Flexjet, a fractional provider that offers highly customised aircraft interiors as part of its LXi Cabin Collection, will present a $100,000 prize to the winning designer of its next aircraft interior through its Project LXi – Design the Ultimate Private Jet Interior contest.
Flexjet is looking to uncover “new inspiration, bold expression and authentic artistry” to complement the nearly 50 custom interiors in its LXi Cabin Collection. Since 2015, in-house artisans have collaborated with aircraft manufacturers to create one-of-a-kind fold-down ottomans, pop-up kibitzer seating, custom divans and credenzas, as well as dedicated lounges and staterooms designed for equal parts utility and elegance.
Flexjet’s panel of judges will narrow the submissions to 10 semi-finalists for the public to vote on. From there, the top three entrants with the highest numbers of votes will present their designs to Flexjet chairman Kenn Ricci at the company’s global headquarters in Cleveland. He will choose the grand prize-winning design.
“Beautiful design can completely transform an experience and I have always enjoyed studying design, whether in clothing, architecture or aircraft,” said Ricci. “When it comes to the Flexjet fleet, we created a number of themes, just as boutique hotels often do with their rooms. It makes Flexjet unique. Each aircraft’s interior design captures interest and speaks to our fanatical attention to detail.”
For Project LXi – Design the Ultimate Private Jet Interior, the theme is completely up to the designer. There are many elements inside the aircraft cabin they can use to pull together the story they wish to tell to illustrate their theme – from the carpet pattern to the seating materials, colour and accents, the type of wood veneer, the sidewall colour and material. The Flexjet Gulfstream G650 is divided into four distinct zones for working, dining, sleeping and the family room. What the designer calls their interior is another essential element. Flexjet’s interior names include Capris, inspired by the island; Art Deco, inspired by the roaring 20s; Santa Fe, inspired by the southwestern USA; and a crowd favourite Boardroom, inspired by the 1999 movie The Thomas Crown Affair.
Every year, Flexjet’s design team develops fresh interiors to outfit the company’s growing fleet of nearly 300 aircraft. In the last few years, Flexjet has partnered with like-minded luxury brands on cabin interior designs. In 2022, Flexjet collaborated with Bentley Motorcars in designing interiors for a Flexjet Gulfstream G650 and a Sikorsky S-76 using the Bentley Bacalar as its muse. Those aircraft then embarked on a US tour.
This year, Flexjet launched a partnership with Ferretti Group, a specialist in the design, construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels. The partnership will come to life in a new Flexjet Gulfstream G650 interior set to premiere in 2025 and inspired by a Riva motoryacht.
Prospective designers can learn more about the contest rules, the layout of the Gulfstream G650 cabin, and the entry process on the Flexjet Project LXi page.
