74 LUXURY AIRCRAFT INTERIORS
a lavishly equipped private aircraft called Te Starship. Tey created a luxurious cabin with a long couch down one side, swivel chairs and a 30ft brass-trimmed drinks bar. A television and Sony U-Matic videocassette player with a library of films provided entertainment, while a bedroom with a queen-size waterbed and opulent white fur bedspread could be found at the back of the plane. Te Starship was rented out to world-famous celebrities, most notably the British rock band Led Zeppelin, who used it frequently. On each flight, the band and their guests enjoyed an open bar, often supping vintage Dom Pérignon champagne and tucking into gourmet meals prepared by a private chef. Te Starship became a symbol of success and extravagance in the music industry and was chartered by other superstars including John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Te Rolling Stones and Frank Sinatra. However, the energy crisis of the mid- 1970s left the aircraft grounded. Too expensive to run, it went into storage in 1977 and was eventually dismantled. Te 1980s heralded a new era in private
aviation with the introduction of long-range jets such as the Gulfstream III and the Dassault Falcon 900. Tese jets, which could fly non-stop intercontinental journeys, opened up new possibilities and transformed the way that high-end businesses operated globally. Te following decade saw significant technological advancements with jets such as the Gulfstream V, launched in 1997, capable of travelling from New York to Tokyo in a single flight. In the late 1990s, Bombardier’s Global Express series came to market, offering a coveted blend of performance and luxury. Tis era also saw major leaps forward in plush interiors with clients increasingly able to customise cabin spaces to their taste. High- end furnishings and upholstery made from materials including fine leather, silk and cashmere became popular choices, as did exotic wood cabinetry and panelling, and bespoke rugs and carpets. Increasingly, VVIPs have wanted aircraft
to reflect the comfort and aesthetic of their luxury homes. Amenities such as home cinemas, underfloor heating and spa-like
The London- based Winch Design has worked on numerous interiors for aircrafts, as well as for super yachts and luxury homes
bathrooms have joined plush bedrooms, fully equipped conference areas and high-tech workspaces with ultra-fast Wi-Fi on jets such as the Cessna Citation Longitude, Dassault Falcon 10X and Bombardier Challenger 650. Some aircraft even feature dedicated fitness spaces with exercise bikes, rowing machines and other wellness amenities. From the 2010s, smart technology has enabled passengers to travel in even more comfort by allowing them to take control of the cabin environment, adjusting the lighting, temperature and window shades. More recently, innovations such as the AeroPortal system by Ingenio Aerospace have advanced the possibilities for cabin tech. Its certifiable plug-and-play technology eliminates the need for costly, custom integration, allowing residential-grade light fittings to be installed without compromising design integrity. Although today’s aircraft manufacturers
provide off-the-shelf options for cabin interiors, often with pre-designed modules that can be mixed and matched to suit, many customers opt to enlist the services of an external design studio. But this is not conventional interior design; rather it is a complex and exceptionally specialised integration of aesthetics, function and technological innovation. Multiple parties are involved in the process, from the aircraft manufacturer, to the design studio, to completion centres and the client themselves, whose individual requirements and preferences drive each project. Furthermore, jet interiors are a highly technical domain and so creative possibilities need to be reconciled with strict regulatory obligations that dictate what can and cannot be installed on a plane. To say it’s something of a minefield would be an understatement. Indeed, from concept to delivery, a bespoke interior can take up to two years to complete. Te process begins with selecting the
right aircraft that meets the client’s needs. Ten comes the concept phase, focusing on the owner’s precise requirements. For instance, do they want a private work area, a place for entertaining, a bedroom with en-suite, or all of these? And is there a specific aesthetic preference, perhaps drawing from a favourite car interior, the luxury finishes of a yacht, or even the client’s own home? Te aim is to develop a design that not only fulfils the owner’s travel requirements but also reflects their personal taste and individuality. Once the concept has been decided upon, the designer’s initial sketches show how the client’s preferences could be configured within the aircraft’s layout, along with suggested materials and stylings. Te skill here is in developing a layout that maintains good flow where, unlike interior design on the ground, factors such as weight restrictions and aviation regulations must all be taken into account. Te final look is shaped through the
careful selection of materials and finishes, ensuring that each choice meets both
All images Featuring large, comfortable chairs, spacious dining areas, relaxation areas, and long views down the cabin – all combining to create a residential feel – Winch Design says that the purpose of the Sky Residence concept was to get away from the feeling that you’re on a plane
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101
