Flying Colours Corp., a global aviation service company which specialises in interior completions on new and pre-owned business aircraft is experiencing an increased demand for mid-size business jet refurbishments. The Ontario-based company has experienced a steady growth in orders since the beginning of the first quarter with particular demand focused on the Challenger 300, Challenger 604, Falcon 900 and Hawker 800 models.
"We have seen a big increase in mid-size refurbishments from both corporate and private owners who are looking to re-enter the aviation market. Other clients are completing refurbishments that have been planned but put on hold over the recession. We are currently working on a total of ten mid-size jet projects and our backlog is starting to build with another four complete projects in the pipeline. Our customer base is truly global but the major spikes in these refurbishments have come from existing or new North American customers”, says Sean Gillespie, Director of Completion Sales and Management.
The mid-size jets in the programme are predominantly undergoing complete refurbishments with detailed interior work taking place along with complete paint finishes. Following the current trend in refurbishments a good number of them are also incorporating upgrades and modifications to the entertainment systems as well as installation of wifi, and phone connectivity. On-going maintenance contracts are also in demand from the owners.
This news reinforces current reports that as the business aviation industry emerges from recession, increased activity is being seen in the refurbishment industry. Whilst business aviation experts argue the majority of the growth is currently outside North America with China in particular poised to be the next big market Flying Colours has seen a genuine increase in North American business.
At the recent EBACE Show in Geneva, Flying Colours were appointed as the
preferred completion centre in North America by List Components & Furniture
of Austria to carry out installations of its unique stone flooring products. This
partnership agreement follows Flying Colours recent installation of a stone floor
aboard a Bombardier Global 5000 Business Jet. The Company has secured a new
commission from a Canadian client for a stone floor aboard a Challenger 601 that it
is currently completing and is also in dialogue with other North American clients for
stone flooring installations on their aircraft.
Pictured Above: A recent Falcon 900 refurbishment by Flying Colours.
