Sky-High Luxury: Designing Bespoke Private Jet Interiors from 30,000 Feet
For Aurora Saboir, crafting opulent interiors for private jets isn’t just a job – it’s a highly specialised art form. Operating in the exclusive niche of aviation design, Saboir transforms the often-limited confines of aircraft cabins into luxurious, personalised sanctuaries at cruising altitude.
Saboir, a 35-year-old industrial design engineer by training, stumbled into the aviation design world quite by chance. Her journey began in Mallorca, where a tour of a private jet sparked an unexpected passion. Previously a furniture designer, she recalls the pivotal moment: “The jet owner wanted some style advice, and I went and visited the plane, and it just immediately clicked.” This serendipitous encounter led to the establishment of her own firm, Aurora Aero Design, which specialises in bespoke cabin interiors and exterior paint schemes for private aircraft.
Her clientele is a discerning group, primarily hailing from the United States and the Middle East. These individuals, ranging from solo plane owners to large families, seek aircraft that perfectly align with their unique travel requirements and personal aesthetics. The investment in a private jet makeover is substantial and varies significantly.
“The price of a jet makeover depends on the model, the size, and the age of the plane,” Saboir explains. For pre-owned, “off-market” jets in the mid-size category, refurbishments can range from approximately €1 million to €2.5 million. The cost for new aircraft is proportionally higher, with interiors typically accounting for around 30 per cent of the purchase price. “So, if a new jet costs €80 million, then we are really looking at €15 million to €20 million for customisation, because these are ultra-customised planes,” she elaborates. For larger aircraft, such as Boeing Business Jets often favoured by clients in the Middle East, the investment can escalate dramatically, ranging from €40 million to €50-€60 million, depending on the level of bespoke luxury desired.
Pushing the Boundaries of In-Flight Comfort
The inherent challenge in private jet design lies in maximising comfort and luxury within a constrained space. However, Saboir asserts that the possibilities are far more extensive than one might imagine. “Maybe the only limit is the size of the plane, the geometry of it – but inside of that, we can go pretty far,” she states. The design process is inherently bespoke, tailored to the individual priorities of each client.
For clients who prioritise cutting-edge technology, Saboir delves deep into research: “If a client really values technology and innovation, then I would go beyond to research the newest screens and how they could be integrated.” For others, achieving a restful sleep in the air is paramount. In such cases, the focus shifts to creating an optimal sleeping environment: “So, we are going to have custom-produced, fitted mattresses, full blackout options, advanced noise cancellation – everything that is related to the end goal.”
When a client’s request centres on the tactile experience and the overall feel of the cabin, Saboir collaborates with leading luxury brands to source exquisite fabrics and raw materials. The minutiae of finishes and surfaces are meticulously considered, with Saboir actively seeking out artisans who can create intricate custom mother-of-pearl or precious stone inlays.
The Art of Material Selection: Natural Elegance and Safety
To achieve a truly opulent and sophisticated finish, Saboir consciously avoids certain materials. “What we are avoiding is usually materials with a lot of plastic and polymers inside, or anything that is artificial,” she reveals. This decision is driven by several crucial factors, with safety being a primary concern.
“They usually don’t pass the burn test; they are super flammable compared to natural materials like cashmere, cotton, wool, silk, real leather, real wood, stone,” Saboir explains. Beyond safety, the sensory experience of the materials is equally important, especially given the significant investment clients make. “The other thing is the feeling itself, the tactileness of the interior,” she adds. “Imagine when all the walls are super close to you; you really see the fibres of the fabric because it’s next to your face.”
The demand for natural, high-quality materials is growing. “Everything is the highest quality,” she emphasises, noting that owners are increasingly keen to “avoid artificial materials whenever it’s possible.” This translates into luxurious applications such as cashmere adorning walls and seats, and even 100 per cent silk carpets.
Landmark Projects and Evolving Demands
Aurora Aero Design’s portfolio includes impressive projects. Notably, last year, the firm collaborated on a custom-designed Boeing 777-300ER for Qatar Airways, a partner of Formula 1. This marked Saboir’s first exterior design project for a commercial aircraft.
Her most ambitious and luxurious design to date is a multi-year undertaking for a client in the Middle East, a project that, at the time of the interview, was still in development. “I started four years ago; it’s not even finished,” she shared, highlighting the intricate and time-consuming nature of such bespoke creations.
When it comes to client satisfaction, Saboir acknowledges that expectations are exceptionally high, mirroring the altitude of the aircraft. Her clients are accustomed to receiving precisely what they envision, and this extends to their desire for unparalleled luxury and customisation within their private jet cabins.
