Duncan Aviation Transforms GL-5000 with Exquisite Quality Craftsmanship & Details

Duncan Aviation's aircraft interior designers and refurbishment artisans skillfully achieved harmony through the cabin of the GL-5000 through thoughtful layering of complementary textures, luxurious dark veneers, and refined satin platinum plating. The result is a striking interior that commands attention, delivering an immediate and memorable visual impact upon entering the cabin. Click image for high-res download.

LINCOLN, NEB. — Duncan Aviation is proud to announce the completion of a stunning interior refurbishment on a GL-5000 at its full-service maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility in Lincoln, Nebraska. The transformation reflects quiet luxury, bold textures, and bespoke functionality. This aircraft now exudes modern sophistication through expert craftsmanship and richly layered design details.

Luxury in the Details

Every element—seating, soft goods, veneers, plating, countertops, and flooring—was updated or replaced.

The project began with a clear and inspired vision from the owner, who provided Duncan Aviation Designer Jaime Blanken with color preferences and reference imagery to guide the creative direction. To ensure the vision aligned with the material selections, Senior Completions and Modifications Sales Representative Matt Spain personally traveled to meet with the customer, presenting Blanken’s curated palette.

Seeing a new trend of monochromatic schemes in aircraft cabins, Blanken skillfully achieved harmony through the thoughtful layering of complementary textures, luxurious dark veneers, and refined satin platinum plating. The result is a striking interior that commands attention, delivering an immediate and memorable visual impact upon entering the cabin.

Cozy Meets Contemporary

At the heart of the cabin are custom-fabricated seat coverings that blend plush, wool-blend fabric and leather—an innovative approach that offers more comfort and creative design flexibility than traditional all-leather seating.

“It feels more like an upscale living space and gives the aircraft a different feel,” said Blanken. “The angled armrests add a modern edge while enhancing functionality and style.”

It’s not just about looks, these combinations help the seat breathe better, hold up longer in high-use spots, and just gives the space more personality. It adds depth and makes the whole design feel more custom and unique.

The lower sidewalls were finished in an embossed tipped leather, adding a tactile dimension, while the upper sidewalls, PSU, and headliner remained a classic, lighter grey to brighten the space. A subtly patterned carpet and stone-replicating luxury vinyl tile flooring in the galley tie the interior together.

The Duncan Aviation team introduced a sleek, modern redesign of the main entry door steps. Expertly crafted by Duncan Manufacturing Solutions (DMS), the new one-piece modular stainless-steel step treads feature a custom Duncan Aviation design with precision-machined neoprene rubber inlays. Each step was meticulously machined, assembled, and installed to deliver a refined, durable finish that reduces slipping and enhances the aircraft’s entry experience.

In-House Fabrication

Because the sink in the crew lavatory had a unique size and shape, there were virtually no off-the-shelf options available to purchase.

“Once Jaime located a suitable Corian color, Automated Systems Master Specialist Kevin Jones developed a 3D model and used his extensive experience with Corian to bring the concept to life,” explained Duncan Aviation Interior Cabinet Shop/CNC Team Leader Nick Dahlberg.

The sink is constructed from several layers of Corian that were glued together and then machined to form the bowl. Once the bowl was completed, it was bonded to the main countertop.

“This was a method the team has been considering for some time, and given that the aircraft was originally configured this way, it felt like the right opportunity to move forward with this method,” he explained. “The team nailed it and provided a custom, one-off product for the customer.”

Other highlights include:

• Countertops: The galley countertops feature Calcutta stone solid surfaces, a material known for its versatility and timeless appeal. The new countertops provide a classic look that compliments the rest of the interior and provides a sophisticated contrast with the cabinetry
• All-New Veneer: Rich, dark, re-veneered cabinetry offering deep contrast and refinement.
• Custom Divan: Tailored in a textured fabric to complement surrounding elements while adding warmth and dimension.
• Credenza Mechanism: A one-of-a-kind, custom-flip-up monitor with a hidden button inside the cabinet ensures a clean look and added safety for families onboard.
• Galley Modifications: Custom storage to accommodate various liquor bottle heights with integrated LED lighting.
• Flight Deck Upgrades: Fresh paint on seat frames as well as new sheepskin and leather crew seats, headliner, flight deck curtain, upper & lower sidewalls, window trip, and carpet.
• Tech: The aircraft is now equipped with a full Collins Aerospace Venue Cabin Management System, Prizm lighting, LED lighting on stairs and exterior, and Starlink internet.

A Dramatic Transformation

The overall aesthetic is sophisticated, modern, and welcoming—delivering a serene experience.

“The cabin was really outdated before,” said Blanken. “Now, it’s like walking into a luxury suite. The entire Duncan Aviation team is proud to bring the customer’s vision to life through innovation, attention to detail, and impeccable execution.”

About Duncan Aviation

Duncan Aviation is an aircraft service provider supporting the aviation needs of business aircraft operators, government agencies, and other aircraft service providers. Services include major and minor airframe inspections, engine maintenance, major retrofits for cabin and cockpit avionics systems, full paint and interior services, engineering and certification services, fabrication and manufacturing services, and preowned aircraft sales and acquisitions. Duncan Aviation also has international aircraft components solutions experts available 24/7/365 at +1 402.475.4125 who can handle any aircraft system problem with immediate exchanges, rotables, loaners or avionics/instrument/accessory repairs and overhauls. Complete service facilities are located in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Provo, Utah. We also have dozens of other facilities strategically located throughout the United States to provide customers with scheduled regional support and the quickest response possible to avionics, engine and airframe Aircraft On Ground (AOG) situations.

For more information about any of Duncan Aviation’s services, call +1 402.475.2611 or visit https://DuncanAviation.aero/services