A look inside the cabin: Private jet interiors.

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Jul 30, 2024

15 min read

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    For anyone who flies private, you’ll know that beyond the time savings and discretion afforded by this lifestyle, the main draw is the private jet interior. Instead of seats stacked side by side, filled with hundreds of strangers, a lavatory queue, and outdated entertainment options, the interior of a private jet features premium materials, spaciousness, and a lavatory all to oneself.

    What else can you expect inside the cabin of a private jet? Here is an insider’s look at the modern private jet interior, including features for top jet models, trends, and more.

    Key features inside the top private jet.

    Seating and comfort

    Upgraded seating options may be the most underrated feature of a modern private jet interior. Whether it’s the divan or a fully reclining executive seat, this is where you’ll spend most of the flight, so designers have upgraded the seating options to be reconfigurable, adjustable, and finished with premium materials.

    Entertainment systems

    Don’t expect the tiny back-of-seat screen and dated entertainment when you step inside a private jet. Most modern private aircraft have advanced audio, visual, and productivity systems baked into the standard-model build. Think fast WiFi, connectivity, 4K definition, touchscreens, personal plugs, and integrated speaker systems for a more personalized entertainment experience.

    Cabin layout and space utilization

    Private jet interiors are designed around the concept of space. Many models push the limits of cabin space with higher ceilings, expanded baggage storage, and multiple living spaces. You won’t ever be confined to a single uncomfortable seating arrangement; cabins are designed to provide a variety of choices for work, play, and rest.

    Lighting and ambiance

    Private jet interiors have an elevated ambiance, from mood lighting to soft design elements to noise-canceling technologies. For example, the Gulfstream G280 is filled with natural lighting. Even on board the smallest private jets, like the HondaJet, the lavatory is bright and airy thanks to the skylight.

    Galley and dining considerations

    Even small private jets often come with a galley equipped with all the necessities, including coffee makers, beverage coolers, and more. The larger the jet, the more features are possible, from espresso makers to ice machines to a full-service kitchen in the most extravagant examples. For the passengers, your dining experience is also upgraded with large, fold-out tables for every executive seat or, in some models, specific spaces designed for dining and entertainment.

    Lavatory facilities

    Another very noticeable amenity on a private jet is the spacious and substantially upgraded lavatories. Larger, more comfortable, and with premium finishes throughout, these are not the claustrophobic tight spaces you may be familiar with from your experience on commercial flights. Depending on the jet class, you could find a full-length mirror, separate vanity spaces, and showers on board.

    Plush materials

    If Kim Kardashian’s private jet interior design indicates anything, it’s that clients are choosing to upgrade already premium design elements to create a more sumptuous interior sanctum. Real wood finishes, soft leathers, and cozy linens are the lush materials now trending among owners.

    In the Kardashian example, her jet went through close to $60,000,000 in upgrades, including cashmere-covered seats.

    Sustainable designs

    Another trending design approach, which is also happening in the broader interior design industry, is focusing on more sustainable elements. According to the BDLI Cabin/Cargo Working Group, “The cabin and its operations represent 10–20% of the overall environmental impact during the entire lifecycle of an aircraft.” As this report detailed, designing more sustainable cabins will create “plenty of opportunities for fostering decarbonisation, recycling, and circularity” within the industry.

    Interior designers

    Finally, more owners are working with specific interior designers to customize the cabin experience on their private jets. Although many of these designers may usually manage more traditional land-locked spaces, they also apply their signature aesthetic to aircraft as well. Alberto Pinto, Tommy Clements, Waldo Fernandez, and Patrick Knowles are a few notable names known for high-end cabin transformations.

    Top 8 private jet interior designs.

    While the sky’s the limit with possible interior customizations, you’d be surprised at the elevated furnishings features coming straight off the production line from today’s largest aircraft manufacturers. Here are just a few standout design elements across the private jet classes, from Volato’s own Gulfstream G280s to the Boeing 747 private jet interiors.

