AMAC Aerospace: Timeless Design, Next-Gen Tech
From connectivity-led cabin upgrades in Basel to expanding maintenance capabilities in Istanbul and Bodrum, AMAC Aerospace’s recent projects reveal how owners and operators are investing in aircraft for the long term.
By David Moran
Supply chain bottlenecks and manufacturing backlogs have been transforming ultra-high-net-worth aviation in recent times, and driving VVIP operators toward comprehensive aircraft refurbishments instead of waiting for new deliveries.
At the forefront is AMAC Aerospace, which helps owners navigate these delays by integrating heavy maintenance with complex cabin modernisations. Operating through hubs in Switzerland and Turkey, AMAC elevates existing fleets by balancing timeless interior design with uncompromised, next-generation connectivity and highly specialised regional support.
Basel
Recent projects at AMAC Aerospace’s Basel headquarters illustrate how the boundaries between maintenance, refurbishment and modernisation are becoming increasingly fluid.
An Airbus ACJ318, for example, received a Starlink installation alongside C1, C2 and C3 checks, carpet replacement, countertop modification and the installation of HDMI and USB-C ports. A Gulfstream G550 combined its annual inspection with Starlink, an oven replacement, technical modifications and a full paint polish. A head-of-state BBJ 777 also received Starlink while undergoing scheduled inspections and other modifications.
“Combining maintenance activities with cabin refurbishments or technology upgrades is a logical decision as it saves time by performing multiple activities during one downtime period,” explains Alexis Ott, Director Sales & Key Account Management at AMAC Aerospace Basel. “Heavy maintenance checks are often combined with connectivity upgrades, such as Starlink and Gogo Galileo. Connectivity is the general trend now. All owners expect to have connectivity as soon as they step into their aircraft and expect high Wi-Fi speeds. As we are an authorised service centre for installing these solutions, many customers take the opportunity to install connectivity during heavy maintenance,” he adds.
This push for absolute digital continuity in the sky is driven by an increasingly uncompromising clientele. The days of accepting sluggish in-flight Wi-Fi as a necessary compromise of air travel are behind us. “Nowadays, customers expect high-speed internet on their flights. Many clients stream movies during flights and expect the same quality and speed as they have at home,” says Ott.
The pivot toward refurbishment is also a direct reaction to delays in the primary market, particularly for large, long-haul jets. “Getting a new green wide-body aircraft today means waiting a long time. It can take a minimum of five to 10 years,” he shares. “The same goes for completion centres. Most top-tier completion centres are fully booked years in advance, which adds to the waiting time. Therefore, many aircraft owners choose to refurbish and upgrade their existing narrow/wide-body aircraft to meet their needs rather than wait years to replace it. One example of this is the current trend of connectivity upgrades.”
Consequently, the Basel facility is operating at an incredibly high tempo. “This is also reflected in the number of completion inquiries we are receiving, which has increased significantly. Our central operational challenge is meeting that demand without compromising quality, which is why we continue to invest in expanding our capacity,” says Ott.
Yet, integrating modern technology into a VVIP cabin presents a distinct design challenge. Consumer electronics and connectivity hardware evolve at a breakneck pace, whereas a meticulously crafted custom aircraft interior is designed to last for decades. When asked how AMAC Aerospace prevents highly bespoke interiors from aging poorly alongside rapid tech cycles, the company points to a philosophy of architectural subtlety.
Christelle Dietsch, Manager Interior Design at AMAC Aerospace Basel says that the key is to make technology support the design rather than define it. “In a VVIP interior, technology evolves very quickly, so we try to avoid making it the visual focus of the cabin. Instead, we create a timeless foundation through the architecture, proportions, materials, lighting and detailing, while ensuring that the technology can evolve discreetly around it”.
She continues: “This also means thinking about technology in a more integrated way. Screens, connectivity, controls and entertainment should feel almost invisible when they are not being used, and intuitive when they are. We prefer solutions that can be upgraded or replaced without changing the overall character of the interior. Ultimately, a successful VVIP cabin should not feel dated because a particular technology has moved on. The technology should enhance the experience, while the design provides the long-term identity and emotional value of the space. That balance is what allows an interior to remain contemporary and relevant for many years.”
