Transform Your Cabin

Aircraft interiors endure significant wear over time. Leather seats dry and crack, carpets show traffic patterns, cabinetry loses its lustre, and galley equipment wears out. Beyond wear, passenger expectations and technology evolve — the cabin that impressed in 2015 may feel dated compared to current standards. A well-executed interior refurbishment can transform the passenger experience, increase the aircraft's resale value, and extend its useful life by years.

Plane Selection manages interior refurbishment projects ranging from straightforward soft-goods replacements (leather, carpet, headliner) to comprehensive cabin redesigns involving new floor plans, monument reconfiguration, lighting systems, and entertainment installations. We work with leading completion centres in North America, Europe, and the Middle East, selecting the right facility based on your aircraft type, project scope, and timeline.

Scope of Interior Services

Soft Goods Replacement

The most common interior refresh involves replacing the cabin's soft furnishings — the elements most subject to wear and fashion:

• Seat leather: Premium aviation-grade leathers from Garrett, Townsend, Perrone, or Spinneybeck. Full-grain, semi-aniline, and specialty leathers in a wide range of colours and textures. Aviation leather must meet FAR 25.853 flammability standards.
• Carpet: Custom-designed aviation carpet from Botany Weaving or Scion. Wool or wool-blend for durability and flame resistance. Custom patterns and colours to match the cabin design.
• Headliner: Ultraleather, Alcantara, or other specialty materials for the cabin ceiling. Coordinated with seat and wall colours for a cohesive design.
• Window shades and curtains: Replacement of worn or outdated window treatments. Manual, electronic, or combination shade systems.

Seat Refurbishment

Aircraft seats are complex assemblies combining structural frames, foam cushions, mechanisms (recline, swivel, track, fold-flat), leather or fabric covering, and in many cases integrated heating, cooling, and massage functions. A comprehensive seat refurbishment may include:

• Foam replacement for comfort restoration
• Mechanism overhaul — recline, swivel, track, and fold-flat systems
• Structural inspection and repair
• Complete re-upholstering in new leather or fabric
• Addition of seat heating and ventilation
• Armrest, headrest, and footrest refurbishment
• Seatbelt replacement and placarding

Cabinetry Refinishing

Wood veneer cabinetry is a hallmark of luxury aircraft interiors. Over time, veneers can fade, chip, or develop surface imperfections. Cabinetry refinishing involves stripping existing finishes, repairing any veneer damage, and applying new high-gloss or satin polyurethane coatings. Popular veneer species include walnut, cherry, mahogany, ebony, and burled elm. For a completely fresh look, veneers can be replaced entirely with a new species or finish.

Galley Upgrades

The galley is essential for in-flight catering and passenger comfort. Galley upgrades may include new countertops, updated appliances (convection ovens, espresso machines, wine chillers), improved storage solutions, new fixtures and fittings, and integration with the cabin management system for automated beverage preparation.

Lavatory Refurbishment

Lavatory refurbishment encompasses new countertops and vanity surfaces, updated fixtures and hardware, fresh soft goods and wall coverings, improved lighting, and upgraded toilet systems. Premium lavatories may include heated floors, premium skincare product dispensers, and real mirror lighting.

Lighting Systems

Modern LED lighting transforms the cabin atmosphere. Programmable colour-changing LED systems can create different moods — bright daylight for working, warm amber for relaxing, and dim blue for sleeping. Addressable LED strips integrated into valances, monuments, and ceiling panels provide even, attractive illumination while consuming minimal electrical power.

Full Cabin Redesign

For owners who want a fundamentally different cabin experience, Plane Selection coordinates full interior redesigns. This may involve:

• Floor plan reconfiguration: Moving dividers, adding or removing seats, creating dedicated bedroom, office, or conference areas
• Monument design: New galleys, credenzas, storage cabinets, and bathroom configurations
• Custom fabrication: Bespoke furniture, unique veneer treatments, custom metalwork, and one-of-a-kind design elements
• Technology integration: Cabin management systems, entertainment, connectivity, and lighting all designed as an integrated system
• Design consultation: Working with interior designers who specialize in aircraft cabins to create a cohesive, personalized environment

Materials and Certification

Every material used in an aircraft interior must meet stringent flammability and toxicity standards defined by FAR 25.853 (FAA) or CS 25.853 (EASA). This includes leather, fabric, carpet, foam, headliner, decorative laminates, and any other material in the passenger cabin. Our completion centre partners work exclusively with certified aviation-grade materials and maintain complete documentation of material compliance for every installation.

Project Timeline

Interior refurbishment timelines vary significantly based on scope:

• Soft goods replacement only: 2-4 weeks
• Comprehensive refresh (soft goods + cabinetry): 4-8 weeks
• Refurbishment with avionics and lighting: 8-12 weeks
• Full cabin redesign: 3-6 months including design, engineering, and installation

We recommend scheduling interior work to coincide with major maintenance events (C checks or D checks) when the aircraft is already out of service, maximizing the value of the downtime.

Investment and Value

A well-executed interior refurbishment typically costs between $200,000 and $2,000,000 depending on the aircraft type and project scope. For aircraft in the 10-15 year age range, an interior refurbishment is one of the most effective investments an owner can make — often yielding a positive return through increased resale value and extended useful life. The alternative — replacing the aircraft entirely — costs significantly more than refreshing the interior.

Start Your Interior Project

Contact Plane Selection to discuss your interior refurbishment vision. We will assess your current cabin condition, discuss your preferences and requirements, recommend appropriate completion centres, and manage the project through completion and return to service.