    Very light and light jet interiors

    HondaJet

    hondajet interior

    Cabin size: 429.87 ft³

    Capacity: 4 passengers

    In building out our original fleet, Volato chose the HondaJet partly for the interior experience. Despite its cabin size, the HondaJet creates an elegant, elevated, and, above all, comfortable cabin featuring:

    • 20 percent more cabin space than its rivals, providing ample room for passengers.
    • Four club-style contoured leather seats in an executive arrangement, which all articulate and swivel.
    • Seven feet of space between each set of club seats for the best-in-class legroom.
    • Optional Bongiovi Aviation Sound System embedded into cabin walls for another best-in-class acoustic experience without visible speakers.
    • A fully-enclosed lavatory with ceiling skylights for a bright and airy environment.
    • In-cabin galley for refreshments.
    • A sophisticated Cabin Management System that allows passengers to control their in-flight experience.

    Embraer Phenom 100EX

    Cabin Dimensions: 265 ft3

    Capacity: 4 passengers

    With an interior designed in collaboration with BMW Designworks, the Phenom features large, bright windows, substantial legroom, one of the largest cabin doors in its class, and:

    • Four or more wide seats with enhanced ergonomics, arranged in a club configuration.
    • A full-sized, fully enclosed lavatory at the rear of the cabin.
    • A refreshment center catering to quick light snacks and beverages.
    • A cabin designed in partnership with BMW Group Designworks USA.
    • More use of sustainable materials throughout, compared with previous models.

    Cessna Citation M2 Gen 2

    Cabin Dimensions: 209 ft³

    Capacity: 4 passengers

    Luxury jet seats

    Image Source: Textron Aviation

    In redesigning the Cessna Citation M2 Gen2, the interior cabin has undergone a complete revamp over the M2 models. With thoughtful features throughout, the designers specifically aimed to curate the cabin for the clients who pilot themselves. A few of the notable elements include:

    • The standard Cessna side seat that now converts into a flat baggage storage area, designed to be accessible in the inflight baggage area.
    • Executive seating with upgraded upholstery and finishings situated in a club-style layout.
    • Upwash lighting to project lighting overhead and create an increased ambiance and sense of spaciousness.
    • Eight large windows provide ample natural light and views.
    • Wireless charging trays on either side of the cabin.
    • A fresh air system to ensure clean and fresh air throughout the cabin.

    Mid-sized & super mid-sized private jet interiors

    Gulfstream G280

    Cabin size: 935 ft3

    Passenger capacity: 8 to 10 passengers

    Spacious jet cabin

    When it came time to grow our national fleet of jets, there was only one super mid-size jet on our radar: the Gulfstream G280. Combined with its performance specs, the G280’s interior is spacious and completely kitted out with high-end furnishings. Inside, you’ll find:

    • 19 large windows lining the cabin, allowing for abundant natural light to enhance the feeling of roominess.
    • Advanced air filtration system delivering 100 percent fresh air into the cabin throughout the flight.
    • A spacious galley and 14 ft3 of storage area near the main entrance.
    • A master panel in the galley providing complete control over the cabin temperature, lighting, and entertainment.
    • Standout multimedia system, including HD monitors, SwiftBroadband connectivity, Blu-ray/DVD players, and Gulfstream’s CabinView moving-map flight information system.

    Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen 2

    Cabin size: 397 ft3

    Passenger capacity: 11 passengers

    Elegant jet seating

    Image Source: Cessna

    This is the reimagined Cessna Citation, with exquisitely crafted executive seating, bright skylights to open up the cabin space, and enhanced productivity amenities like individual charging stations. The interior of the Citation has:

    • Standard side-facing seat near the entrance, four executive-style seats in a club configuration, plus two additional individual seats in the rear.
    • All executive seats that are fully reclinable with a 180-degree swivel, forward and aft floor tracking, stowable armrests, and pre-lit cup holders.
    • Large forward galley with cabinet storage, ice storage, hot tank, and extendable work surface.
    • An advanced wireless cabin management system allowing for control over LED lighting, window shades, and cabin temperature, all from the comfort of the executive seats.
    • High-speed WiFi and a 180GB media server for streaming content.
    • CoolView skylights that open up the cabin space with gentle ambient lighting.

    Bombardier Challenger 3500

    Cabin size: 1082 ft3

    Passenger capacity: 9 passengers

    Modern jet interior

    Image Source: Bombardier

    The Bombardier Challenger 350, now known as the 3500, has gotten a cabin refresh. The updated sculpted executive seating allows for a full recline or can be adjusted for working. Here are just a few of the highlights:

    • Fully reclining, club-style sculpted executive seats with a tilting headrest, a floating base, and full recline capabilities.
    • Large windows line the fuselage for ample natural light and panoramic views.
    • A state-of-the-art sound system is integrated into the walls for an immersive acoustic experience.
    • A fully enclosed lavatory featuring modern fixtures and impressive working space.
    • Cabin Management System that allows passengers to effortlessly control lighting, temperature, and entertainment options.
    • Upgraded voice-control cabin technology via a custom Bombardier App that gives passengers control of lighting, temperature, and audio, all by speaking commands out loud.
    • High-speed WiFi and a multimedia system, including HD monitors and various streaming options.

