achieved: Riyadh Air is officially licensed and cleared for takeoff!
Today, we proudly received our Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the GACA - General Authority of Civil Aviation - Saudi Arabia, handed over by H.E. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA, to our CEO Tony Douglas, in the presence of H.E. Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of GACA, during a ceremony held at King Khalid International Airport.
This certificate signifies that we have met all regulatory requirements in line with civil aviation law for air safety and operational quality standards, paving the way for our inaugural commercial flight by the end of 2025.
Fonte: LinkedIn official account. Il loro media hub stranamente non riporta ancora la notizia.
Direi che a questo punto ricevuto l'AOC sono pronti per annunciare le prime rotte, si parla di primo volo entro fine 2025 quindi suppongo partiranno nella winter.
Credo di si ma non lo darei per scontato.
Uno, per la portata dell’operazione e due perché i sauditi stanno dimostrando che sono bravi a fare annunci e poi a doversi regolare con la realtà (non solo nel caso di Riyadh Air)
Exclusive! Riyadh Air excels with new cabins, confirms First Class and sets to fly high against its regional competition
True consumers of luxury brands will tell you that luxury is about craftsmanship, storytelling and design. It’s less about emblazoned logos and bling, and more about refined tactility that exudes understated luxury. So, it’s no surprise that we’re in awe of Riyadh Air’s new interiors, launched today which epitomise luxury on every level.
It’s the next – but not final – stepping stone in the airline’s journey to its long-awaited launch. The airline has revealed new interiors which will grace the fleet’s flagship 787 aircraft. With CEO Tony Douglas confirming details exclusively to TheDesignAir, we know that the airline’s first flights are scheduled to take off at the end of this year, it looks like we aren’t going to have to wait long to experience these market-leading interiors for ourselves or find out where the first flights will take off to.
Last year, Tony Douglas promised the Maybach of cabin interiors – and by that he didn’t mean the most luxurious custom products, but the refinement of design that elevates an existing product to a new level. That’s clearly on show here, with Safran’s Unity seat taking centre stage in the Business Class cabin, and Recaro’s fan-favourites selected for the Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
What’s clear is that a blank canvas – which can often stifle creativity – has had the opposite effect for Riyadh Air’s design team. This starting point allowed the airline to dig deep into cultural and historic Saudi roots to forge a contemporary design palette that nods to heritage while creating a unique interior unlike any other in the region.
Starting in Business Class, there are similarities to the cabins found on JAL, Air India and the upcoming Qantas Sunrise flights. While it’s the same hard-product, Riyadh Air has taken the seat to its limits, with virtually every surface and element redesigned for the carrier. At the very front, the four Business ‘Elite’ seats utilise a front row monument to create a ‘business plus’ product, with enhanced seating, more space, and the only true double bed in the cabin. But it’s purposefully not being sold as a First Class experience.
Speaking with Tony Douglas, he exclusively revealed that the carrier will introduce a third aircraft type to its fleet in the future.– an extra-wide body airframe that will feature a dedicated First Class product above and beyond what we see here. While no timeline has been provided, there’s no doubt that Riyadh Air will deliver a market-leading First Class experience when the time comes.
In addition to the four Business Elite seats, there are 24 further seats in Business, configured in a 1-2-1 fully flat-bed layout using the bespoke Safran Unity seat. Each seat measures 78 inches in length and 22.5 inches in width, and features 52-inch-high walls (at their highest point) and sliding privacy doors, along with adjustable privacy dividers between centre seats.
At first glance, the Business Class cabin seems to mimic the undulating peaks and valleys of the Arabian desert, but in fact the curved seat walls take inspiration from traditional Bedouin Bayt al-Sha’ar tents. Either way, the form and design is unique, striking, and offers a completely fresh visual identity for the Unity seat.
Another standout design element is the lighting, which beautifully offsets the deep, rich textures throughout the cabin. In the premium cabins, Mocha Gold and veined stone accents provide a subtle, elegant contrast to the rich purple finishes. A thoughtfully curated palette – including dark indigo, mocha, iridescent tones, skyline blue, sunset peach, and lavender – evokes a rich sophistication that seamlessly weaves the identity of the city of Riyadh into a modern expression of luxury, felt throughout every cabin.
Riyadh Air has also partnered with French audio innovator Devialet to bring immersive, high-fidelity sound directly into the headrests of Business Elite and Business Class seats. While not a replacement for quality noise-cancelling headphones, it’s an intriguing enhancement. With high-speed Wi-Fi and personal device pairing capabilities, passengers can stream music from platforms like Spotify directly to their seat, or one can imagine streaming a selection of meditation and white noise content to help drift off mid-flight.
