Duncan Aviation Refurbishes Gulfstream G550

Duncan Aviation continues to set the standard for luxury aircraft refurbishment, offering bespoke solutions that elevate the flying experience, like this beautiful Gulfstream G550. Click image for high-res download.

LINCOLN, NEB. — Duncan Aviation has once again raised the bar for aircraft customization with the stunning transformation of a Gulfstream G550 at its full-service maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility in Battle Creek, Michigan. The aircraft now boasts a sleek new paint job, an interior that is highlighted by emerald green seating and satin almond gold finishes, and a Starlink Satellite Connectivity Solution. The complete refurbishment reflects the owner’s desire for an understated yet luxurious flying experience unlike any other.

The aircraft was a recent purchase that reflected the previous owner’s branding and interior styling, highlighted by predominantly blue tones, navy blue seats, blue carpet with swirls, and details of outdated design trends. Although the interior was in great condition, the owner was ready to make it their own.

“When we first reviewed the project, the owner indicated he wanted to see emerald green or burgundy red seats,” said Designer Jack Bauder. “We used that as our guidance, and built complete materials palettes around each color.” 

The initial design selections were organized by the Duncan Aviation Design team in Battle Creek and communicated to our Design team in Lincoln, Nebraska, where the customer specification session was scheduled. The Design team worked with the owner to refine and finalize the design package and the transformation began.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the interior is the emerald green seats that were hand stitched up by Duncan Aviation’s Upholstery shop in Battle Creek.

“The owner’s love for jewel tones inspired the use of a deep, rich modern green for the seats,” explained Senior Lead Designer Mary Lee. “We paired them with a warm beige palette to enhance the comfortable, elegant feel of the new interior.”

The carpet pattern was a unique choice, adding visual interest to the cabin without being overpowering.

“The design is a little more bold than what we typically see,” explained Bauder. “It’s made with a single yarn color, in this case a warm neutral/beige, but the way the yarns are sheared creates a light and dark pattern.”

The existing veneer was in very good condition upon arrival. It was stripped and stained a darker color to match the new beige color palette. The solid surface countertops were updated to a whiter material with marbling and veining, offering a cleaner, more modern look. The new countertops were designed to use a simulated white quartz finish, which provides a nice contrast with the dark veneer tone.

The new upper sidewalls feature an Ultraleather material, and the lower sidewalls are a heavier gauged synthetic material that was embossed to give the appearance of leather. The new material is more durable and withstands the typical wear on the lower sidewalls. The window panels have a subtle ripple texture that adds visual interest.

Other details include satin almond gold plating, modifications to the hanging glass rack to accommodate the stemless wine glasses, custom beige and green throw pillows, a divan that features a plush mohair fabric to give a soft, more comfortable yet luxurious appearance, and updated flight deck finishes that are highlighted by a lighter color Ultraleather on the window panels and headliner that lightens up the area.

Tying It all Together

After the interior overhaul, attention was given to the aircraft's exterior, ensuring the new paint scheme complemented the revived cabin.

The new exterior paint features a Matterhorn white base with a light gold pearl color field over the top of the cockpit and stripe running through the fuselage. There are emerald green and gold accents that tie in perfectly to the interior.

“The new paint scheme is a variation of a timeless design with some added personal flair,” said Bauder. “The owner loved the clean and sleek lines, which we painted in pearlescent green and gold to coordinate with their interior.”

The owner was thrilled with the result, and the aircraft is now a perfect reflection of their initial vision and personal taste.

With this project, Duncan Aviation continues to set the standard for luxury aircraft refurbishment, offering bespoke solutions that elevate the flying experience.

About Duncan Aviation

Duncan Aviation is an aircraft service provider supporting the aviation needs of business aircraft operators, government agencies, and other aircraft service providers. Services include major and minor airframe inspections, engine maintenance, major retrofits for cabin and cockpit avionics systems, full paint and interior services, engineering and certification services, fabrication and manufacturing services, and preowned aircraft sales and acquisitions. Duncan Aviation also has international aircraft components solutions experts available 24/7/365 at +1 402.475.4125 who can handle any aircraft system problem with immediate exchanges, rotables, loaners or avionics/instrument/accessory repairs and overhauls. Complete service facilities are located in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Provo, Utah. We also have dozens of other facilities strategically located throughout the United States to provide customers with scheduled regional support and the quickest response possible to avionics, engine and airframe Aircraft On Ground (AOG) situations.

For more information about any of Duncan Aviation’s services, call +1 402.475.2611 or visit https://www.DuncanAviation.aero/services