Business Jet Interiors International - September 2021
Design trends
Izzy Kington 2021-09-14 15:09:14
Trend report
Ahead of NBAA-BACE, interior design and completion experts from across North America reflect on emerging interior trends
IFE and CMS
"We’re seeing a move towards more smart technologies and on-screen CMS capabilities that operate more like residential systems. We are also seeing a trend for lighting systems being tied to the CMS and entertainment systems more extensively. On the G700, for example, the ultra- HD lighting system is tied to the Gulfstream Cabin Management System and the entertainment system. With this integration, passengers can build light profiles into those systems, and the flight crew can activate the presets based on where passengers are in their journey. Users can also shape the lights to other specific needs throughout the flight. Some lighting profiles can be set to enhance relaxation and reduce stress." Tim O’Hara, director, completions research and development design, Gulfstream
"Audiophile-grade audio systems are becoming the norm with systems like Bongiovi Aviation’s Speakerless audio and Alto Aviation’s nVelop digital surround-sound systems quickly gaining popularity among the modification centres. Another trend is for Bluetooth. More comfortable Bluetooth ear buds and headphone equipment are now available in the consumer marketplace, and we’re seeing Bluetooth connections replacing headphone jacks at cabin seats. Finally, USB charging ports are in high demand for cabins and cockpits. USB-A/C charging ports with 45W power ratings are now the norm, while USB-C ports with 100W charging capability are on the near-term horizon. Lay-flat charging devices are becoming popular and are being refined to become thinner yet cover a larger area, to allow for better integration into sideledges and tables." Rick Ochs, CEO, Spirit Aeronautics
Cleanliness and wellness
"The main request this year is for air cleaning technologies, and we are also seeing more requests for humidification. Additionally, for seats that recline, we’re including a piece of leather joining the back and squab of the seat, to make it easier to clean the crevice and retrieve lost items. There’s also a trend to cover floorlevel air ducts with leather from the sidewall, as opposed to carpet. This makes for a modern look, plus leather can be easier to clean." Summer Sun, manager of design, Flying Colours
"Health and wellness is one of the top trends gaining momentum. Client requests span from exercise bikes and treadmills to dedicated gyms and yoga studios. Over the past year, health and cleanliness has become a top priority. Greenpoint continues to focus on this by improving humidification, decreasing noise, using easy-to-clean materials and even through lighting. Our Affinity concept implemented biophilic design, bringing nature indoors, which is proven to reduce stress. We look to the healthcare and hospitality design industries as our benchmark, as they propel the industry to gain access to high-performing materials and finishes, which are now available for implementation in a VIP aesthetic. We are also investigating the use of touchless operation in common features, as well as voice and gesture control. We understand that designing for cleanliness goes beyond highlighting the latest antimicrobial material developed. We must think systematically to understand maintenance protocol, usability and designing for cleanable transition details." Annika Svore Wicklund, design director, Greenpoint Technologies
Market demand
"Slots for maintenance and interior work are at a premium right now. With the pre-owned inventory market at its lowest for some time owners will want to upgrade recently purchased aircraft. For us business is strong and steady. There is lots of pent-up demand." Kevin Kliethermes, director of sales, Flying Colours
"Greenpoint has seen an influx of activity in the VIP market and continues to support substantial growth in the military segment, proven by an exponential increase in sales bookings over the past few years. We’re honoured to work on a diverse range of requirements as we prepare for future-generation aircraft completions to include the A350 and 777X." Chad Thorne, vice president, sales and marketing, Greenpoint Technologies
"At King Aerospace, 2021 has brought a definite upturn in interior upgrades and refurbishment. Inquiries are approaching 2019 levels, a good year for us. We just submitted proposals for B737, BBJ and ACJ refurbs and are updating soft goods on a G450. We specialise in long-range VVIP aircraft, but we’ve also updated Gulfstream, Citation and Learjet aircraft this year." Jarid King, president, King Aerospace
Sustainability
"Responsible luxury will continue to be a major trend, focusing on natural and responsibly sourced materials. Textiles, patterns and shapes will draw inspiration from nature (biophilic design)." Judy Miller, Allied ASID, Judy Miller Interior Design
"We strive to select sustainable and durable materials and incorporate natural design elements. The Affinity concept features sustainable materials including soft bamboo silk carpet, natural oak and live green feature walls." Annika Svore Wicklund, Greenpoint Technologies
"We’re exploring the feasibility of certifying more natural fibres, including biomass carbon fibre and bio-sourced resins. Not only are these materials more sustainable, they often offer more capabilities than their synthetic counterparts." Tim O’Hara, Gulfstream
Seats
"Clients want to subtly alter the lighting, temperature, blinds and more from their seat. They also value adaptability, so sliding, swivelling and lie-flat features are still top requests. There is increasing demand for an updated look and feel. Clients want seats that appear lighter in weight and less boxy, as well as a variety of choices. They want comfortable lounge chairs, sleek dining chairs, and there is increasing demand for comfortable lie-flat sleeping seats for guests. We often look to international super-first-class suites and pods as a benchmark for some narrow-body customer requests." Annika Svore Wicklund, Greenpoint Technologies
"Seats sculpted to the body form are becoming more popular. Traditional perforation has been replaced with quilting, pattern stitches or just flat surfaces. Stitching décor is very popular. The oncepopular pole line is giving way to top-stitch design, which still gives a 3D effect, but is not so deep. Storage is now accessed via hinged panels in the seat’s side, rather than at the front through the armrest. Veneer, metal and carbon fibre are being used for dramatic accents and also across large surface areas such as the seatback. There’s been a noticeable increase in requests for light seats with accent colours; interest in dark seats is on the decline. The squab and seat now tend to be a creamy white, with dark tones used for accents – whether the thread, trim or inserts. We are seeing contrasting materials too, for example a leather seat with fabric inserts and veneer accents. This may be carried into the divan design, but often reversed." Summer Sun, Flying Colours