When it comes to tech, the airline isn’t holding back. Massive 32-inch 4K OLED screens grace the Business Elite seats, with 22-inch screens in Business, 15.6-inch in Premium Economy and 13.4-inch in Economy. USB-C charging ports are available in all cabins, and USB-A is also available in Business and Business Elite Suites, though the airline has wisely opted out of wireless charging – still inconsistent in both speed and reliability.
In Premium Economy, the seats are arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration using the Recaro PL3530 model – the same found on Emirates, widely regarded as one of the best in class. While the layout itself isn’t groundbreaking, design details elevate the experience.
Privacy head wings, enhanced seat storage, a calf rest, and refined lounge-style recline offer a high level of comfort. According to Douglas, the soft product – still under wraps – will rival many Business Class offerings.
In Economy, the thoughtful design continues. The Recaro R3 seats are configured in a 3-3-3 layout, with a seat width of 17.2 inches and a 31-inch pitch. Douglas confirmed it’s exactly the same seat that will be found on the A321neo creating consistency across the fleet, something that is crucial, albeit those seats should be fractionally wider.
Each seat features a 13.4-inch 4K OLED screen and two USB-C charging ports, ensuring even economy passengers enjoy a modern tech experience. The headrests are six-way adjustable for added comfort, and the same design narrative flows through into this cabin – from lavender accents to elegant seat detailing – proving that Riyadh Air is committed to elevating all levels of its service.
Riyadh Air’s new cabin interiors set a new benchmark not just for the region, but globally. With elegant, design-led touches in every seat, from Economy through to Business Elite, this is an aircraft interior that feels cohesive, curated, and beautifully considered.
Paired with the striking award-winning uniforms, soft-touches that we’ve been promised will be delightfully decadent and a much anticipated food and drink offering there’s a clear design language already at play when it comes to the passenger experience. Tony Douglas has also confirmed that the finishing touches are happening at the airline’s signature lounge in Riyadh, which apparently will continue this lavish approach to luxury.
With technology, storytelling and craftsmanship at its core, Riyadh Air has created a flying experience that feels both authentically Saudi and effortlessly modern. It’s a cabin we can’t wait to see take to the skies in the coming months. Stay tuned here for all the latest design news from the airline.
True consumers of luxury brands will tell you that luxury is about craftsmanship, storytelling and design. It’s less about emblazoned logos and bling, and more about refined tactility that exudes understated luxury. So, it’s no surprise that we’re in awe of Riyadh Air’s new interiors, launched today which epitomise luxury on every level.
It’s the next – but not final – stepping stone in the airline’s journey to its long-awaited launch. The airline has revealed new interiors which will grace the fleet’s flagship 787 aircraft. With CEO Tony Douglas confirming details exclusively to TheDesignAir, we know that the airline’s first flights are scheduled to take off at the end of this year, it looks like we aren’t going to have to wait long to experience these market-leading interiors for ourselves or find out where the first flights will take off to.
Last year, Tony Douglas promised the Maybach of cabin interiors – and by that he didn’t mean the most luxurious custom products, but the refinement of design that elevates an existing product to a new level. That’s clearly on show here, with Safran’s Unity seat taking centre stage in the Business Class cabin, and Recaro’s fan-favourites selected for the Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
What’s clear is that a blank canvas – which can often stifle creativity – has had the opposite effect for Riyadh Air’s design team. This starting point allowed the airline to dig deep into cultural and historic Saudi roots to forge a contemporary design palette that nods to heritage while creating a unique interior unlike any other in the region.
Starting in Business Class, there are similarities to the cabins found on JAL, Air India and the upcoming Qantas Sunrise flights. While it’s the same hard-product, Riyadh Air has taken the seat to its limits, with virtually every surface and element redesigned for the carrier. At the very front, the four Business ‘Elite’ seats utilise a front row monument to create a ‘business plus’ product, with enhanced seating, more space, and the only true double bed in the cabin. But it’s purposefully not being sold as a First Class experience.
Speaking with Tony Douglas, he exclusively revealed that the carrier will introduce a third aircraft type to its fleet in the future.– an extra-wide body airframe that will feature a dedicated First Class product above and beyond what we see here. While no timeline has been provided, there’s no doubt that Riyadh Air will deliver a market-leading First Class experience when the time comes.
In addition to the four Business Elite seats, there are 24 further seats in Business, configured in a 1-2-1 fully flat-bed layout using the bespoke Safran Unity seat. Each seat measures 78 inches in length and 22.5 inches in width, and features 52-inch-high walls (at their highest point) and sliding privacy doors, along with adjustable privacy dividers between centre seats.
