A luxury Global Express XRS jet has been undergoing a complete interior refit at Nelson Airport – the first time this type of aircraft has been brought to New Zealand for refurbishment.
Nelson-based aircraft interior manufacturer Generation Global has been carrying out the refurbishment of the private aircraft, a Global Express XRS (BD-700-1A10).
The jet arrived on 18 April, with work completed on 16 May and the jet was due to fly out of Nelson on Tuesday.
A Nelson airport spokesperson says this type of refit would usually be carried out in large completion centres in the United States or Europe.
Generation Global chief engineer Brent Hill says the reason it was brought to Nelson was due to client satisfaction from several previous projects completed by the company. This industry is largely based on recommendation and referral.
“To have high-value work that would normally be carried out internationally brought here is great for Nelson. It shows the quality of the aviation support industry here is second to none and brings reputational and economic benefits for our region.”
The Global Express XRS (BD-700-1A10) is a large cabin, long range business jet designed and manufactured by Bombardier Aviation (formerly Bombardier Aerospace).
The Global XRS was the third of four business jet aircraft models, built by Bombardier to compete in the new ultra-long range large-cabin market.
Of the four business jets that Bombardier has built, the Global XRS has the longest range at 11,100 km.
The aircraft features three cabin areas with seating for 16 passengers. The forward cabin includes a crew rest armchair, galley, and forward toilet. The main cabin has six large passenger armchairs and three divans which fold out into generous sized beds. The aft cabin includes the main bathroom.
The refurbishment includes new leather upholstery, carpets, curtains, sidewall linings and bulkhead panels.
