Quiet Luxury and Thoughtful Innovation Meet at Duncan Aviation’s Lincoln, Nebraska, Facility.
The stunning interior transformation of this GL-5000 at our facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, reflects quiet luxury, bold textures, and bespoke functionality. This aircraft now exudes modern sophistication through expert artisanship and richly layered design details.
Every element of the aircraft’s interior—seating, soft goods, veneers, plating, countertops, and flooring—was updated or replaced.
The project began with a clear and inspired vision from the owner, who provided Duncan Aviation Designer Jaime Blanken with color preferences and reference imagery to guide the creative direction. To ensure the vision aligned with the material selections, Senior Completions and Modifications Sales Representative Matt Spain personally traveled to meet with the customer, presenting Jaime’s curated palette.
Embracing a rising trend of monochromatic interiors, Jaime skillfully achieved harmony through the thoughtful layering of complementary textures, luxurious dark veneers, and refined satin platinum plating. The result is a striking interior that commands attention, delivering an immediate and memorable visual impact upon entering the cabin.
At the heart of the cabin are custom-fabricated seat coverings that blend plush wool-blend fabric and leather—an innovative approach that offers more comfort and creative design flexibility than traditional all-leather seating.
“It feels more like an upscale living space and gives the aircraft a different feel,” says Jaime. “The angled armrests add a modern edge while enhancing functionality and style.”
It’s not just about looks, these combinations help the seat breathe better, hold up longer in high-use spots, and just give the space more personality by adding depth and a more custom and unique feel.
The lower sidewalls were finished in an embossed, tipped leather, adding a tactile dimension, while the upper sidewalls, PSU, and headliner remained a classic, lighter grey to brighten the space. A subtly patterned carpet and stone-replicating luxury vinyl tile flooring in the galley tie the interior together.
The team introduced a sleek, modern redesign of the main entry door steps. Expertly crafted by DMS (Duncan Manufacturing Solutions), the new one-piece modular stainless-steel step treads feature a custom Duncan Aviation design with precision-machined neoprene rubber inlays. Each step was meticulously machined, assembled, and installed to deliver a refined, durable finish that reduces slipping and enhances the aircraft’s entry experience.
Because the sink in the crew lavatory had a unique size and shape, there were virtually no off-the-shelf options available to purchase.
Once Jaime located a suitable Corian color, Automated Systems Master Specialist Kevin Jones developed a 3D model and used his extensive experience with Corian to bring the concept to life. The sink is constructed from several layers of Corian that were glued together and then machined to form the bowl. Once the bowl was completed, it was bonded to the main countertop.
“This was a method the team has been considering for some time, and given that the aircraft was originally configured this way, it felt like the right opportunity to move forward with this method,” Interior Cabinet Shop/CNC Team Leader Nick Dahlberg explains. “The team nailed it and provided a custom, one-off product for the customer.”
The overall aesthetic is sophisticated, modern, and welcoming—delivering a serene experience.
“The cabin was really outdated before,” Jaime explains. “Now, it’s like walking into a luxury suite. The entire Duncan Aviation team is proud to bring the customer’s vision to life through innovation, attention to detail, and impeccable execution.”
Captions:
1 Tailored in a textured fabric to complement surrounding elements, the custom divan adds warmth and dimension.
2 The galley was modified with custom storage solutions to accommodate various liquor bottle heights with integrated LED lighting.
3 The countertops feature Calcutta stone solid surfaces, a material known for its versatility and timeless appeal.
4 New, one-piece modular stainless-steel step treads.
5 The aircraft is equipped with a Collins Aerospace Venue Cabin Management System, Prizm lighting, LED lighting on stairs and exterior, and Starlink internet.
6 Rich, dark, reveneered cabinetry offers deep contrast and refinement.
7 A one-of-a-kind, custom flip-up monitor with a hidden button inside the credenza cabinet ensures a clean look and added safety for families onboard.