At first glance, the Business Class cabin seems to mimic the undulating peaks and valleys of the Arabian desert, but in fact the curved seat walls take inspiration from traditional Bedouin Bayt al-Sha’ar tents. Either way, the form and design is unique, striking, and offers a completely fresh visual identity for the Unity seat.
Another standout design element is the lighting, which beautifully offsets the deep, rich textures throughout the cabin. In the premium cabins, Mocha Gold and veined stone accents provide a subtle, elegant contrast to the rich purple finishes. A thoughtfully curated palette – including dark indigo, mocha, iridescent tones, skyline blue, sunset peach, and lavender – evokes a rich sophistication that seamlessly weaves the identity of the city of Riyadh into a modern expression of luxury, felt throughout every cabin.
Riyadh Air has also partnered with French audio innovator Devialet to bring immersive, high-fidelity sound directly into the headrests of Business Elite and Business Class seats. While not a replacement for quality noise-cancelling headphones, it’s an intriguing enhancement. With high-speed Wi-Fi and personal device pairing capabilities, passengers can stream music from platforms like Spotify directly to their seat, or one can imagine streaming a selection of meditation and white noise content to help drift off mid-flight.
When it comes to tech, the airline isn’t holding back. Massive 32-inch 4K OLED screens grace the Business Elite seats, with 22-inch screens in Business, 15.6-inch in Premium Economy and 13.4-inch in Economy. USB-C charging ports are available in all cabins, and USB-A is also available in Business and Business Elite Suites, though the airline has wisely opted out of wireless charging – still inconsistent in both speed and reliability.
In Premium Economy, the seats are arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration using the Recaro PL3530 model – the same found on Emirates, widely regarded as one of the best in class. While the layout itself isn’t groundbreaking, design details elevate the experience.
Privacy head wings, enhanced seat storage, a calf rest, and refined lounge-style recline offer a high level of comfort. According to Douglas, the soft product – still under wraps – will rival many Business Class offerings.
In Economy, the thoughtful design continues. The Recaro R3 seats are configured in a 3-3-3 layout, with a seat width of 17.2 inches and a 31-inch pitch. Douglas confirmed it’s exactly the same seat that will be found on the A321neo creating consistency across the fleet, something that is crucial, albeit those seats should be fractionally wider.
Each seat features a 13.4-inch 4K OLED screen and two USB-C charging ports, ensuring even economy passengers enjoy a modern tech experience. The headrests are six-way adjustable for added comfort, and the same design narrative flows through into this cabin – from lavender accents to elegant seat detailing – proving that Riyadh Air is committed to elevating all levels of its service.
Riyadh Air’s new cabin interiors set a new benchmark not just for the region, but globally. With elegant, design-led touches in every seat, from Economy through to Business Elite, this is an aircraft interior that feels cohesive, curated, and beautifully considered.
Paired with the striking award-winning uniforms, soft-touches that we’ve been promised will be delightfully decadent and a much anticipated food and drink offering there’s a clear design language already at play when it comes to the passenger experience. Tony Douglas has also confirmed that the finishing touches are happening at the airline’s signature lounge in Riyadh, which apparently will continue this lavish approach to luxury.
With technology, storytelling and craftsmanship at its core, Riyadh Air has created a flying experience that feels both authentically Saudi and effortlessly modern. It’s a cabin we can’t wait to see take to the skies in the coming months. Stay tuned here for all the latest design news from the airline.
Finalmente!
Business non mi esprimo, non sono così competente in materia
.
Su PE ed Economy 2 parole:
- PE sembra molto bella ma non amo i sedili che reclinano: credo che in tal senso il nuovo prodotto Lufthansa/Swiss che scivola sia molto più "premium" e meno "economy". Però a quanto pare è ancora uno standard di settore delle P.E.
- Economy molto basic ma schermo davvero bello grande.
Business non mi esprimo, non sono così competente in materia
.Su PE ed Economy 2 parole:
- PE sembra molto bella ma non amo i sedili che reclinano: credo che in tal senso il nuovo prodotto Lufthansa/Swiss che scivola sia molto più "premium" e meno "economy". Però a quanto pare è ancora uno standard di settore delle P.E.
- Economy molto basic ma schermo davvero bello grande.
Alitalia Fan
Utente Registrato
Mi sembra davvero tanta tanta roba! Le uniformi continuano a non piacermi e a sembrarmi adatte solo a gente che non si nutre di cibo solido, ma opinione personale.
Incredibile come Emirates si ostini a percorrere la strada della pacchianeria. Nell'area del Golfo hanno gli interni "peggiori" secondo me.
Incredibile come Emirates si ostini a percorrere la strada della pacchianeria. Nell'area del Golfo hanno gli interni "peggiori" secondo me.
- 1 Febbraio 2012
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