Flying Colours refurbishes first jet to incorporate INAIRVATION components.

Flying Colours Corp. the North America-headquartered refurbishment, completions and MRO specialist will attend this year’s European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition - Booth P106 – having just completed the world’s first executive jet refurbishment incorporating pre-engineered cabin components manufactured by Austria-based INAIRVATION.  The 2003 Bombardier Classic Global Express, which was redelivered to the private client at the end of March, underwent a complete internal and external overhaul at the Flying Colours Peterborough, Ontario, facility.

The design was created in-house by Flying Colours Corp. with the INAIRVATION components forming one part of the much wider aircraft revamp. The final look was informed by an unusual collection of textured materials, designer fabrics, intricate brown twill carbon fibre veneers, an olive green and cream colour palette, bespoke handmade carpet, and a truly unique external paint scheme.

INAIRVATION supplied pre-engineeered side ledges which complemented the sleek, elegant, style. The Lufthansa Technik nice® HD Cabin Management and Inflight Entertainment system (CMS/IFE) is incorporated into the side ledges around the seat areas, and blends the modern utilization with aesthetic appeal. The control unit includes an advanced user interface, a wireless interface for personal device integration – both iOS and Android - and a Hollywood studio content service with leading movies and TV shows. A B/E Aerospace LED lighting system which features a rainbow spectrum of mood lighting is also controlled by the nice® system to enhance the cabin atmosphere at all stages of flight. In addition to the comprehensive CMS/IFE system a completely new Gogo ATG 5000 high-speed data system has also been installed to improve existing cabin connectivity.

Flying Colours Corp. has extensive in-house expertise but adapted and changed the regular installation process to maximise communication with the INAIRVATION team. “We had to liaise regularly to ensure the new nice® HD CMS/IFE system, and customized side ledges, worked with the existing aircraft systems and airframe,” explains Sean Gillespie, Executive VP, Flying Colours about the process. “Communication was key and this project certainly broadened our notion of teamwork.  INAIRVATION was great to work with which meant we were able to keep the project on track, and re-deliver to the customer on time and on budget.” 

The interior also features crème coloured granite stone flooring from INAIRVATION on the entry way floors, which contrast with black granite stone countertops in the entry and galley areas, also from INAIRVATION. The same feature repeats in the forward and aft lavatories.

“This retrofit components option provides a significant number of benefits to an aircraft owner. In this instance the owner was familiar with our proven stone products and wanted to incorporate them again. The new ergonomic side ledges underwent rigorous design, testing and development by us which meant they were ready to drop in as Flying Colours worked through the installation. This certainly adds value to the refurbishment as they minimise non-recurring engineering costs and reduce down time for the client,” said Dr. Philip von Schroeter, CEO, INAIRVATION. 

The design also required the upholstery of new fully reclining Global 6000 BE Aerospace seat frames.  To complement the seats’ cream and green hues the seat back, armrest and vertical back band of the armrest incorporate Aniline Gaufrange, an embossed and hand-rubbed cowhide. This is set off by the unusual carbon fibre veneer with its intricate brown twill pattern. The same carbon fibre covers the majority of monument surfaces, including a custom-made work desk, and is set off by dark ebony hardwood accents, and a satin copper rose metal finish.

The exterior fuselage was also treated to one of the most detailed aircraft paint schemes Flying Colours has ever undertaken. Uniform stripes were individually measured and detailed on the lower half of the exterior. A honeycomb effect on the cabin door and nacelles required hand application of the pattern, whilst the tail design reflects the interior’s carbon fibre pattern. “The paint shop took just six weeks to complete this incredibly complex scheme and really highlights their expertise and attention to detail. The final look is extremely eye-catching, and will stand out at any airport,” says Gillespie.

The extensive transformation took under five months to finalise and Flying Colours Corp. is already in advanced discussions with a second customer about the benefits of incorporating the INAIRVATION concept into a cabin conversion. Gillespie anticipates work will begin in the summer, and having completed the first one, expects the installation time to be reduced even further.