A multi-engine, instrument rated pilot, James Wynbrandt has been an AIN and Business Jet Traveler contributor since 2003. His in-depth reporting and insightful features have won more than a dozen editorial honors, including two National Business Aviation Association Gold Wing Awards (2019; 2021), and his articles have also appeared in the New York Times, Barron’s, Fortune, Forbes, and Smithsonian Air &amp; Space. He has flown his Mooney M20K 252 on assignments throughout North and Central America and the Caribbean. Wynbrandt is also the author of Flying High (Wiley &amp; Sons), a biography of Jet Blue founder David Neeleman, as well as histories, references works, and books on a variety of other topics from major publishers. He lives in New York City.

Contributor - Business Aviation

James Wynbrandt

An updated seat design using new frames and redesigned drink rails are all it took to give a formerly dowdy Challenger 605 a sleek, contemporary look, Duncan Aviation reported after completing the minor refurbishment. The airplane was outfitted with ornate trim and dated design details, and the owner “wanted to improve the aesthetic look and feel of the cabin without being wasteful,” said Ken Reita, Duncan’s multimedia and interiors designer. “Many of our customers come to us with design ideas and ask how they can achieve a specific look. [This customer] was hoping to incorporate a brushed satin silver trim to replace the older cove molding on the drink rails.”

 


After further consultation with the customer and the company’s modification specialists, Reita produced 3D renderings of the proposed refurb to illustrate the major impact the two relatively small changes he suggested—seats and drink rails—would make. After seeing the renderings on screen, the customer OK'd the plan. The Lincoln, Nebraska–based full-service provider noted that the same two enhancements and resulting contemporary look “can be repeated in any Challenger 605 cabin.”

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Duncan Updates Challenger 605 Cabin with Simple Refurb

New seats and drink rails achieve makeover impact on minimal investment.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

High-net-worth individuals from around the world spend time in the UK capital

In London, Gulfstream Clients Get Closer to Design Process

Amy Wilder

Satcom Direct integration boosts revenue and EBITDA

Gogo Reports $230M Q1 Revenue, Up 121% YOY

Matt Thurber

Broadband service operates on geostationary orbit satellite network

Viasat JetXP Satcom Sees Strong Uptake Since ‘24 Launch

Antenna optimized for multi-user broadband cabins

FAA Grants PMA for Gogo Galileo FDX Antenna

Jessica Reed

“The system performed flawlessly throughout the test program”

Flight Tests Validate Gogo Plane Simple ESA Capabilities

Carry-on communications system doesn't require permanent installation

Avionics Networks Offers Aircraft Starlink Mini Kits

Curt Epstein

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics

In London, Gulfstream Clients Get Closer to Design Process

High-net-worth individuals from around the world spend time in the UK capital

Gogo Reports $230M Q1 Revenue, Up 121% YOY

Satcom Direct integration boosts revenue and EBITDA

Viasat JetXP Satcom Sees Strong Uptake Since ‘24 Launch

Broadband service operates on geostationary orbit satellite network

FAA Grants PMA for Gogo Galileo FDX Antenna

Antenna optimized for multi-user broadband cabins

Flight Tests Validate Gogo Plane Simple ESA Capabilities

“The system performed flawlessly throughout the test program”

Avionics Networks Offers Aircraft Starlink Mini Kits

Carry-on communications system doesn't require permanent installation

Skyservice Awarded STC on Gogo Galileo HDX Wi-Fi Install

It has a nod from Transport Canada, with FAA, EASA, and ANAC approval still pending

Heico Buy of Rosen Aviation Is Company’s 4th This Year

Products primarily serve business aviation aftermarket and OEMs of VVIP aircraft

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