By Marta Nobrega, President, East Coast Aircraft Paint & Interior
In the world of business aviation, passengers expect more than just a smooth flight — they expect a professional, well-maintained cabin environment that reflects the standards and values of the aircraft’s owner or operator. That means it’s not just what’s under the cowling that counts — it’s also what’s inside the cabin.
While repaint cycles tend to get more attention due to their visibility on the ramp, aircraft interior refurbishment plays just as critical a role in preserving value, safety, comfort, and brand image. But how do you know when it’s the right time to update your aircraft’s interior — and what can you expect from the process?
At East Coast Aircraft in DeLand, Florida, we’ve helped hundreds of operators and owners refresh, modernize, and personalize their interiors. Here’s how to evaluate your current cabin condition — and how to plan a successful refurbishment that elevates your aircraft from the inside out.
1. Signs It’s Time to Refurbish Your Aircraft Interior
Whether you’re managing a charter fleet, corporate aircraft, or personal jet, your aircraft’s interior speaks volumes about your professionalism and attention to detail. Here are common signs that it may be time to consider a cabin refresh:
Wear and tear is no longer just cosmetic
Soft goods like leather seats, armrests, and headliners take the brunt of passenger traffic. Cracked, faded, or sagging upholstery sends a clear message: this aircraft hasn’t been updated in a while.
Common problem areas include:
- Seat cushions that have lost their shape
- Frayed or discolored seat belts
- Armrests or dividers with worn or sticky surfaces
- Headliners and window panels with scuffs or bubbling
These issues aren’t just aesthetic — they can reduce passenger comfort and satisfaction.
Cabin Noise or Drafts Have Increased
Over time, insulation materials can degrade or shift, especially if previous repairs involved opening sidewalls or flooring. A rise in ambient noise, especially during climb or descent, may indicate missing or ineffective insulation — which can be addressed during refurbishment.
Fading Finishes or Outdated Color Schemes
Just like a dated exterior scheme, an old-school interior can drag down resale value and fail to impress charter clients or high-level passengers.
Telltale signs of a dated cabin:
- Glossy wood veneers with yellowing lacquer
- Carpet and upholstery colors that no longer reflect modern design
- Worn or discolored plating on hardware and latches
We’ve worked with multiple operators whose aircraft value (or charter revenue!) increased significantly after interior upgrades — especially when colors and textures were modernized to reflect contemporary preferences.
Odors That Won’t Go Away
Even with thorough cleaning, certain odors can become trapped in cabin materials, especially in older aircraft. From spilled drinks to pet travel to environmental smoke exposure, we’ve seen it all. Replacing headliners, carpet, and insulation often resolves odor issues entirely — and dramatically improves passenger perception.
2. What to Expect During the Refurbishment Process
Once you’ve decided to move forward, here’s what a typical refurbishment timeline and process looks like at East Coast Aircraft:
Week 1: Evaluation and Planning
We begin with a full cabin evaluation:
- Interior panel condition
- Seat structure integrity
- Surface finish inspection (veneer, laminate, plating)
This allows us to quote accurately and recommend appropriate materials and options.
You’ll receive:
- Detailed scope of work
- Design consultation and swatches
- Estimated timeline based on aircraft model and extent of work
When clients come to us to us after passenger feedback highlighted “worn-out seats.” Our inspection revealed internal frame fatigue and outdated foam density. After reupholstering with modern materials and updated cushioning, client satisfaction scores improve.
Weeks 2–4: Disassembly and Prep
Our team removes and tags all interior components, then documents the layout to ensure accurate reinstallation.
While removed:
- Seats are disassembled, and reupholstered
- Panels are refinished or recovered
- Brightwork is stripped, repaired, and replated (chrome, nickel, etc.), if requested.
- Carpets are templated and replaced with new materials
Weeks 5–6: Reassembly and Final Detailing
After reassembly, we conduct:
- Fit-and-finish inspections
- Thorough cleaning and cabin polish
- Final customer walkthrough or delivery inspection
You’ll receive documentation of all work completed, including materials used — which supports resale and insurance value.
3. Why Timing Matters — and How to Minimize Downtime
Many operators wait until an aircraft is already due for downtime — whether for inspection, repaint, or avionics — to schedule interior work.
We strongly recommend bundling services wherever possible.
At East Coast Aircraft, our clients frequently combine:
- Exterior paint + interior soft goods
- Interior refresh + new registration number application
- Interior upgrade + cabinetry
This minimizes total downtime, simplifies logistics, and ensures the aircraft returns to service looking cohesive and fully refreshed.
💡 Tip: A full interior refurbishment typically takes 6-8 weeks, depending on the scope and aircraft size. Planning ahead — especially during slower flying seasons — gives you the best scheduling flexibility.
4. Interior Upgrade Trends (That Make Sense)
While some trends come and go, we’ve seen several consistent upgrades that combine form, function, and ROI:
🔷 Two-Tone Seating with Contrasting Stitching
This is popular across mid and large cabin jets. It modernizes the look while maintaining durability.
🔷 Anti-Stain, Flame-Retardant Soft Goods
Today’s materials offer more comfort, easier cleaning, and longer life — without sacrificing FAA compliance.
🔷 LVT Flooring in Galleys or Aft Lavs
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) looks like wood but resists wear and water. It’s easy to clean and adds a high-end feel.
5. How Aircraft Interior Condition Affects Resale and Charter Viability
A well-maintained, modern interior can add $150K–$500K or more to the resale value of a midsize or large-cabin aircraft, depending on model and market.
For charter operators, cabin photos are among the first things prospective clients view. Charter brokers feel more comfortable booking jets with beautiful high-resolution photos or video. (Clients like to see what they’re paying for, after all!) Faded leather, stained panels, or tired layouts are hard to hide in high-res media — especially in high-end markets.
6. Work with a Specialist (Not Just a Vendor)
Interior refurbishment isn’t just an aesthetic upgrade — it’s a technical and regulatory project. You need a partner who understands:
- FAA burn testing and materials certification
- Client expectations (especially in business and private aviation)
- The logistics of coordinating with paint or maintenance events
At East Coast Aircraft, we specialize in paint, interior and cabinetry services under one roof. Our team includes interior artisans, licensed technicians, and experienced project managers who treat every aircraft as if it were their own.
Final Thought: Don’t Wait Until It’s Obvious
If you’re a Director of Maintenance or aircraft owner, staying ahead of interior wear is smarter — and less expensive — than waiting for passenger complaints or failed components. And your team can take pride in an aircraft that makes principals and passengers happier.
By combining strategic timing, experienced craftsmanship, and smart design choices, you can ensure your aircraft continues to reflect the high standards your passengers expect — while protecting asset value and operational reliability.
Ready to take the next step?
📩 Contact East Coast Aircraft today for a custom interior assessment and scheduling consultation.