"Quilted inserts are still popular for seating, and while the diamond shape remains the most classic, I’ve seen clients exploring other custom patterns." Autumn Duntz, principal, Autumn Elizabeth Design
Tones and finishes
"A grey or black and white interior remains in high demand, but I’ve also noticed a shift towards slightly warm-toned neutrals and minimalism. Contemporary-style cabins continue to be popular, but with a softer touch." Autumn Duntz, Autumn Elizabeth Design
"Matte and satin finishes are trending for wood veneer and metal plating. With plated hand pulls, the trend is moving from nickel and chrome tones, favouring shades of gold and bronze in satin and brushed finishes." Judy Miller, Judy Miller Interior Design
"Cool greys are exiting in favour of more warmth and optimism overall through lighter and brighter neutral tones that reflect an atmosphere of health and wellness. Accent colours also evoke a cheerfulness, ranging from sunset palettes of dusty peaches and rusty reds to livelier sunshine yellows. Small, closely woven textures continue to be mainstays and provide a calming backdrop to classic geometric patterns." Tray Crow, director, interior design, Gulfstream
Materials
"We’re not seeing a move away from traditional materials; our corporate jet customers lean toward more conservative design choices – creating elegance and comfort using long-lasting materials in subtle, soothing shades." Jarid King, King Aerospace
"Because of the pandemic, there are limitations on some materials due to decreased inventory of raw goods. There is also flux in shipping lead times and therefore we recommend that clients factor additional time into planning. Leather has always been a key driver of schedule and carpet is also a big factor. This is truer now than ever as competition tightens for resources. Additionally, some fabric companies have closed over the past 18 months so if a client wishes to replicate another aircraft, it would be worthwhile researching to ensure materials are still viable. There are also longer lead times when it comes to receiving exterior paint shipments." Kristen Cotugno, senior lead designer, Duncan Aviation (Battle Creek)
"As flooring options expand for aircraft entryways and lavatories, I think we’ll see cork flooring make an appearance. It’s been growing in popularity in commercial and residential markets, and is fantastic in terms of acoustics, as well as being a good environmental choice. It can be made in multiple colours and patterns, and adds texture, a biophilic aspect." Judy Miller, Judy Miller Interior Design
"We’re seeing a focus on quality materials with an enduring heritage, such as wool, alpaca and cotton, as well as easily cleanable surfaces like Ultraleather. Soft goods are also becoming more popular on upper and lower sidewalls and bulkheads to ensure an even quieter cabin." Tray Crow, Gulfstream
Catering
"Many people are eating more regular, smaller meals. This means 10in dinner plates are used less and clients are choosing more bowls, salad plates, dessert forks and teaspoons. Also, bottled water is outselling carbonated beverages in the USA, which may challenge manufacturers to rethink storage and cupholder shapes. There is a trend to package in sustainable bottles that are a non-traditional shape." Judy Miller, Judy Miller Interior Design
"It’s not uncommon for a customer to decide on new CCF and storage midway through a refurbishment. We’ve been working with a new supplier, Kaeromel, to support us in achieving these requests in the scheduled downtime. They have devised innovative ways to maximise storage space in closets, cabinets and drawers. Working together we can achieve unique storage arrangements to meet each client’s needs." Kristen Cotugno, Duncan Aviation
Layout
"As cabins have got longer the use of bulkheads for zoning is increasing, and they’re becoming a part of the styling. We’re seeing more requests for decorative panels on bulkheads, using a mix of leather or fabric, with metal insert accents." Summer Sun, Flying Colours
"We are seeing a blurring of boundaries between work and family life. Aircraft interiors are becoming more mixed-use spaces, with customers seeking the types of materials and accessories they have in their homes, such as natural stone, dynamic lighting, sconces, and so on." Tray Crow, Gulfstream
"The desire for human connection and personal safety is at an all-time high. Our conversations with customers and peers point us towards a trend we call ‘Alone Together’. There is a strong appetite to be near each other but from a comfortable distance, creating an urgency for privacy in shared spaces. The need for human-centred design solutions, sustainable materials, built-in flexibility and customisation has never been greater. People are craving personal and curated experiences, where wellness and care are integrated seamlessly. We have a responsibility as designers to provide spaces that ease us back into feeling comfortable sharing the same airspace." Cara King, airline design director, Teague
Lighting
"There’s a very interesting non-UV antimicrobial lighting system, developed by Vyv. I think this technology has exciting possibilities for business aircraft, because you could have continuous antimicrobial protection without the negative aspects of UV lights (fading and degradation of materials)." Judy Miller, Judy Miller Interior Design
"We’ve had more requests for mood and accent lighting recently. For example, fixed lamps on sidewalls help create layered, softer lighting." Summer Sun, Flying Colours
"In our recent widebody concept, Ascend, we included various lighting features, including starlight-inspired valance panels on the sidewalls, which illuminate as passengers walk by; coloured OLED displays with programmable scenes; a decorative ceiling fixture; and unique entry artwork with infinite lighting, inspired by artist James Turrell. We’re researching a key opportunity with lighting– to improve health and recovery so passengers arrive at their destination feeling refreshed. Scenes are programmed using flight data, evolving from departure to arrival and syncing with passengers’ circadian rhythms." Annika Svore Wicklund, Greenpoint Technologies
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