EBACE Exclusive: Global Sneak Peek

“Before beginning this project, we undertook a huge trend-forecasting study,” explains Jennifer Scotti, Manager of Interior Design and Visualization at the Global Completion Center. “The concept of ‘cocooning’ really stood out, of wanting to surround yourself with materials that feel like home.”

Tim Fagan, Manager of Industrial Design at Bombardier Business Aircraft, elaborates: “More and more, our customers expect design materials to be inspired by the latest trends in residential decor, fashion, yachts, the automotive world. They’re concerned not just with functionality, but expressing their personal taste.”

Introducing Nuage Seating

That expression can now begin with the Nuage seat, available in three style variations and featured in both the Global 5500 and the Global 6500 aircraft, as well as the Global 7500. The first new seat architecture in business aviation in 30 years – for which a number of exclusive patents have been issued – it’s the design Robb Report called “a revolution.” This year’s EBACE attendees can experience it for themselves at an exclusive Nuage display.

“The objective with the Nuage seat was to come up with a different definition of comfort,” says industrial designer Philippe Erhel. “We knew it couldn’t be an off-the-shelf product.”

“We changed the basic geometry of the seat,” adds Fagan, explaining that the clean-sheet design took every potential passenger into account. That means seat geometry created to promote better contact with feet and floor for people on the shorter end of the human demographic, with carved cushion shapes to relieve pressure behind the leg. What’s bound to leave the biggest impression? The patented tilt-link system. Rather than simply leaning back and letting the body slide forward, the ergonomic design of the seat base “dips” to support every part of the passenger. (After all, Nuage means “cloud” in French.)  The headrest tilts, too, cradling the neck with a simple adjustment – ideal for the modern traveler who might want to watch a movie while reclined.

The new seating also gets a fresh look thanks to contemporary design cues. Fabric is making a comeback with the Nuage seat. “The trend has been almost exclusively leather for seating, but fabric is flexible, it breathes, creates comfort,” says Fagan. The fabrics in question, of course, include the finest specially-woven Italian wools, as comfortable as they are durable for hundreds of hours of use.

New Gourmet Kitchen

Another home trend reflected in both aircraft, and borrowed from the flagship Global 7500 aircraft, is the full-size kitchen. The design and finishes are a nod to the new role of the home kitchen as a meeting place, and to the open kitchens found in so many Michelin-starred restaurants. In the Global 6500 jet, sleek appliances including the steam oven and espresso machine are custom-designed to be put on display.

In the kitchen and throughout the cabin, you’ll also find organic materials mixing with geometric patterns in creative ways. Think real wood veneers with metal inlays and patterned marble accents. (Expect the cabin’s design elements to extend into the cockpit, too, as is standard in the whole Global family.)

“One of the questions we looked at in our design study was how luxury has changed versus 20 years ago,” says Scotti. “Overall, it’s minimalist and more subtle.”

After all, performance is key to a smooth ride, but often what’s most important to passengers is harder to define. Sometimes it’s just a feeling, whether working, resting or being entertained – and in the cabin of the Global 5500 and Global 6500 jets, that feeling is a lot like home.