Company Highlights Its Makeover Capabilities By Returning Clapped-Out Jets to Chic, Modern Showpieces

Duncan Aviation showed off its newest pet project with a "well-used" Challenger 604 that served as a blank canvas for their interior design talent. The black and grey bespoke furnishings have a unique feel apart from the common sweeping curves and organic shaping so popular in the private jet scene. 

The owner of the aircraft was said to have more limited resources for the creation of a perfect plane, and his first-time affordable pick was turned into a dream through the addition of fresh paint, updated avionics, a 12-month inspection, and a custom interior provisioned for aero-med stretcher service. The jet entered Duncan's hangars with suitably vintage browns, golds, and beiges, leaving with sleeker, more disciplined blacks and grays. The makeover included all the most important cabin changes as well with installation of USB inputs, chagrin hubs, and a Gogo Airshow Mobile 2 suite for full connectivity and IFE support. 

The owners of the Challenger brought the usual marital divide to their color preference: The husband sought cooler, more monochromatic colors, while the wife wanted warmer, brighter design language. “He liked darker colors, while his wife wanted the aircraft to be light and bright,” said Duncan designer Emily Krawzcak. The team paid special attention to the furniture inside, the most striking change. The chairs are specially designed for more upright, angular seating positions suited to a working aircraft. In a break from the usual business runabout, Duncan ensured the Challenger was outfitted with an aero-med stretcher unit with an air-stair lift mechanism, removable port bulkhead, and convertible floor covering should the plane be pressed into medical service. 

“All of those items are able to be removed to convert the aircraft for special missions, as well as standard use,” said Bruce. “It’s basically a plane ambulance. Medical services in Australia sometimes require travel to access and this aircraft is now capable of safely transporting patients over long distances.”

FMI: www.duncanaviation.com