Duncan Aviation has delivered its first complete paint job for a Gulfstream G650 at Duncan Aviation’s Provo facility also involving interior enhancements, including custom luxury vinyl tile flooring, custom carpet, and reupholstered crew seats.
Duncan Aviation, a leading aircraft service provider, recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully delivering its first complete paint job for a Gulfstream G650 at its full-service maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Provo, Utah. This noteworthy accomplishment reflects Duncan Aviation’s expertise in handling newer airframes and underscores the company’s commitment to providing high-quality services across its various locations.
The Gulfstream G650, a state-of-the-art long-range business jet, underwent a comprehensive transformation at Duncan Aviation’s Provo facility. The project involved a complete repainting of the aircraft’s exterior, along with interior enhancements, including custom luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring, custom carpet, and reupholstered crew seats. This collaborative effort showcased the MRO’s ability to seamlessly handle newer airframes and deliver a top-notch customer experience.
The customer, a long-time Duncan Aviation client, had previously operated a Falcon 50 for several years before deciding to upgrade to the Gulfstream G650. The decision to bring the aircraft directly from its pre-purchase evaluation to Duncan Aviation’s Provo facility was driven by scheduling considerations and the need for a quick turnaround.
Adam Beach, Senior Completions & Modifications Sales Representative, explained that the customer initially had reservations about transitioning to a different Duncan Aviation location, as they had worked with the same project manager in Battle Creek, Michigan, for years. However, due to limited availability in Battle Creek and the urgency of the project, Provo emerged as the optimal solution.
Adam Beach, Senior Completions & Modifications Sales Rep, Duncan Aviation said,“The customer was great to work with. They had brought their Falcon 50 to our facility in Battle Creek, Michigan, for years, but this was their first experience with Duncan Aviation’s Provo location.The entire Provo team and I quickly worked to build on the company’s existing relationship with the customer. We wanted him to feel confident that he would receive the same VIP treatment while in our care.Working on newer airframes that we don’t yet have extensive experience with requires excellent teamwork.We have a supportive team with a wide range of knowledge and experience. When we have an airframe that is fairly new to our facilities, Duncan Aviation team members rally together, trusting in one another, giving 110%, and delivering a beautiful product. We are continually looking for ways to challenge ourselves, pushing the status quo, and raising the bar on industry standards.”
The customer’s business expansion necessitated a more globally oriented aircraft, and the Gulfstream G650 was chosen to meet those requirements. While the existing paint on the G650 was in good condition, the customer sought a specific look to align with the company’s branding. The interior, while well-maintained, underwent updates to ensure it matched the customer’s preferences.
The customer knew Duncan Aviation for our quality work,” Adam Beach, Senior Completions & Modifications Sales Rep, Duncan Aviation. “We were happy to complete this aircraft for him. We are excited to see more newer models in our hangars, and this project shows that we are equipped to handle them. The existing paint on the aircraft was in great condition, but he had a very specific look to his branding. He wanted his new aircraft to have a similar scheme to the old one, just updated. The customer wanted the same carpet installed that was in their previous aircraft. They were really looking for that homey feeling and to freshen up the interior,” he further added.
The interior enhancements included the installation of new carpet and the addition of custom luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring in the entryway and lavatory areas. The customer opted for the same carpet installed in their previous aircraft to maintain a familiar and comfortable atmosphere. Amie Jensen, Lead Designer on the project, played a pivotal role in drawing up the paint schemes, ordering carpet specifications, and coordinating the interior updates.
“He loved the herringbone pattern that we have on display in our Design Center, and the second he saw that he knew it was exactly what he wanted,” said Amie Jensen, Lead Designer, Gulfstream G650. “The LVT flooring holds up nicely, looks fantastic, and matched the interior perfectly. I’m ecstatic to continue working on these incredible aircraft. The mod capabilities and possibilities are endless,” he further added.
The LVT flooring, known for its durability, easy maintenance, and high-end appearance, was chosen to elevate the overall aesthetics of the aircraft’s interior. In addition to the flooring, the interior updates featured reupholstered crew seats, contributing to a refreshed and modernized cabin.
“There are a lot of options when it comes to LVT and being able to customize it,”Brandon Crosby, Team Leader for Upholstery, Duncan Aviation.“It is also an extremely durable material and provides a high-end look. By adding the new carpet and flooring, it really changed the look of this aircraft and brought it to a whole, new level,” he further added.
While the maintenance work on the aircraft was minimal, the collaborative efforts of Duncan Aviation’s diverse teams, including airframe technicians, designers, and upholstery specialists, played a crucial role in the project’s success. The Gulfstream G650 presented a learning curve for the team, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and ongoing learning to handle newer airframes.
“The G650 has its own personality,” said Paco Velez, Airframe Tech Rep II, Duncan Aviation. “Our team had to be spooled up, and Duncan Aviation sent additional technicians to maintenance training to familiarize them with the aircraft. Our team is always learning, and eager to expand their knowledge. The Gulfstream team takes pride in working on all legacy aircraft, along with the next generation like the G650. The whole organization is here to support every customer and create long-term customer relationships,” he further added.
The customer’s satisfaction with the seamless transition to a different Duncan Aviation location and the overall experience affirmed the company’s reputation for delivering exceptional service. Duncan Aviation continues to position itself as a global leader in aircraft service, offering a wide range of maintenance, repair, and overhaul solutions to business aircraft operators, government agencies, and other aviation service providers.
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With full-service facilities in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Provo, Utah, and strategically located facilities throughout the United States, Duncan Aviation provides comprehensive support and rapid response to Aircraft On Ground (AOG) situations. The successful completion of the Gulfstream G650 project exemplifies Duncan Aviation’s dedication to raising industry standards and delivering outstanding results for its customers.
Question- Why did the customer choose Duncan Aviation for this project?
Answer- Reputation for quality work, existing relationship with the company, need for a quick turnaround, and Provo’s availability.
Question-What services did Duncan Aviation provide for the Gulfstream G650?
Answer- A complete paint job, interior enhancements including custom flooring and reupholstered seats, reflecting expertise in handling newer airframes.
Question- What are some key takeaways from this project?
Answer- Duncan Aviation’s ability to handle new airframes, importance of teamwork and learning, commitment to delivering exceptional service, and positioning as a global leader in aircraft services.
Note– MRO Business Today is the Principal Media Partner of the 5th MRO SOUTH ASIA SUMMIT 2024 co-located with the MRO XPO INDIA & AIRCRAFT INTERIORS INDIA 2024 to be held on 27,28 & 29 February 2024 at the Le Méridien New Delhi, India.
