Achieving the Ultimate Work-Life Balance in Your Aircraft’s Cabin

Achieving the “right” work-life balance in the cabin is always subjective depending on the individual operator and their needs, according to George Bajo, Sales Manager for Modifications at Duncan Aviation.

“It might be totally business-related,” he explains, or it could involve a range of requirements that incorporate needs in comfort and entertainment. Connectivity is a major demand today, particularly for business-focused customers, he adds.

On the other hand, some customers have asked Duncan Aviation to remove single seats and install divans, while dividers like pocket doors or curtains are a popular request to close off certain areas of the cabin for rest. 

“I have some clients that want to have their seats upgraded with footrests to be more comfortable,” Bajo shares. “When they get on board the airplane, they want to turn their electronics off, to shut the shades and put their feet up and relax. 

“Other customers are on the opposite side of the spectrum – they want all the goodies in avionics and cabin management to fit their mission.” 

Meghan Welch, Director of Paint & Interior Sales at Elliott Aviation, says that workplace scenarios tend to involve a club seating arrangement for business meetings in-flight. Some other common requests are power outlets, dual port USB outlets and Wi-Fi, “so that passengers can check for emails and conduct business while they’re in flight”. 

Additionally, Welch highlights the importance of lighting for the working environment, including potentially upgrading to an LED lighting system, which could accommodate a variety of lighting color temperatures for different settings in flight.

Mission & Size Dependent: Cabin Interior Arrangements Vary 

Bajo says the cabin arrangement can vary widely, depending on mission. Some customers have asked that the Cabin Management System (CMS) be removed or retained with very minimal capabilities, he illustrates. On the other hand, some customers “want the latest and greatest of everything”, from connecting to the CMS to custom lights.

“There is a complete difference between one customer and another, and it really depends on the mission.”

Of course, there is a wide range of business aircraft on the market, with differing cabin volumes. The Bizliners (VVIP Airbus and Boeing) offer the cabin volume to tailor the ideal set-up. Meanwhile, among the purpose-built business jets, Ultra-Long-Range offerings from Bombardier, Dassault and Gulfstream provide multiple cabin zones. Working down the spectrum beyond the Super Mid-Size Jets, owners and operators need to become more creative.

Bajo says that large aircraft often see more requests for floorplan reconfigurations to meet different needs, or divider installations to separate areas. This type of approach lends itself to aircraft like the Bombardier Global jets or the Gulfstream G550 and G650, he notes.

“Smaller aircraft don’t lend themselves to reconfigurations so easily,” he continues. “With the smaller aircraft, if the floor plan doesn’t fit the mission the owner may need to buy a different airplane.”

Where there’s a will, though, there’s usually a way. According to Thomas Chatfield, CEO of Camber Aviation Management, innovative design strategies can turn even the most compact spaces into versatile environments. This can take inspiration from efforts with tiny homes, he elaborates, where clever and innovative designs can create incredible spaces that are both comfortable and functional.

On an aircraft, this could involve modular designs that allow for reconfigurable layouts or use advanced materials that provide both comfort and durability without occupying extra space.

“Whether it’s a large jet with multiple rooms or a smaller aircraft with limited space, the goal is almost always to maximize functionality and comfort, ensuring clients can work, relax, and entertain effortlessly,” Chatfield notes.

Unique Demands of a BizAv Cabin Completion or Refurbishment

A spokesperson for Comlux Completion emphasized the unique demands involved with each cabin project. “Each VVIP cabin is made from scratch to meet clients’ wishes in terms of lighting and seating, etc., while all furniture and cabinetry is fully custom-made.

“We have built corporate-oriented VVIP cabins, cabins that are intended solely for leisure use, as well as cabins that serve both corporate and leisure VIP travel needs.”

The process behind the project is vitally important, the spokesperson explains. At Comlux, the company’s in-house design and engineering teams “carefully listen to clients’ requirements and wishes, provide guidance in the aircraft design process, and ultimately ensure that the built aircraft cabin fulfils the client’s needs and serves the intended purpose.”

Hence, aircraft owners and operators seeking to redress the balance of their aircraft cabin should look to work with an expert that listens and provides guidance in equal measure.

Cabin Wi-Fi is Central to Work and Entertainment Requirements in BizJets

Today, Bajo says “everybody wants to have the same connectivity in the air that they’ve seen on the ground, with the same speeds”.

Indeed, according to Chatfield Wi-Fi for both work and play are not just amenities today, but integral components of the cabin experience. “Imagine a system where your work applications are seamlessly integrated with your entertainment options; where you can switch from a video conference to a movie marathon without missing a beat.”

To meet these demands, Camber is exploring cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality interfaces for entertainment and enhanced connectivity solutions that ensure uninterrupted service. This could include Li-Fi for extremely fast wireless speeds and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites for seamless connectivity.

“This holistic approach ensures clients remain productive and entertained, regardless of their altitude,” says Chatfield.

