Aircraft Refurbishment Services
Qualified industry expertise to help high-net-worth individuals, corporations and family offices navigate the aircraft refurbishment process.
When/Why Should an Aircraft Be Refurbished?
Whether you’re interested in customizing a recently acquired pre-owned aircraft to your desired specifications or making upgrades to an existing asset,
a custom aircraft refurbishment can be an ideal way to enjoy similar luxuries and amenities to owning a newly produced aircraft without the same level of capital investment.
The Pre-owned Aircraft Refurbishment Process
Once you’ve completed the pre-owned aircraft acquisition process, you’re ready to begin refurbishment.
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Perform Initial Evaluation
There are many options to consider around the refurbishment of a pre-owned aircraft. Clients must decide on the extent to which they wish to refurbish the aircraft and what facility is best suited to meet their expectations. Every refurbishment facility is different, offering varying capabilities, materials and design expertise. The team at Essex assists clients in the evaluation of various facilities and their unique capabilities — so that clients can feel confident from the start that their needs and desires will be realized.
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Oversee the Proposal and RFP Process
Once a short list of candidate refurbishment facilities has been identified and project proposals have been received, Essex assists clients with the entire selection process, from initial presentations and negotiations all the way through to managing the final details and execution of the final agreement.
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Oversee the Design Process
Once a facility has been identified and assessments are complete, Essex will assist the client with overseeing the entire design phase while attending all meetings with the design groups and facilitating the client’s final design choices and approvals.
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Oversee Production
With a final and approved design, the aircraft refurbishment is ready to commence. Essex manages and oversees the entire production process, which can range from a few weeks up to several months depending on the project scope. All the while, Essex delivers to the client regularly scheduled reports, checklists and photos that detail the progress and ongoing phases of the project, all of which are included within Essex’s detailed project oversight.
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Final Delivery and Acceptance
When the aircraft is ready for final delivery, Essex has the experience and expertise to ensure the process runs smoothly, including a thorough return to service process and final acceptance.
Common Refurbishment Options
Choose from an expansive menu of custom refurbishments and upgrades.
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Interior soft goods refurbishment (seat upholstery, carpeting, bedding)
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Detailing (custom upholstery, high-end materials, leather inserts, top stitching, accent lighting, custom-designed storage)
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Custom hardware and plating
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Custom cabinetry
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Custom LED lighting
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Cabinet Management Systems
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Entertainment and custom sound systems
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Soundproofing
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Lavatory upgrades
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Avionics upgrades
Average Cost of Refurbishment
Carpet
$50,000–200,000+
Exterior Paint
$50,000–300,000
Soft Goods
$75,000–350,000
Avionics
$50,000–1,000,000+
Cabin Management Systems
$50,000–1,000,000+
What Should You Look for When Selecting an Aircraft Refurbishment Company?
In order to be truly qualified, an aircraft refurbishment company should have the following:
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An in-house design group
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A design center with a wide range of sample products and materials
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Examples of prior projects to aid in the selection process
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The ability to deliver in-house design renderings
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In-house shops for all aspects of the refurbishment project
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Full-service paint capabilities
Interested In Interior Design Services?
There are several important considerations to take into account when redesigning an aircraft interior. At Essex Aviation, we assist clients through the entire process, and can make sure your goals are reached.
Our Testimonials
Our Clients Say It Best
“Essex Aviation’s guidance and data analysis was crucial to our successful first CJ3 lease and later our CJ4 purchase. The expertise of Essex allowed us to understand more fully our flight metrics, history, costs and how to match our future aviation needs with available options in a way that would not have been possible on our own.”
Alexandra Glazier, President and CEO
New England Donor Services
“I engaged Essex Aviation to prepare an analysis of large cabin aircraft that best met my needs. Their process was comprehensive and thorough. After an exhaustive search of available aircraft, they represented me on the acquisition, negotiation and importation of a long range aircraft and then oversaw a comprehensive customization of the entire plane. Throughout the process, Essex was a knowledgeable, trustworthy and detail oriented partner.”
Daniel R.
“Lee and Tom are the dynamic duo you've been looking for. Their collective skills provide exacting coverage on every detail needed when considering an airplane purchase or refurbishment. I worked with them on a lengthy process, from identification of plane, purchase, full refurbishment, staff assignments thru delivery. I was never once disappointed. Perfect personalities for even the pickiest of clients!”
Heidi M.
“Essex Aviation facilitated an end-of-lease process for a large aircraft and assisted us with structuring a subsequent lease extension. The transactions had several challenging issues that required expert counseling and negotiation. The Essex team is friendly, prompt, easy to work with, and most importantly, simply the best at what they do. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
Joe Stone, CFO
Sartini Enterprises, Inc.
“Throughout my career as a family office executive, Essex Aviation has been my go to aviation expert. Lee and Tom have guided me through the most complex aircraft acquisition while being able to meet difficult client deadlines. The Essex team has provided key analysis ranging from the mundane, such as the interpretation of the placement of a placard on an aircraft to negotiations relating to an engine care program. Lee and Tom are key partners in all aspects of family office aviation matters.”
John Castrucci, Family Office Executive & Founder
Global Family Office Advisors
“We had a very positive experience with Essex. We found them to be competent, professional and objective. They dedicated a significant amount of time to providing an extremely insightful evaluation of our aircraft division. The report detailed strengths and weaknesses in our operation, together with constructive recommendations . They interacted very well with the staff and were able to elicit accurate and honest information.”
Michael M.
Northeast based Family Office
“Lee, Tom and the team at Essex have worked with us over the years on a variety of fixed wing, rotor and other special projects, performing to superior standards throughout. We initially went through an industry downselect to compete them against their peers and they surfaced as the best fit for us. We continue to be very happy with the relationship.”
Mike D.
Northeast Based Family Office
“Knowledgeable. Informed. Competent. Thorough. Practical. Candid. Professional. Responsive. Efficient.”
Tony R., CFO
Northeast Based Family Office
Go Behind the Scenes of an Aircraft Refurbishment
Gain an insider perspective of the process by reading about a refurbishment project Essex recently completed in partnership with the experts at Duncan Aviation.