Restyling of Bell 429 Seating for Private Jet Match
Project Overview
For this project, Generation Global restyled the seating of a Bell 429 helicopter to match the luxury and aesthetics of the client's private jet. The Bell 429, a twin-engine helicopter, is designed for one pilot and up to seven passengers (six in the passenger compartment and one beside the pilot). The client sought to enhance the seating design for both the front crew and rear passenger compartments.
Custom Seat Upholstery and Design Features
The seat upholstery was crafted from Dakota Alpaca Grey (JLS719) aviation leather, a color specifically chosen to complement the existing plastics and bulkhead colorings of the helicopter. This understated and elegant color blends seamlessly into the overall design, maintaining the sophisticated look desired by the client.
The seat design featured two vertical seams on the backs of the seats, which gently curve outward. This design was mirrored on the seat bottoms, creating a sense of continuity throughout the interior. The insert sections between the vertical seams were divided with additional seams to form equal-sized panels, adding structure and balance to the seating arrangement.
Decorative French seams were used throughout, ensuring that the stitching is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The stitch color was carefully matched to the leather color, allowing the craftsmanship of the needlework to take center stage rather than the stitching color itself.
Seating Variations for Crew and Passengers
The front crew seating and rear passenger seating were designed as two-piece seats, each with an integrated headrest and a 4-point harness for safety. The pilot seats were more adjustable, offering greater comfort and support, which made them bulkier compared to the rear passenger seats. This distinction in design ensures that both functionality and comfort are provided to the crew and passengers in the 429.
Client Overview
The client is an Australian businessman who relocated to New Zealand and acquired several land holdings and properties, including one of the country's most iconic sheep stations. The Bell 429 helicopter is used for efficient travel between the various properties, ensuring the client’s mobility across vast rural areas.
