Estimated reading time 4 minutes, 16 seconds.
Ahead of this year’s Asian Business Aviation Conference and Expo (ABACE) Shanghai, April 15-17, Flying Colours Corp. the Canadian headquartered MRO, completion and refurbishment specialist has announced the delivery of its first ever complete carbon fibre interior reconfiguration of a Bombardier Challenger 850 aircraft for a Hong Kong based client.
The carbon fibre interior was designed by the Flying Colours team in conjunction with the client to create an innovative new style of interior. The predominantly black and grey carbon fibre surfaces are complemented with ebony hardwood veneer accents, whilst seats have been finished in white leather upholstery and the divans in eye catching rich, contrasting fabrics. Satin-Nickel plating adds a further unique touch to the stylish look. Complementing the furnishings is a state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system featuring 22in widescreen units for a more modern feel, and a Rockwell Collins Airshow 4000, which has software modified for the region of operation. SwiftBroadBand supports a new telephone system and cabin WiFi.
The aircraft is configured for 16 passengers with a three cabin VIP layout. The first cabin features four club seats, whilst the mid-cabin incorporates a divan opposite standard double seats so creating a useful meeting space on board. The third cabin section features a half club configuration with a berthing divan followed by a rear lavatory. The total work schedule took around sixteen weeks to finish owing to the intensive labour required to apply the material. The project was finished within the expected time frame, budget and to the client’s specifications and satisfaction.
“This is the first time we’ve worked so extensively with carbon fibre on the interior of an aircraft. The client chose the material for purely aesthetic reasons and where you would normally only use wood veneer. eg the tables, galleys, bulkheads, handrails, lavatory vanities and toilet enclosures, we’ve used carbon fibre. We have used the material before but normally only as an accent to complement an interior. The counter tops are black and white, the divan is cherry red, and the black carpet features a white ‘Branches’ splinter pattern. In combination the red and white leather, the Satin Nickel plating and the carbon fibre create a striking effect. It really is quite unique and we are extremely proud to have created such a stunning interior,” says Eric Gillespie, vice president, Flying Colours.
“We also note that Asian clients are very particular when it comes to entertainment and technology with most of our clients preferring modern IFE systems complemented by crisp clean design. The Asian clients particularly appreciate our flexibility and innovation in providing unique interiors like this latest aircraft,” comments Gillespie about their growing Asian client base.
Flying Colours has been making great strides in Asia since 2009 with both its CRJ ExecLiner conversion program and new Challenger 850 completions being particularly popular in China. The Canada-based business is also currently in the middle of numerous refurbishments for other Asian based clients, including a Challenger 604 for a Chinese operator which will incorporate a new conference group – double seats and a hi-lo table that is regularly installed in the aft cabin on this aircraft type – along with softgood refurbishment, as well as various maintenance tasks.
“The region is incredibly important to our business and is one of the reasons we were pleased to be chosen as Bombardier’s interiors partner for their Singapore facility. We have shown commitment and dedication to building business in Asia, and we continue to value and maximise the opportunities the region presents,” concluded Gillespie.
