Locals seek larger share of luxury jet fit-outs

An example of an aircraft interior designed by Auckland company Aerospace Interiors. Photo / Supplied

Auckland luxury designer Aerospace Interiors has joined forces with a Dubai company that fits out palaces to target a billion-dollar aviation market.

Aerospace Interiors designs and manufactures interiors for aircraft that carry VIPs, heads of state and business travellers.

The company said it had signed a co-operation agreement with Dubai firm Greenline Yacht Interiors to build a dominant market position for luxury aircraft interiors in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, India and Asia.

Managing director Lance Sheppard, who established Aerospace Interiors in 2006, said a typical project could range from US$5 million ($6.9 million) to US$25 million.

"The global VIP aviation interiors market presents a high-value niche market opportunity that is a very good fit with our skills and experience," he said.

"We believe the combination of our knowledge and experience in the aviation market with Greenline's state-of-the-art manufacturing base will provide a real competitive edge that will enable us to make strong inroads into this market."

Greenline has a 60,000sq m design and manufacturing facility in Dubai and was considered a leading provider of interiors for luxury palaces, super yachts, commercial spaces and hotels, according to an Aerospace statement.

"We estimate the total value of the markets we are addressing ... at around $1 billion per year," Sheppard said.

He added that the agreement would enable the companies to take on high-profile projects being negotiated within the Middle Eastern market.