Covid Brought Clearer Solution, safer Travel Experience-Capt Kraus

It has been asserted that as a result of marketplace changes as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, business aviation has become an even clearer solution for safe and secured travel.

Consequent upon this growth, aircraft refurbishment for avionics and interiors, especially, has risen up as a means to elevate these assets to owners’ middle level Very Important Person (VIP) expectations.

Making this assertion at the at the first FAA repair station in Nigeria organised by Santos Aviation, Capt Hans Kraus in a keynote address disclosed that most plane owners make conservative interior design choices, but noted that any interior could start to feel dated as tastes shift over time.

“… the pandemic has forced both the industry and the travelling public to focus on what is truly important. Out of adversity comes opportunity and the aviation industry, like many others, shows that companies that innovate, think creatively and harness technology to take on seemingly insurmountable challenges will ultimately emerge victorious. Indeed, the industry can accelerate its efforts to meet the sustainability goals by utilizing technologies and raw materials that are already available”.

According to Kraus, the latest trends in aircraft refurbishment were moving away from warmer golds and earth tones to cooler greys and whites with pops of black, similar to the automotive industry.

He declared “Clean edges and angles create a fresh, modern aesthetic while providing a timeless quality. Long-lasting materials, such as stone veneers, leathers and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) stand up to wear and tear. Fabric overlays and hydrographic can quickly give a new look to everything from bulkheads to credenzas”

“Customers are liking the bold, high-tech look of lightweight, carbon-fiber composites for shelving, landings and more.

Only aircraft owners can truly decide when the time is right for them to upgrade and make improvements. But we’re seeing more owners opting to take action now”.

He noted that the aviation industry was going to need to meet workforce demand in many areas, which include flight operations, maintenance, engineering, management, finance, airport operations among others.

He further stated that to reach these goals, there was the need to tap into a large community and that will include women, underrepresented and underprivileged groups.

He said the trend was with a continuous surge in the price of business and private aircraft and the need to support local aviation-related opportunities to cut costs and deliver a quality service the trend in travel restrictions and quarantine periods that continue to be a deterrent that affects financial implications

“The industry continues efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce. So, yes, there are many opportunities for Africa and I think this is a great time for Africa to thrive in aviation, perhaps the best I’ve seen in the 30 years or so that I’ve been a part of the industry”.

Kraus revealed that partial full refurbishing of the entire cabin or just the carpet that Santos Aviation was very much ready with top-quality products and experienced craftsmen to deliver a look that far surpasses any assembly line.

The Captain puts it “We approach each project as a blank canvas and delight in creating individual masterpieces. From cabin modifications and re-configurations to certification of emergency equipments, to include Life vests and emergency escape Slides. Santos works with you to achieve any modification or desired look”.

He explained that no two aircraft interiors were as each was a direct reflection of its owner’s unique tastes and practical needs adding that Santos’s skilled staff of designers and engineering expertise will keep abreast of the latest trends in unique craftsmanship with focus on color, texture, fabric and styling.

“Working closely with our customers, we are able to create innovative cabin interiors that are every bit as fashionable as they are functional.

Skilled upholsterers that will create custom-made seat designs with individualized foam densities for functionality and comfort”.

“Additional upholstery services include burn test approval and fire-blocking certification.

Experienced woodworking craftsmen that will provide high-quality wood finishes for custom-built galleys or cabinetry modifications. Santos will also provide composite construction, custom component fabrication, exterior finish flexibility (high pressure laminate to hi-gloss veneer) custom inlays and specialized detailing”.