Duncan Aviation has completed a comprehensive cabin refurbishment of a Bombardier Global Express (GLEX), transforming the aircraft into a bespoke, family-focused business jet through a major interior redesign carried out alongside heavy maintenance and modernisation work at its Lincoln, Nebraska, facility. The project combined a 120-month inspection, landing gear overhaul, Starlink installation, exterior repaint, engineering modifications and a full cabin refresh into a single maintenance event.
The refurbishment was undertaken as the aircraft reached its scheduled 10-year inspection, allowing the owners to modernise the aircraft rather than replace it. By integrating maintenance, cabin upgrades, avionics enhancements and paint work into one visit, Duncan Aviation minimised aircraft downtime while delivering a highly customised interior tailored to the owners’ lifestyle.
“The aircraft had served the owners well, and the 120-month inspection provided the ideal opportunity to decide whether to replace it or make it exactly what they wanted,” said Matt Spain, Completion Sales Representative at Duncan Aviation. He added, “Having purchased the aircraft new, this was the first time they were able to fully personalise both the design and functionality, making it a particularly rewarding project.”
The redesigned cabin reflects the owners’ creative vision, featuring a bold black interior theme complemented by custom carpeting, new soft furnishings, luxury vinyl tile flooring in the entryway and lavatories, and refreshed seating finished with a distinctive straight-line tuck-and-roll pattern. Matching upholstery elements extend into the lavatories, creating a consistent design language throughout the cabin.
A key highlight of the refurbishment was the development of a custom-designed credenza engineered specifically to enhance the way the owner’s family uses the aircraft. Replacing the traditional cabinet opposite the conference table, the new lower-profile credenza incorporates a cushioned seating surface, creating a more relaxed social space where passengers can gather, particularly during family travel.
According to Jennifer Morrill, Duncan Aviation Project Manager, the cabin evolved significantly as the owner’s personal design preferences shaped the project.
“The project truly reflected the owner’s personality. They wanted something artistic and distinctive, and every part of the aircraft was designed with that vision in mind. It allowed our teams to showcase both their craftsmanship and creativity,” Morrill said.
The custom credenza also represented one of the programme’s most technically demanding engineering tasks. Designed from scratch, the unit required detailed structural modelling, certification and the integration of complex pocket doors while maintaining compatibility with adjacent cabinetry.
Beyond the interior, Duncan Aviation introduced a bold new exterior finished in black and red with intricate graphics and gradient paint transitions. Custom-designed entry steps featuring stainless steel, black rubber and red accents complement the exterior scheme, creating a distinctive first impression for passengers boarding the aircraft.
The modernisation programme also included the installation of Starlink connectivity, providing high-speed inflight internet access to support streaming, entertainment and business communications during flight.
“The project involved virtually every department across our Lincoln facility,” Morrill highlighted. “More than 400 team members contributed to the refurbishment, and there was a tremendous sense of pride as the aircraft came together.”
Following completion of the extensive maintenance and refurbishment programme, the aircraft successfully returned to service after a squawk-free test flight, underscoring the effectiveness of Duncan Aviation’s integrated approach to heavy maintenance, engineering, cabin interiors, avionics and paint services.
The project highlights the growing trend among business jet operators to combine scheduled maintenance with comprehensive cabin modernisation programmes, enabling aircraft to receive new interiors, upgraded connectivity and customised passenger amenities while minimising downtime and maximising long-term asset value.
