AsBAA in Action-February AsBAA in Action-February | Page 20

AsBAA Talks to… Flying Colours
Eric Gillespie
Executive VP, Flying Colours
Describe your business model in 3 sentences.
Flexibility, integrity and innovation are three words that describe, and guide, our business
philosophy. In terms of business model here in Asia we are focused on supporting Bombardier
aircraft owners by providing quality cabin interior refurbishment and repairs which is undertaken
at our facility, which is based at the Bombardier site, Seletar Airport, Singapore.
Owners and operators can fly aircraft to us at the airport at and we will
undertake the necessary work which can range from simple touch ups of
cabinetry to full rebuilds of monuments. We also provide minor repair
services in the field, this is particularly useful for interiors that have suffered
minor damage, as it is more cost-effective to fly an interiors expert to the
location, than fly the aircraft to us.
When we launched the facility, we trained locals to become experts in the interiors field by taking them to our
headquarters in Canada, and showing them the process in-house. We also relocated several Canadian team
members to Singapore, initially for a short contract, but they have enjoyed the project, work and life, and are
now settled full time. It’ s great to have increased the interiors skillset in the region.
If Flying Colours was a person, how would you describe their personality?
The business is family run which gives us a friendly, approachable personality with a good perspective about what is important.
We are serious, and hard-working, but also enjoy learning, expanding our knowledge and expertise. Our creative side comes out
in our interior design solutions, whilst our innovative, problem solving nature ensures we can realise our client’ s cabin visions.
In 2017, many of the major manufacturers did not launch a new model, but improvements and refurbishments seems
to be a trend, what are your views on this?
Yes, we can see that many of our clients are choosing to improve and refurbish their interiors rather
than buy a brand-new model aircraft. This is driven by many factors. The value of the pre-owned
business jets inventory in the Asia Pacific region has risen over the last few years. Aircraft transactions
have been a little unpredictable as economic uncertainty, currency fluctuations, changing regulations
and a general “wait-and-see-approach” has kept the market favoured towards buyers. Smart buyers
recognise that there are benefits to taking an existing airframe and giving it an overhaul. Often it is
quicker to access the aircraft type you want, the value per dollar can be greater and your interior can be
completely customised to your own personal tastes. The Asian market was once driven by new models
and green aircraft, but as it has matured, it recognises there are real benefits to buying pre-owned.
We’ ve also seen people holding onto their aircraft for longer by repairing and renovating interiors either
to make the most of what they have, or to wait and see what else may become available.
How do trends in Asia differ to those elsewhere in the world?
Trends in Asia are often led by what is happening in fashion, with owners taking inspiration for cabin interiors from famous design
house brands, celebrities or luxury products. We also note that the colour choices in Asia may be different to other parts of the
world, with the lucky colour red often featuring somewhere in the design. Our Asian clients have always been very technology –
cognisant and like to have the latest connectivity, IFE, and gadgets in the cabin. It is no surprise that one of the world’ s first
majority carbon fiber interiors was designed and delivered to an Asian client.
Where can we meet with you in the next year? (e.g. ABACE)
During 2018, we will be attending the main global business aviation events. At ABACE we
will have a presence with a team from our Singapore facility in attendance. During EBACE
we’ ll be showcasing our products and services from our brand new booth, and at NBAA
we’ ll be bringing our biggest team yet to talk to customers about all our services. We have
opened a new cabinetry and interiors facility in St Louis, USA so will be promoting the
addition to our services.
Do you have any special news for AsBAA members? (they may wish to run a promotion for AsBAA members?)
Not really, we are always available to answer queries and open to discussion about new projects, repairs, refurbishments, and
cabin designs. We are always keen to network and as we mark our first year as AsBAA members appreciate the opportunities the
Association provides. (Sarah feel free to leave in or out as you see fit problem is it’ s not really a product/service you fix a discount
on as they are all so customised)