Michael Mueller, Managing Director for Aviation at F/LIST, a provider of luxury interiors for business and private jets, similarly underscores the importance of connectivity in the aircraft cabin, and notably the need for reliable solutions that enable a ‘switchless’ interior. 

“Passengers like to control their own environment, whether it be lighting, temperature or entertainment,” he notes. “Use of personal devices is on the increase, so we are keen to ensure that they can be easily stowed, charged or viewed.”

For example, Mueller says F/LIST has created surfaces that provide charging cradles for phones or can expand to store digital devices. 

Achieving a Private Aircraft Cabin that Transitions Seamlessly

The need to strike a balance between different functions is driven by the reality of how business aircraft are now being used, Mueller highlights. 

Large Cabin and Long-Range Jets enable flying for up to 12 or 13 hours non-stop, meaning the cabin must transition through all phases of the day, from a workspace to a living space and on to an environment for sleeping and relaxation. 

“Designers are required to include elements that will support these requirements. Zoning of the cabins enables a gradual change of environment by moving between the areas,” Mueller says. 

Chatfield sees lighting as a game-changer, meanwhile, and particularly circadian lighting systems that adjust to the time of day, enhancing productivity during working hours and promoting relaxation in the evening. 

“By pushing the boundaries of traditional cabin design, creating spaces that cater to both work and leisure without compromise is a new must,” he adds. 

Yet, every client is unique, so their visions of the perfect balance between work and entertainment will also differ. 

“For some, this could mean a state-of-the-art office with a panoramic view and a hidden entertainment center that appears at the touch of a button,” Chatfield elaborates. “For others, it could be a luxurious lounge that doubles as a creative workspace, or maybe it’s the steam shower integrated in the bath.”

F/LIST encourages its designers to think about expanding space by using it in different ways, Mueller shares. The company has developed its F/LIST ShapeShifter technology with this goal in mind, enabling features to transform from one application to another. 

“For example, we have a credenza that can adapt into a work desk, and a table that seamlessly, automatically appears from the side ledge when needed and is easily returned to stowage when it is no longer required,” Mueller says. “We encourage designers to think beyond three dimensions when it comes to space.” 

He advises operators to ensure their needs are clearly communicated to the designer and refurbishment company, and to think about what they will be doing throughout the flight. How far will they be flying? How regularly will they travel? Who will be on board? 

“A family using a long-range jet will have very different needs from a set of business executives conducting a multi-leg work trip,” says Mueller. “For those passengers who need to work, rest and play, comfort, functionality and form are key requirements.” 

Considering a Business Aircraft Cabin Refurbishment? Plan Ahead 

In terms of cabin layout, Bajo advises operators to prioritize the configuration when buying an aircraft. “If you know you need to have dividers, or that you want one section blocked off from the rest of the aircraft, try and find that airframe,” he suggests. 

“Even if it costs a bit more money to buy that specific airframe or configuration, it is definitely easier and may be more cost-effective to buy an airframe with a configuration you want, even if it needs a refurbishment.” This comes down to timing, he says.

If a refurbishment on the right configuration takes three months, the same job plus a reconfiguration could take six. “If you have to spend the money to get a reconfiguration, you're going to experience more downtime – and time is money.”

Additionally, Bajo says operators should ensure they plan ahead for any work on an aircraft, talking with a specialist provider well in advance. Sometimes clients may want a reconfiguration in two months, when it will take at least three. 

“It's one of those situations where you need more time to plan to make sure that it happens right, because there are STCs involved, certification processes, and lead times to factor on materials that take a while to obtain,” he says. 

“The sooner, the better when you start thinking about buying an airplane – even if you already have an airplane, plan six months to a year ahead if you can.” 

Get the Right Team to Support Your Jet’s Refurbishment! 

Chatfield advises operators to prioritize flexibility and integration. You should work with a completion manager and design team that understands the importance of multifunctional spaces and advanced technology, he argues. 

While you should articulate your needs, avoid the temptation of supplying the answers yourself, as this will allow the team to develop solutions that may challenge or complement your own ideas. 

Ultimately, to cater to both professional and personal needs, Chatfield says operators should consider adaptable furniture, customizable lighting and cutting-edge connectivity solutions. 

Finally, involve key stakeholders in the planning process to ensure the final design meets all operational requirements and personal preferences. 

“Surround yourself with a team of out-of-the-box thinkers who can leverage their strengths to achieve the perfect outcome.” The goal should be to create bespoke interiors that seamlessly blend productivity, comfort and entertainment, enhancing the overall flight experience. 

“Once that is achieved, your balance is a given as well,” Chatfield concludes.

More information from:
Camber Aviation Management: https://camberaviationmanagement.com
Comlux: https://comlux.com/completion
Duncan Aviation: www.duncanaviation.aero
Elliott Aviation: www.elliottaviation.com
F/LIST: https://f-list.at