Tangerine and Buzz Redefine the Future of Comfort in Premium Economy

In an era where discerning travellers expect more from every mile, UK-based tangerine and Australia’s Buzz have joined forces to reimagine comfort in Premium Economy, arguably aviation’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving cabin class.

This cross-disciplinary collaboration brings together two leaders from complementary corners of the design world: tangerine, renowned for crafting elevated cabin experiences, and Buzz, globally respected for its innovation in onboard products. The result is a thoughtful, future-facing exploration of what comfort can—and should—feel like at 35,000 feet.

A Meeting of Minds

The partnership was born from a shared curiosity: what happens when two design perspectives converge to challenge convention?

“The brief was to spark new dialogue,” explains Sam Blank of Buzz. “We wanted to rethink Premium Economy not incrementally, but holistically, by inviting fresh creative perspectives into the process.”

For tangerine, the opportunity aligned seamlessly with its design philosophy. “We’re constantly seeking to transform familiar pain points into moments of delight,” says Geraint Edwards. “This collaboration allowed us to look beyond traditional boundaries and consider the full passenger journey in a more nuanced way.”

Designing for the Modern Traveller

Premium Economy has become the cabin of choice for a new generation of global travellers—those who value considered design, meaningful comfort, and effortless usability over excess.

Yet one challenge remains persistent: rest.

Without the luxury of lie-flat seating, achieving restorative sleep at altitude has long been elusive. Tangerine and Buzz approached this not as a limitation, but as an invitation to design adaptable, intuitive solutions that respond to the body’s natural needs in flight.

Their work is also informed by the sensibilities of Gen Z travellers, whose expectations are shaping the future of travel. Authenticity, versatility, and visual coherence are paramount, as is the ability to seamlessly transition between rest and productivity.

A Collection of Considered Comforts

The collaboration has produced a suite of four refined concepts, each addressing a specific aspect of the inflight experience:

• Cocooning Blanket
  Softly sculpted and intuitively designed, this blanket envelops the body with cloud-like pinsonic detailing creating a sense of personal sanctuary within the cabin.
• Sensory Shut-out Eye Mask with Integrated Earbuds
  A sleek, multi-functional design that combines a padded eye mask with discreet, sound-reducing earbuds. The result is an elegant solution for immersive rest.
• Adjustable Flat-Roll Neck Pillow
  Eschewing the traditional U-shape, this low-profile pillow adapts to the passenger, offering tailored support and refined ergonomics in a compact form.
• Foldout Lumbar Cushion
  Designed for fluid movement and changing postures, this versatile cushion provides both lower back and lateral support—enhancing comfort throughout the journey.

Sustainability, Seamlessly Integrated

Luxury today is as much about responsibility as it is about refinement. With this in mind, both teams are exploring biomaterial foams and circular design principles, aiming to create products that are washable, reusable, and ultimately recyclable.

It is a quiet but significant shift one that aligns elevated passenger experience with long-term environmental consideration.

A Glimpse of What’s to Come

More than a collection of concepts, this collaboration offers a new lens through which to view Premium Economy—one defined not by compromise, but by intention.

As airlines seek to differentiate in an increasingly competitive landscape, the work of tangerine and Buzz suggests that the future of comfort lies not in adding more, but in designing better.

And for travellers, that future may feel a little more restful.