Private jet airline Flexjet is expanding its customized airplane interiors lineup by offering the opportunity to design one of its Gulfstream G650s along with a $100,000 prize.
The winning Project LXi Contest design will join the Red Label LXi Cabin Collection, which includes more than 50 aircraft interiors.
North America's second-largest private jet operator measured by fractional and charter flight hours is calling it the Design the Ultimate Private Jet Interior Contest.
Inside Flexjet's Gulfstream G650 designed with automaker Bentley Motorcars. Its one of 50 ... [+]
A panel of judges will cull the submissions to 10 entries. A public vote will narrow the field to just three contestants. The trio of designers will then fly to company headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, where Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci will pick the winner.
While corporate jets are often outfitted in non-descript beige and gray interiors, Flexjet has long used its LXi Cabin Collection as a differentiator.
"Beautiful design can completely transform an experience, and I have always enjoyed studying design, whether in clothing, architecture, or aircraft," Ricci says, adding, "When it comes to the Flexjet fleet, we created a number of themes, just as boutique hotels often do with their rooms. It makes Flexjet unique. Each aircraft's interior design captures interest and speaks to our fanatical attention to detail."
Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci will select the winner of its $100,000 design contest from three ... [+]
For those of you who plan on submitting an entry, Flexjet says the theme is up to you.
However, if you are looking for some clues, Ricci recently told attendees at Corporate Jet Investor that since Covid, the company has been attracting younger customers. The company has also been expanding its fractional ownership program in Europe.
Last year, it unveiled a collaboration for custom interiors and exteriors with British automaker Bentley Motorcars for a G650 and one of its Sikorsky S-76 helicopters. It is working on a similar project with Italian yacht designer Ferretti Group that will be unveiled next year.
What else could bring you to the winner's podium?
Ricci is known for his personal fashion style and often wears Italian designer Isaia Napoli. His Instagram feed reveals a love of Notre Dame football, a good cocktail and his passion for aviation. In a recent reel from his "I'll Tell You Over a Drink" series, Ricci, who started as a corporate jet pilot, talks about how, as a young aviator, he had to have tens of thousands of dollars in cash when flying internationally. Back then, many ground handlers and fuelers did not accept credit cards. "When we would take off on a round-the-world trip, we would typically have $50,000 or $60,000 in cash," he says. The best hiding spot, Ricci reveals, was behind the plug-in coffee maker.
According to Flexjet, "There are many elements inside the aircraft cabin (entrants) can use to pull together the story they wish to tell to illustrate their theme – from the carpet pattern, the seating materials, color and accents, the type of wood veneer, the sidewall color and material. In addition, the Flexjet Gulfstream G650 is divided into four distinct zones – working, dining, sleeping and the family room. Then there is the name of the design – what the designer calls their interior is also an essential element to consider."
In terms of current interior names, there is Capris, based on the Mediterranean island; Art Deco, based on the Roaring ‘20s; Southwestern-inspired Santa Fe, and Boardroom, from the movie, The Thomas Crown Affair.
How much does a G650 cost? List price for a new airframe is around $78 million.
Deadline for submissions is February 28, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST. You can enter here.
