We were joined by Volare Head of Design, Jake Ostridge to talk about the design process and the inspiration behind the aircraft’s new appearance.
A Fresh Identity for the Challenger 604
Bombardier aircraft continue to be a core focus for the Volare Design Team, with Challenger models forming most of our refurbishment projects completed throughout 2026 so far. For this 2000 Challenger 604, the brief was to deliver a complete design transformation, culminating in a unique and eye-catching exterior paint job.
“This aircraft looks completely different to everything out there. Normally when you see a business jet, they are white with a coloured stripe, which is great, but they all look the same to me. The matte green really stands out and looks more luxurious especially in this satin finish. You walk up and you go, oh wow, this is different” – Jake Ostridge, Head of Design at Volare Aviation.
Combined with a fully refreshed interior, the result truly showcases our team’s ability to bring each owner’s individual vision to life.
Behind the Design Process
No two refurbishment projects follow the same journey. While some owners arrive with a clear vision from the outset, others prefer to work closely with the Volare Design Team to explore different concepts before settling on a final direction.
“We have so many colours, fabrics and materials to choose from, so the possibilities are endless” explains Jake. “Sometimes an owner comes to us with a clear vision and we simply bring it to life. Other times, we work together to develop a design that reflects exactly what they’re looking for.”
For this Challenger 604, the owner already had a strong concept for the overall direction. The Design Team produced a series of mood boards, colour palettes and material combinations, refining the concept together before arriving at the stunning final design.
A Striking New Exterior Paint Job
Arguably the most defining feature of this aircraft’s refurbishment is its distinctive matte green paint job, which presented a few challenges during its execution.
“Matte exteriors are actually really difficult to get right. The difference between matte clear and gloss clear, is if you have imperfections with gloss, you can file them out” explains Jake. “But the thing with the matte is as it comes out of the gun, that is the finish. You can’t buff it, you can’t polish it, so if there is one problem, it has to be redone.”
Challenges aside, the finished result is completely worth it and gives this Challenger 604 a distinctive presence, perfectly complementing its timeless design.
Creating More Cabin Space Without Compromise
Part of what makes this interior refurbishment so impressive, is that the Volare Design team were able to increase the aircraft’s passenger capacity whilst creating a greater sense of space throughout the cabin.
“We were keen to add more passenger seating without compromising on comfort or feeling of space” says Jake. “By introducing a four-place conference seating configuration at the rear of the cabin, we were able to accommodate more passengers while maintaining an open and spacious layout.”
Prior to the refurbishment, the cabin felt slightly more enclosed and lacked the overall versatility that the owner was looking for. The new layout transforms the space, providing a more sociable environment that is equally suited for relaxed travel.
Advanced Avionics and Cabin Technology
The refurbishment also incorporates some of the most advanced technology upgrades currently available for business jets. This Challenger 604 now features a Triple Collins fusion cockpit, providing pilots with a modern avionics suite that enhances situational awareness, navigation and overall operational capability.
Passengers also benefit from high-speed Starlink connectivity alongside a bespoke Bang & Olufsen audio system, comprising of four custom-integrated Beosound Emerge speakers and a dedicated subwoofer, delivering an incredible, immersive listening experience.
“The aim was to future-proof the aircraft by integrating the very best technology available, both in the cockpit and throughout the cabin,” says Jake.
Emerging Trends in Aircraft Refurbishment
As with all industries, trends within the private aviation sector are everchanging, with owners constantly looking to upgrade their aircraft with the latest technologies and give them unique colour schemes.
“We’re finding a lot of our clients are choosing these monochromatic paint schemes at the moment, as they really do stand out and feel more luxurious than traditional white and coloured stripes” Jake remarks. “I’m really looking forward to what our next project brings us.”