    Long range & large private jet interiors

    Dassault Falcon 900lx

    Cabin size: 1568 ft3

    Passenger Capacity: 12

    Luxury private jet lounge

    Image Source: Falcon

    If the rumors are true about the details of the Falcon 900’s interior of Taylor Swift’s private jet, this aircraft’s cabin sits in a class all its own. Even without Swift’s custom upgrades, the standard model is refined, with advanced acoustic technology and three separate living areas.

    • Three separate lounge areas allowing passengers to work, dine, and entertain.
    • Comfortable berthable seats and divans that can be converted into sleeping areas.
    • Advanced acoustical insulation making the 900LX the quietest in the 900 series.
    • A large galley with plenty of storage and preparation space for in-flight meals.
    • The FalconCabin HD+ advanced cabin management system to control entertainment features via a mobile app.
    • FalconConnect providing high-speed internet and voice call capabilities, with a single point of contact for hardware, network installation, troubleshooting, and cost management.
    • 22-inch HD monitors with HDMI and individual touchscreen monitors.

    Boeing 747

    Cabin size: 31,285 ft3

    Luxury jet living room

    Alongside the Airbus A380 private jet interior, the Boeing 747 has one of the world’s biggest private jet interiors. This jet is flown by the likes of the President of the United States, Hong Kong business mogul Joseph Lau, and the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah.

    As such, no standard-issue Boeing 747 private jet interior design elements exist. Every private 747 is entirely custom-designed, and in most cases, the specifics aren’t made public. With that in mind, here are just a few general details about what you’ll find inside a 747 cabin:

    • Expansive and separated living spaces, including master bedrooms, guest bedrooms, dining rooms, offices, and entertainment areas.
    • High-end finishes, including real gold, crystal, and exotic woods.
    • Full-service bars fully equipped for premium beverage service and attended by flight staff.
    • Gourmet kitchens with professional chefs, plus large, well-appointed dining spaces for in-flight meal preparation.

    The future of private jet interiors: The sky’s the limit.

    When you step into the cabin of a fresh-off-the-production-line private jet in ten years, what will it look like? There will likely be a marked difference from the leading designs and features we see today.

    For starters, the trend of plush interiors with high-end materials is only set to continue. The future cabin experience may be more akin to a condo’s interior than an aircraft.

    The multimedia experience is also set to evolve. As we see virtual reality moving into entertainment in our homes, why wouldn’t this same technology enter into private jet design? If you consider that the Apple Vision Pro has a specific inflight travel setting, the next iteration of an executive Gulfstream or a Cessna could very well take this technological upgrade into consideration.

    AI integration into the cabin experience is also very likely. Although all modern private jet models come with some form of cabin management system, with an AI element, it could mean intuitive hands-free adjustments to lighting, climate, and even audio settings in response to the time of day or passenger preference.

    Finally, the future of private jet travel also will feature a quieter cabin experience. This is already happening with the technologies behind Gulfstream’s private jet interiors, among others. But wouldn’t it be incredible to board your next flight and hear only a murmur of engine noise? Whether this is an evolution that occurs in conjunction with quieter electric aircraft models or with the design of the fuselage, there is no doubt that in ten years’ time, the cabin experience will be a quieter one

    Ready to upgrade your flight experience?

    When you fly private, you never need to settle for a substandard cabin experience. From the HondaJet to the Boeing 747, every design element has been carefully considered to ensure a comfortable, relaxing in-flight experience with superior amenities.

    Explore what’s possible with private jet interiors with Volato’s fleet of HondaJets and Gulfstream G280s. With options for every jet setter from fractional ownership to the Volato Jet Card and private jet charters, fly Volato for your next mission.

    Disclaimer: This post is intended for informational purposes only. Volato is not responsible for omissions or inaccuracies in such information, or for data that is no longer accurate due to delay, change in law, rules, or regulations.