Duncan Aviation has transformed a Gulfstream G550 at its full-service MRO facility in Battle Creek, Michigan. The aircraft now boasts a sleek paint job, an interior that is highlighted by emerald green seating and satin almond gold finishes and a Starlink satellite connectivity solution. The complete refurbishment reflects the owner’s desire for an understated yet luxurious flying experience unlike any other.

The aircraft was a recent purchase that reflected the previous owner's branding and interior styling, with predominantly blue tones, navy blue seats, blue carpet with swirls and details of outdated design trends. Although the interior was in great condition, the new owner was ready to make it their own.

“When we first reviewed the project, the owner indicated that he wanted to see emerald green or burgundy red seats,” says 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 design team in Battle Creek, and communicated to its 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.

Undoubtedly, the highlights of the interior are the emerald green seats that were hand stitched up 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,” explains senior lead designer Mary Lee. “We paired them with a warm beige palette to enhance the comfortable, elegant feel of the new interior.”

The carpet pattern was a unique choice, adding visual interest to the cabin without being overpowering.

“The design is a little more bold than what we typically see,” says 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. It 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, offering a cleaner, more modern look. The new countertops were designed to use a simulated white quartz finish, which provides a nice contrast with the dark veneer tone.

The 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 is more durable and withstands the typical wear on the lower sidewalls. The window panels have a subtle ripple texture that adds visual interest.

Other details include satin almond gold plating, modifications to the hanging glass rack to accommodate the stemless wine glasses, custom beige and green throw pillows, a divan that features a plush mohair fabric to give a soft, more comfortable yet luxurious appearance and updated flight deck finishes that are highlighted by a lighter colour Ultraleather on the window panels and headliner that lightens up the area.

After the interior overhaul, attention was given to the aircraft exterior, ensuring the new paint scheme complemented the revived cabin. The 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 perfectly to the interior.

“The new paint scheme is a variation of a timeless design with some added personal flair,” says 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.