Along with rapid growth in the private-jet segment of air travel, aircraft interior design is a booming business.

While some private jet owners hire interior designers, the majority use the services of aircraft completion companies, which take bare-bones plans and customize them to the new owner’s needs. We asked Meghan Welch, an interior designer at Moline, Ill.–based Elliott Aviation, about how she works with clients.

Q. What are the interior design issues particular to aircraft?

Most aircraft owners are concerned with durability and resale, so the majority of aircraft interiors are designed with neutral tones and finishes to meet these requirements. However, with each interior, we learn the functionality and mission of the [customer’s] aviation needs and customize the interior refurbishment to maximize the outcome.

Q. Have you had any unusual design requests?

We completed an interior design for the government of Venezuela. They requested that the map of their country be etched in gold finish in the tabletop inserts. Additionally, we completed embroideries of the country’s seal in the leather of each cabin seatback and coordinated the remainder of the interior with that [element].

Q. Are there FAA or other government entity standards or requirements in private aircraft interiors?

Only specific materials can be used for aircraft interiors. For example, all materials are required to have an 8110-3, which means they need to pass FAA burn requirements. We also do a treatment and testing of certain materials to ensure all standards are met.

Q. Is there a trend for more private aircraft buyers to bring in their own interior designers?

No. Since we have the tools, capabilities and experience to do so, we typically work with the customer on their interior design. Here at Elliott Aviation, the design services are provided with the interior refurbishment. We offer a computer software program called EnVision that allows us to turn their ideas into reality. This 2-D and 3-D modeling software allows the customer to preview colors, textures, patterns and materials from our database, [which contains] hundreds of samples. The final stage of this software is a photorealistic 3-D rendering [that shows] the customer a true color visualization of how the new interior environment will look and feel. This rendering, along with the color board of materials, is a complete package for their interior design. __________________________________________________________

FIRST-CLASS FLIGHT

The sky’s the limit with aircraft outfitted for ultra-wealthy individuals.

PRINCE ALWALEED BIN TALAL of Saudi Arabia was the first individual to place a firm order for an Airbus double-decker A380 (price tag: approximately $300 million), the largest commercial airplane in the world. The interior design is expected to cost at least $200 million and will take up to two years to complete, say industry experts.

DONALD TRUMP’s luxe 727-23 includes seats with 24-carat-gold seatbelt buckles, Waterford crystal lamps and oil paintings.

MARK CUBAN, owner of the Dallas Mavericks NBA basketball team, reportedly had custom seats installed on his 767-277 aircraft that are large enough to accommodate the team’s very tall players.