Fractional provider Flexjet is offering a $100,000 prize for the winning designer of the company's next aircraft interior through its Project LXi – Design the Ultimate Private Jet Interior Contest.

Flexjet is looking to uncover new inspiration, bold expression and authentic artistry to complement its nearly 50 custom interiors, each of which tells its own story. Specifically designed to transport private jet travellers well beyond their destination, its LXi Cabin Collection of custom private jet interiors has set an inspiring aviation precedent. Since 2015, in-house artisans have collaborated with aircraft manufacturers to create one-of-a-kind fold-down ottomans, pop-up kibitzer seating, custom divans and credenzas, as well as dedicated lounges and staterooms with equal parts utility and elegance.

Flexjet's panel of judges will narrow the submissions to 10 semi-finalists for the public to vote on. From there, the top three entrants with the highest numbers of votes will present their designs to Flexjet chairman Kenn Ricci at Flexjet's global headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. He will choose the grand prize-winning design.

“Beautiful design can completely transform an experience, and I have always enjoyed studying design, whether in clothing, architecture or aircraft,” remarks Ricci. “When it comes to the Flexjet fleet, we created a number of themes, just as boutique hotels often do with their rooms. It makes Flexjet unique. Each aircraft's interior design captures interest and speaks to our fanatical attention to detail.”

For the Project LXi design contest, the theme is completely up to the designer. And there are many elements inside the aircraft cabin they can use to pull together the story they wish to tell to illustrate their theme, from the carpet pattern, the seating materials, colour and accents, the type of wood veneer, the sidewall colour and material. In addition, the Flexjet Gulfstream G650 is divided into four distinct zones; working, dining, sleeping and the family room. Then there is the name of the design, what the designer calls their interior is also an essential element to consider. Flexjet's interior names include Capri, inspired by the Italian island of Capri; Art Deco, inspired by the Roaring 20s; Santa Fe, inspired by the southwestern U.S.; and a crowd favourite Boardroom, inspired by the 1999 movie The Thomas Crown Affair.

The LXi Cabin Collection is just one element of the Red Label by Flexjet programme. Also unique to Flexjet is its ultra-modern fleet, flight crews assigned to a single, specific aircraft and extraordinary experiences. Every year, Flexjet's design team develops fresh interiors to outfit the company's growing fleet of nearly 300 aircraft. In the last few years, Flexjet has partnered with like-minded luxury brands on cabin interior designs.

In 2022, Flexjet collaborated with Bentley Motorcars in designing interiors for a Flexjet Gulfstream G650 and a Sikorsky S-76 using the Bentley Bacalar as its muse. Those aircraft then embarked on a nationwide tour including appearances at Monterey Car Week at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Carmel, California, at the Palm Beach, Florida International Boat Show, at several invite only events in Miami, Florida and in New York.

This year, Flexjet connected the pinnacle of luxury from sea to sky via a partnership with Ferretti Group. A world leader in the design, construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, Ferretti Group possesses a unique portfolio of prestigious and exclusive brands. The partnership will come to life in a new Flexjet Gulfstream G650 interior set to premiere in 2025 and inspired by the iconic design and craftsmanship of a Riva motor-yacht.

Prospective designers can learn more about the overall contest rules, layout of the Gulfstream G650 cabin and entry process at the Flexjet Project LXi page on its website