Duncan Aviation's experts at its Lincoln, Nebraska MRO facility have taken a legacy Falcon 2000EX and given it new life; a silk carpet, new PSU overlay panels, streamlined drinkrails and a number of unique details all formed part of the modernisation project.

The clients liked the aesthetics of their other aircraft, a Falcon 7X, so senior lead designer Stephanie Kuhn assembled several materials and paint scheme options that reflected those preferences, while ensuring a unique identity tailored specifically for the Falcon 2000.

The carpet is the most defining part of the interior. The field is 100 per cent silk with a luxurious, marbled and soft appearance. It is more delicate than traditional wool carpet, but maintains durability.

“Typically, carpets feature a flatter tone or incorporate accents of silk,” explains Kuhn. “In this case, the silk covering the entire field provides a shimmer effect and serves as a prominent focal point. Silk carpet often exhibits a marbled, natural appearance. Appreciating its natural beauty is key because silk fibres naturally resist laying uniformly in one direction.”

The team incorporated Duncan-designed, one-piece PSU overlay panels integrate with existing or new LED lighting, and modernised the drinkrails to create an updated look in the cabin that is also functional, and existing cupholders were relocated to fit the new lid that accommodates the cabin switch panels. The new recessed areas have a radiused design and are covered in the same material as the PSU overlay.

Because the interior space can be narrow between the conference table and the settee, the owners wanted more aisle clearance and a clearer pathway. The previous settee was outdated, bulky and protruded into the aisle. By reducing the thickness on the backrest and streamlining the design, Duncan was able to provide two more inches in the aisle without sacrificing seating area or comfort.

Kuhn initially presented a few options for the new paint design, and used client feedback to create a final design that incorporates sweeping stripes in blue, navy and silver grey. The plating coordinates beautifully with the veneer, and black pearl satin is featured on metal surfaces like latches, lights, air vents, faucets, sinks and cupholders.

The new fabric on the window panels offers slightly better sound absorption than Ultraleather, and soil protectant was applied to give liquid-repellent properties. The blue leather lower sidewalls coordinate with the accent yarn in the carpet and complement the exterior paint stripe.

There is a composite brown, ebony veneer on the drinkrails, tabletops, galley and lavatory, and the new polycarbonate on the galley and lavatory slider doors has a soft linen texture that provides an opaque look to the illuminated compartments.

The grain of the solid surface galley and lavatory countertops offers a marbled appearance.

New Prizm LED lighting, USB ports, Collins Venue Cabin Management System and an Alto sound system were also installed.

Senior modifications and sales rep Tracey Boesch says it is fun to see what the aircraft looked like before and to compare it to what it has become: “From the upgrades in the build, layered with newer, contemporary details and materials, we breathed new life into the aircraft. It's always a fun and enjoyable process, and I have to remind myself to take it all in. Typically, we get the project done, take photos, then it's on to the next one. I took an extra moment to linger and enjoy the great artisanship our teams performed on this aircraft.”