Spirit Aeronautics recently returned a Cessna Citation 650 aircraft to its owner after a total interior refurbishment utilizing carbon fiber accents and design elements that delivered a stunning result.
While not a typical type or size of aircraft for refurbishment at Spirit Aeronautics, the design and details included elements found on much larger aircraft such as carbon fiber inlays, blackened wood laminates, multi-layer high build gloss coatings, new Corian countertops and multi-layer foam seats with clean minimalist lines and tight stitching.
“From
the beginning of this project the client was
attracted to clean European styling combined
with western comfort which is very challenging
in an aircraft of this size”, said Tony
Bailey,
President & COO of Spirit Aeronautics.
“Top it off; the client did not want to change
the certification basis of the aircraft so we
had to look for stylings that gave a minimalist
impression without adding or removing any of the
current furnishings.”
The
result was deep black wood laminates accented
with carbon fiber inlays on the solid surfaces
including the Drink Rails, Galley and Lavatory.
The seats were modernized using high end
graphite charcoal grey leather combined with
tight |
|
Tony
Bailey |
stitching and multi-layer hand shaped foam with contoured lumbar for a sleek and simpleappearance. The carpet was specifically crafted for this application utilizing a two tone block
pattern that gives the illusion of warm depth making the walkways appear larger. In addition,
the interior was further updated with brushed nickel plating on all the metal surfaces,
new LED Lighting and upgrades in the In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system. |
“This aircraft was a challenge but we were fortunate to have a great customer with exceptional
taste to work with”, continued Bailey. “Some of the obstacles we faced with this project were
not typical with a traditional interior. For example, the wood and carbon fiber surfaces required
additional layers during the high gloss finish process which induced trim and fit problems that
had to be meticulously resolved. Compounding the problem was the black color which
highlighted every imperfection and blemish requiring extra care and constant touch-up. In
addition, the customer only had a very narrow window for all of the work to be completed which
required long hours and amazing dedication from our team to get it accomplished. In the end,
the result is an absolutely beautiful interior!”
The Citation 650 was refurbished for a confidential customer and is believed to be the first of its type with the inclusion of carbon fiber accents on black wood stylings. It is a very modern and sleek design with all the attitude of a Formula One race car! |