Marcelle Nethersole writes from London on the world of aircraft interiors and finds just why this industry is booming while the world’s markets falter

From the outside it looks like any other Avro regional jet. With its four engines and exceptional short-field performance, it is a common sight on small regional or private airfields. It is so versatile that across the Indian subcontinent or into central Asia, the type is also seen on unpaved landing strips bringing hunting parties on the lucrative trips from the Gulf states.

But inside, it is a different story. This particular jet based on the BAE 146 whispering jet has an altogether different look, unrecognisable to those who are used to it as a short-hop commuter aircraft. The royal families of Abu Dhabi and Bahrain have taken these former regional workhorses, and with the help of innovative designers and specialist completions centres have converted the aircraft to flying palaces.

The latest innovation – unveiled at Geneva at the European Business Aviation show, EBACE in May – was from DesignQ, the creative team that had designed the interiors of cars such as the Range Rover and Jaguar as well as the Upper Class cabins of Virgin Atlantic aircraft. They were showing the Avro Explorer targeted at intrepid explorers with high net worth and a taste for luxury.

Branded the Explorer One and Explorer Four, the concepts are the first two of five that UK consultancy Design Q was contracted to develop. They are intended to make full use of the Avro Business Jet’s distinctive features, such as its large rear-opening freight door and high level of interior space.

Each of the two Explorer concepts incorporates an “air deck” viewing platform that can be extended from that door, in addition to a luxurious interior that incorporates an entertainment system and open-plan galley. Curved sofas encircle a low central Ottoman on which monitors can be placed. “These concepts elevate the ABJ to a new level of sophistication,” says Stewart Cordner, vice-president of Avro Business Jets at BAE’s regional aircraft unit.

The ABJ Explorer One is aimed at high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) seeking to explore remote locations “in a stylish and comfortable way”. A fully equipped office workstation is incorporated in the forward bulkhead, while a large display cabinet is positioned on the opposite side of the aircraft.

White marble stone is used in both the floor and the central table situated aft of the lounge in a crescent-shaped alcove. A lavatory is situated in the walkway leading to the stunning rear entertainment lounge and air deck.

The Explorer Four concept, meanwhile, is targeted at the luxury charter segment, as an alternative to a yacht. It can provide overnight accommodation for four couples or individuals, in private VIP cabins equipped with a sofa and chair combination that can be converted to a full-size double bed. Each cabin has its own entertainment system with a 17in high-definition flatscreen monitor.

The cabins are also equipped with a full-height wardrobe and direct access to a large dressing room incorporating a toilet and shower, located in the aircraft’s mid-section. The glazed bulkheads can be transformed from obscure to transparent to create “a more social space”. Sleeping quarters are provided for the crew both in a cabin in the forward lower hold.

Many of the aerospace companies have turned to automotive designers to work with them with cabin designs.

“There is an enormous similarity between the luxury car and the interiors of the lighter jets, “ says Luis Carlos Affonso, the head of Embraer’s corporate aircraft division. “That’s why you see companies like Porche, BMW and Mercedes getting involved with manufacturers. Making the best use of space is vital.” Embraer’s latest super light jet, the Phenom 300, features a cabin designed by BMW Designworks as does the single-engined Pilatus PC-12.

“Most business jets are functional and there for business,” says Cessna President Jack Pelton. “They are much more like an SUV. There is a lot of similarity between that luxurious but functional interior that an executive would expect from his automobile that can be applied to his business aircraft.

Swiss interiors specialist Jet Aviation has added Porsche Design Studio to its list of interior design companies and will collaborate on future VVIP aircraft cabin interiors. “When designing for the luxury-brand Porsche Design, we place particular focus on technically inspired, timeless products,” says Roland Heiler, managing director of Porsche Design Studio.

“It is that very philosophy which will be the basis for our aviation designs: not opulent but timeless, purist and clear with the aim to distinguish from traditional aircraft interiors,” he adds.

But as the jets get bigger so does the demand for greater individuality in the interior design.

Airbus, whose Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJs) are continuing to attract more customers across Asia have invested in their own completions and design centre in order to get the best for from the vast interior of the A320 family airframe. “The aircraft is right for people who are looking for the comfort and space in the air that they would get in their homes,” says Francois Chazelle, head of Airbus corporate jet business.

“The Airbus ACJ family has the widest cabin and more space than any other aircraft in its class,” Chazelle says. “This gives us the chance to introduce a number of design options that are impossible on other aircraft. For example, you can include a round table to allow families or colleagues to sit together to eat. Also because there are no air conditioning ducts in the ceiling we are able to have a domed ceiling, which gives a whole different ambience to the cabin.”

Airbus’ investment in the completions business is timely. According to the president of one of the oldest business jet interiors companies Jack Lawless of Associates Air Center (AAC) – part of Dubai’s DAE group – there will be a shortage of completions centres as the world comes out of recession.

“It can take 18 months from the time the green aircraft arrives at the completion centre before it is delivered back to the customer,” says Lawless. “There is a great interest in by people buying widebodied aircraft such as the 767 or the 340 and converting them to business jets. There just isn’t the capacity to meet the demand,” he said.