COST - EFFECTI V E R E FURBISHMENT
“The film application is
simpler than in the early
days of the process”
The quality is very good and durability is comparable
to traditional finishes.”
Duncan Aviation uses the same topcoat on hydrodipped
components as on other finishes, to ensure the
product’s durability. Another option to give furnishings
a fresh appearance is the application of vinyl wraps.
“There are wraps that you can put on to a cabinet,
for example, that can replicate a wood grain,” says
Jared Stauffer, manager of interiors at Duncan
Aviation. “But if you wanted to have a fancy pink
roses pattern, you could apply that too.”
Stauffer says that like hydro-dipping, vinyl
wraps can be more cost-effective and lighter in
weight than certain veneers or surface materials,
though the greatest advantage is in the broad
range of patterns and colours that can be applied.
SIMPLER WIRING
Reducing or eliminating complex wiring work when
installing lighting and IFEC components can also help
reduce the costs of a refurbishment.
Flying Colours reports success with Alto’s switch
system. “We have used the Alto switch system for a suite
of Challenger 850s that were modified to support a
corporation that needed a durable, productive cabin
environment for frequent shuttles,” says Sean Gillespie,
executive vice president at Flying Colours. “The switches
were basic but functional and the system fitted into
existing cut-outs. The solution didn’t require a
tremendous amount of system integration. Solutions such
as this are a good practical approach, and offer a solid,
cost-effective solution as part of an aircraft overhaul.”
The company has also worked on a number of projects
using pre-engineered sideledges, which Gillespie says
saved time and money for the owner. “While customising
a jet means we are making it tailored to specific needs,
there are times when using pre-engineered components
is a good option,” he adds.
LED LIGHTING
Aeria sees demand for LED lighting upgrades, RGB
programmable mood lighting, and 4K and HD monitor
upgrades as part of refurbishments. “There is a pretty
sizeable expense in upgrading to LED lighting but where
the owner/operator benefits is in durability and reduced
By popular request
The most common requests
seen by Duncan Aviation on
refurbishments are changes
to cabin layouts. “The addition
of divans has become a fairly
popular layout change,” says
Nate Klenke. “Sometimes, we
see complete configuration
changes to move the location of
conference and sleeping areas.”
Other popular requests
include changes to drinkrails,
tables, lighting, and switches for
IFE and other cabin functions.
“Seats and fabrics are the
most popular switches,” says
Sean Gillespie of Flying Colours.
“IFE and connectivity is also
high on the list, although as
passengers bring their own
devices on board, we are seeing
more requests for clever ways
to store these safely.”
Wieland Timm of Lufthansa
Technik notes connectivity is
leading the charge. “Seamless
wi-fi and high-bandwidth
connectivity systems, in
combination with streaming
content for audio and video
are the number-one request in
retrofit tenders,” he says.
Lufthansa Technik
says wood veneer
requires six or seven
lacquer layers, while
water transfer printing
only needs
two or three
LEFT: A TECHNICIAN AT
DUNCAN AVIATION PRIMES
A CABINET FOR WATER
TRANSFER PRINTING
ABOVE: A STONE-LOOK
SINK CREATED BY DUNCAN
AVIATION USING WATER
TRANSFER PRINTING
BELOW: DUNCAN AVIATION
HAS USED THE PROCESS TO
CREATE INTERCHANGEABLE
TABLE INLAYS
businessjetinteriorsinternational.com
APRIL 2020 039
/businessjetinteriorsinternational.com