Aurora Aero Design explains how light and dark tones play off against each other in the Sahara Nights Global 7500 concept.
This design, Sahara Nights, was developed by Aurora Aero Design for a Global 7500 operator expanding its fleet. Intended for the principal and charter guests, the cabin is designed to provide the sophistication of a five-star hotel, but the comfort of home.
“My conversations with principals, representatives and operators of mostly ultra-long-range jets consistently lead towards the same central theme: the aircraft must feel like an extension of home,” says Aurora Reka Saboir, founder and head designer at Aurora Aero Design.
“A well-designed home is a seamless composition of materials, textures and spaces, flowing harmoniously from one area to another,” says Reka Saboir. “There are cosy corners for relaxation, welcoming spaces for gathering, and private areas for solitude. This project applies that philosophy to aviation: a fluid, multi-zoned interior where each space has a distinct atmosphere yet remains connected.”
This is implemented by concentrating dark- and light-toned materials in different areas, breaking away from traditional monochromatic schemes. For example, the media zone is completely dark, and the forward club-four seating group is light. Reka Saboir also played around with reflections and surface finishes.
The concept prioritises natural materials. Reka Saboir says owners are increasingly demanding natural materials; not just those with a natural look, but those with minimal or zero plastic content. Another focus was personalisation without major modifications, in respect to a tight refurbishment timeline. “Custom colouring and production aren’t always viable within these constraints, so we explore creative ways to enhance stock materials,” says Reka Saboir.
The project is shortlisted for the 2025 International Yacht & Aviation Awards. “I will keep working on the ‘home in the sky’ vision, bringing more bespoke designs that redefine what it means to feel at home in the skies,” says Reka Saboir.
Key features of the cabin include:
Colour blocking
This design draws inspiration from the rhythm of a day – from light to dark. The contrast of warm sand browns and deep desert-night hues is designed to create a harmonious gradient, mirroring the experience of a journey.
Stone veneer
The most complex element to implement is the integration of stone veneer into the sideledges, tabletops and bulkheads, Reka Saboir says.
Elevated stock
The leather chosen for the divan and credenza in zone three is a standard black stock option, elevated with parallel line stitching.
This feature was first published in the March/April 2025 edition of Business Jet Interiors International. Click here to see the feature.
