21 April 2020: Duncan Aviation recently refurbished a Gulfstream IV-SP with 14 individual club seats in walnut brown leather. The unique configuration consists of all of seats facing straight ahead towards the cockpit, similar to typical airline seating. Many of the seats feature rotating bases, allowing them to pivot 180 degrees when needed, which gives the seats the flexibility to function more like seats do in a standard corporate configuration.
The interior is durable enough to hold up to constant use while containing subtle masculine features and be comfortable for all 14 passengers.
The interior design was led by Kristen Cotugno, Senior Lead Designer with Duncan Aviation in Battle Creek with the support of Duncan Aviation's engineering department.
"This was a great opportunity to show what Duncan Aviation can do, offering something truly custom for a client's specific needs. Whenever we get the opportunity to work large, multi-shop projects like this, it's exciting. This is where Duncan Aviation really shines," said Austin Chambers, Airframe Service Sales rep, Battle Creek
In addition to the inspection and the refurbishment, the aircraft's workscope included a 5000 landing inspection, including replacement of the failed cap angle, and a full custom paint scheme. The company's other two GIV-SPs also came in for heavy airframe maintenance events, full paint refurbishments, and 5000 landing inspections all with failed cap angle replacements.
"Our client had specific mission requirements and although what they were asking us to complete was difficult, we embraced the challenge and delivered a product that substantially surpassed their expectations, all while staying within their budget," said George Bajo, Completions and Modifications Manager.
This longtime Duncan Aviation client uses a fleet of GIV-SPs that operate as vital corporate shuttles, often flying 12 to 14 people on longer international trips. One of their aircraft had a 96 month inspection due, which required that the interior be removed and replaced. It sported a configuration that did not have divans designed for the durability they required, nor were they the client's preferred seating option for three adults. Duncan Aviation and the customer decided an extensive cabin reconfiguration along with the inspection was the best option for the aircraft's mission.