Duncan Aviation’s Molly Pfeiffer (senior lead designer) and Jaime Blanken (lead designer), share their insights on cabin material trends – from demand for real and composite wood veneer, to the possibilities of vinyl-based materials and bamboo.
What aviation material trends have you seen recently?
Jaime Blanken: I’ve noticed a lot more variety in the textures implemented into designs, such as embossed leather for lower sidewalls. I’m also seeing more contrast in lower sidewalls, carpets and leathers.
Molly Pfeiffer: We were seeing the market move from real veneer to using vinyl wrap and hydrographics. While we’re still seeing those used, it’s more for accents and people are starting to gravitate more towards new veneer again. I’m still seeing composite veneers used to achieve the lighter colours and straight-grain appearance.
What materials are exciting?
Jaime Blanken: I’m most excited about more flooring options such as luxury vinyl tile (LVT). I offer the option on just about every aircraft because it’s durable, stain-resistant, and can be cleaned very easily. With the growing array of designs and patterns, it allows for more options in the industry.
Can you share a recent standout solution?
Jaime Blanken: My favourite material solution is utilising vinyl-based materials for lower sidewalls, dividers and more. Not only do I like the durability and functionality of the product offering for our clients, I also like the wide variety of textures and colours. It wears better and is easy to clean. Due to its weatherproof capabilities, we have been incorporating this material on the outboard side of entry weather curtains as well. Not only does it add a design element that is visible from the outside when the door is open, but it makes the entire interior more cohesive, adds character and makes a more memorable impression.
Molly Pfeiffer: We had a customer that wanted stone for their drink rails and credenza top. Stone is very heavy and forming it to the curves would have been very difficult. It also would crack over time. We achieved the desired look by creating a custom hydrographic film that we were able to use throughout the cabin.
What should suppliers prioritise for R&D? How can they support customisation?
Jaime Blanken: I’d like to see more innovative countertop options, aside from the typical quartz, granite and Corian. I’d also like to see more products created from bamboo. I came from the high-end residential industry, and we used a wide range of products made from bamboo; the possibilities are endless and it is more sustainable.
An important thing for suppliers to keep in mind when expanding product offerings is to think more outside the box with the designs. Providing new ways to allow the products to pass required burn tests will allow us to broaden our offerings to clients.
Molly Pfeiffer: Sometimes it’s hard to get samples when you are going down the road of customisation; customers aren’t always able to visualise our ideas and being able to physically show them gets them invested in the idea.
This interview was conducted by Izzy Kington and first published in the September/October 2024 edition of Business Jet Interiors International as part of the Design Forum feature.
