Duncan Aviation has completed the refurbishment of a Gulfstream G550 at its full-service MRO facility in Battle Creek, Michigan. The work included new paint; an interior with highlights including emerald green seating and satin almond gold finishes; and a Starlink satellite connectivity solution.
The aircraft was a recent purchase that reflected the previous owner’s branding and interior styling, highlighted by predominantly blue tones, navy blue seats, and blue carpet with swirls. Although the interior was in great condition, the owner was ready to make it their own.
“When we first reviewed the project, the owner indicated he wanted to see emerald green or burgundy red seats,” said designer Jack Bauder. “We used that as our guidance, and built complete materials palettes around each colour.”
The initial design selections were organised by the Duncan Aviation design team in Battle Creek and communicated to the design team in Lincoln, Nebraska, where the customer specification session was scheduled. The design team worked with the owner to refine and finalise the design package and the transformation began.
The emerald green seats were hand-stitched by Duncan Aviation’s upholstery shop in Battle Creek. “The owner’s love for jewel tones inspired the use of a deep, rich modern green for the seats,” explained Mary Lee, senior lead designer. “We paired them with a warm beige palette to enhance the comfortable, elegant feel of the new interior.”
The carpet pattern was chosen to add visual interest to the cabin without being overpowering. “The design is a little more bold than what we typically see,” said Bauder. “It’s made with a single yarn colour, in this case a warm neutral/beige, but the way the yarns are sheared creates a light and dark pattern.”
The existing veneer was in very good condition upon arrival, Duncan Aviation reports. The veneer was stripped and stained a darker colour to match the new beige colour palette. The solid surface countertops were updated to a whiter material with marbling and veining. The new countertops were designed to use a simulated white quartz finish, providing a nice contrast with the dark veneer tone.
The new upper sidewalls feature an Ultraleather material, and the lower sidewalls are a heavier gauged synthetic material that was embossed to give the appearance of leather. The new material was chosen to withstand the typical wear on the lower sidewalls. The window panels have a subtle ripple texture.
Other details include satin almond gold plating; modifications to the hanging glass rack to accommodate stemless wine glasses; custom beige and green throw pillows; a divan that features a plush mohair fabric; and updated flight deck finishes that are highlighted by a lighter colour Ultraleather on the window panels and headliner chosen to lighten up the area.
After the interior overhaul, attention was given to the aircraft’s exterior, ensuring the new paint scheme complemented the new cabin.
The new exterior paint features a Matterhorn white base with a light gold pearl colour field over the top of the cockpit and stripe running through the fuselage. There are emerald green and gold accents that tie in to the interior.
“The new paint scheme is a variation of a timeless design with some added personal flair,” said Bauder. “The owner loved the clean and sleek lines, which we painted in pearlescent green and gold to coordinate with their interior.”
The owner was thrilled with the result, and the aircraft is now a perfect reflection of their initial vision and personal taste, Duncan Aviation reports.