Examples of recent work in Basel included an ACJ319 that underwent a VIP cabin refurbishment during the same downtime as a C-check. The cabin and flight deck work incorporated a reinforced cockpit door, an electronic flight bag and
a future air navigation system installation. Several Bombardier projects have also combined inspections with selective interior work, from replacing a countertop aboard a Global 5000 to fitting new carpet and leather upholstery in a Challenger 605.
Regional Outlook for Istanbul and Bodrum
AMAC Aerospace’s strategic footprint in Turkey has become increasingly vital to the company’s global network. Serving as a crucial bridge between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, the facilities in Istanbul and Bodrum have seen a remarkable surge in activity, adapting to diverse operational demands ranging from specialised VIP services to robust commercial support.
In Bodrum, the ability to service both VIP and commercial aircraft creates a unique, high-performance ecosystem. While the two sectors are distinct, AMAC leverages the exacting standards of the private aviation world to elevate its commercial operations. “Both operations require a high level of technical skill, a capability that our teams possess,” says Remzi Ozturk, Sales & Key Account Director at AMAC Aerospace Turkey.
“The maintenance manuals are basically the same since they are designed on the same platform. The differences are the cabin design and the customer expectations. Accordingly, much more special attention is taken into account for the VIP customers, as their aircraft have to be treated more carefully. This special attention has increased our awareness and spread into the mentality of commercial aviation maintenance,” he adds.
This dual capability has proven exceptionally prescient given the growth of private aviation in the region. “After the pandemic, VIP operations increased significantly, and the number of the aircraft has increased accordingly,” Ozturk observes. “Istanbul Atatürk Airport (LTBA), where our Istanbul facility is located, became one of the main hubs in business aviation when commercial operations closed in 2019 and moved to the new airport”.
The sheer volume of seasonal traffic moving through the Turkish Riviera further underscores the strategic importance of the Bodrum site. “At Bodrum Airport, where we have a hangar facility to support commercial and business operators, commercial operations increase enormously during the summer season,” he notes, adding that recently around 4,200 jets landed in June and July, making for about 70 aircraft per day. “These numbers demonstrate how popular Bodrum is.”
Given this booming demand, the company is actively looking to the future. “It is always on the table to expand capabilities because aviation is very dynamic and expectations and realities change all the time. In order to meet demand and serve our customers and network, we are constantly thinking of ways to increase our capabilities, not only for commercial aircraft, but also for VIP aircraft and small business jets,” adds Ozturk.
Operationally, the Istanbul and Bodrum facilities do not function in isolation; they are well integrated into AMAC’s broader corporate strategy, allowing for fluid resource management. “We maintain close ties between the two entities. Some departments are managed at the directorate level in Turkey. This allows us to maintain, communicate and run the department more efficiently. In addition, depending on the necessity, some personnel visit the other facility to support at its utmost,” he says.
In Istanbul, a major focus currently lies in supporting the next generation of business jets. “In Istanbul, we support Dassault Falcon aircraft. There are two brand new types that which we need to focus more on,” Ozturk details. “The first one is Falcon 6X, which has entered into service and whose numbers are increasing day by day. Even in Turkey, there are already two customers, and there will be three more in the coming months. Line approval was granted more than a year ago and base maintenance approval will be a must in the coming year,” he says.
Another example was a Dassault Falcon 7X that arrived for a 12-month inspection. Even though slots were almost fully booked, AMAC Aerospace Turkey managed to service the aircraft with overtime planning. The client enthused: “The entire process from beginning to end was excellent. In every maintenance event, we see a transparent team that approaches each request with genuine willingness to respond and assist.”
According to Ozturk, as the Falcon 10X is the newest model, having made its maiden flight in July 2026, it will be the brand platform with which AMAC Aerospace will align in the future. “Due to its geographical location, Bodrum seems challenging, but we have had great success with past activities. In the future, we anticipate a high demand for business aviation activities in Bodrum and are preparing accordingly,” he notes.
By marrying technical prowess with an unwavering commitment to luxury and timeless design, AMAC is ensuring that its clients are always ready for what comes next.
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