Craker/Chatfield
Champagne bars, oversized dining tables, and an onboard gym are just some of the concepts appearing in new private-jet cabins. Since every aircraft can be customized, extreme personalization has become more common across the business-jet spectrum. That’s especially true on the largest bizliners where an owner is more concerned about freedom of expression than resale value.
All major airframers offer customized interiors by in-house design teams. But those wanting to create a truly bespoke interior usually hire outside design firms or architects specializing in luxury cabins. A recent bespoke interior of an ACJ319neo by London designer Colin Radcliffe, which features a stylized Art Deco design, is an example of inspired, extreme customization. At the other end, the new interior of the Cessna Citation Ascend is form meeting function with subtle luxury touches. Then there is the orange glow of the stylized interior of a Vision Jet, designed for a client in the automotive industry.
Unlike a yacht, where weight isn’t as critical since the vessel rides on the water, business jet interiors require both artistic and technical expertise. Materials have to be non-flammable and as lightweight as possible in order to pass FAA certification. Despite these hurdles, more owners want a luxe look that reflects their lifestyles on the ground. The result is a series of innovative cabins, some of which have pushed the boundaries of technology and aesthetics.
Here are seven of our favorites, plus a shapeshifting concept that is just plain cool.
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Art Deco ACJ319neo | Jet Aviation
Image Credit: Jet Aviation Handmade silver antique mirrors, a monochromatic color palette, and intricate sunburst patterns are some of the key details within this 1920s-inspired private jet. Designed with interior architect Colin Radcliffe, Jet Aviation Basel took cues from the Art Deco–loving client when it came to the intricate features of this private jet. The sunburst pattern at the rear is stunning as are small details like black wallpaper embroidered with gold thread and beautiful burlwood patterns in the tabletops. Each element was chosen to add to the overall impact, which is exceptional.
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VistaJet Global 7500
Image Credit: VistaJet With four living zones, including a full-size kitchen and bedroom, VistaJet’s Global 7500 is a haven for long-haul flights. To design the ultra-long-range jet’s cabin, VistaJet used materials that were not only aesthetically appealing but could also withstand long-term wear. Italian leather is the base for the ergonomic seats, while the muted gray color scheme across the cabin is warm and welcoming. Since the delivery of Bombardier’s ultra-long-range jet in 2022, VistaJet has been redesigning its entire fleet around this signature look.
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Lufthansa Technik BBJ 777-9
Image Credit: Lufthansa Technik This BBJ-777-9 prioritizes multifunctionality by combining traditional elements of Middle Eastern cultural heritage with modern details. Most notably, the VVIP section at the front contains an expandable private bedroom, office, and gym. In addition, there’s a spacious office and reception area that divides the aircraft to give an added layer of privacy between the spaces. The entrance of the jet was inspired by six-star hotels. According to the designers, the ideal clients are governments of Middle Eastern countries.
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BBJ Max 7 | Alexander Craker and Tom Chatfield
Image Credit: Alexander Craker/Tom Chatfield Designed by Alexander Craker and Tom Chatfield, this BBJ Max 7 is inspired by the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail cabriolet. With flexibility in mind, there’s a dining area with tables that stow away, along with a luxe champagne bar. Most notably, the bar has a glass cover that can be stowed, revealing either a video screen or tabletop. The wood and muted, light-hued palette give the cabin a warm, inviting feeling. The project was done on spec, but as it progressed, a client jumped on board to bring it to completion.
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Vision Jet | Xi Design Team
Image Credit: XI Design Team This Vision Jet embodies its owner’s personality, a luminary in the automotive industry. The Xi Design Team decided that orange should be a dominant hue since the client is always wearing some variation of that color. On board, the seats are adorned with orange Nappa leather edges with contrasting steel-gray leather on the back. The orange also casts reflections on the carbon fiber ceiling. Orange is also used throughout on the haptics, adding a cool tech element to the interior.
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Cessna Citation Ascend
Image Credit: Textron Aviation When it arrives in 2025, this Cessna Citation Ascend will boast improved performance, an entirely new cockpit, and a sleek midsize cabin. The exterior also showcases a noticeable difference with larger windows and a sleeker appearance. However, inside the Ascend, a new flat floor offers more legroom and upgraded seats to increase comfort. With a muted palette, the Ascend exudes a polished corporate look, with details like patterned carpeting and embroidered leather seats. While not as ostentatious as others on this list, the Ascend shows how airframers are adding subtle luxe cues and smarter design features to improve the quality of flight.
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F/List Shapeshifter
Image Credit: F/List This cool concept is meant to maximize the passenger experience with multifunctional furniture. Dubbed the Shapeshifter, furniture such as a credenza morphs into a workstation while the lounge transforms into a dining area, all with the push of a button. After three years of development, the Austrian company is now seeking an owner who might want to design a Shapeshifter into a new aircraft, though it will require FAA approval.