ITALIAN STYLE FLIES HIGH WITH RIVA
Flexjet, one of the world’s most important business jet fleet operators, has joined with the Ferretti Group to launch an elegant, daring design project on board the Gulfstream G650, a long-range twin engine aircraft. The result is a unique flight experience
Sergio Barlocchetti - Ph. courtesy by Ferretti Group
Riva Volare is the new design for the furnishings of the Gulfstream G650 jet (photo) and the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter of the Flexjet fleet. The style aims to provide a high-end flight experience and is inspired by the iconic craft built by the Sarnico shipyard
Riva Volare graces one of Flexjet’s long-range twin-engine aircraft, a Gulfstream G650. It provides unique flight conditions for 12-15 passengers, even on longer flights linking New York with Tokyo, London, Singapore and Milan. The G650, a technological icon of Gulfstream and American-made production, is now regarded as one of the best long-range business jets
From yachts to a special version of the Fiat 500 manufactured between November 2016 and December 2017, it’s now featured in the cabins of executive aircraft and helicopters. Riva’s nautical style is highly regarded and deeply Italian, but now the Riva Volare name has been assigned to a new design for the interiors of the Flexjet fleet’s Gulfstream G650 jet and Sikorsky S-76 helicopter. The style, inspired by the most refined boats from the most soughtafter Italian shipyard in Sarnico, icons of the dolce vita and now brand of the Ferretti Group, was created to offer a high-profile travel experience. The Riva Volare helicopters - the Flexjet fleet’s Sikorsky S-76 rotor craft with Riva interiors – will operate in Italy, the Côte
d’Azur and Florida. Flexjet, one of the world’s major business jet fleet operators, has joined the Ferretti Group in this project, launched May 2024 with the aim of creating an elegant yet daring design. As a result
Riva Volare now clothes the interiors of one of Flexjet’s long range twin-engine jets, a Gulfstream G650 that will offer unique travel conditions for the 12-15 passengers sharing the cabin for up to 14-16 hours on flights linking New York with Tokyo, London, Singapore and Milan. The G650, a technological symbol of Gulfstream expertise and American manufacture, is now regarded as one of the best ultralong range business jets. The aircraft features fly-by-wire controls and fuselage with oval section. The cabin is 196 cm high and has large
windows. Its top speed is Mach .925 and range is 7,000 nautical miles in the “Extended Range” version. It’s all about an installation embellishing state-of-the-art aeronautical technology with several innovative features like unrivalled 47 dB sound proofing and high-speed connectivity via Starlink. The G650 will also provide Riva glassware, porcelain and silverware. During their flight passengers can luxuriate in hand-stitched leather seats with trim in Riva’s classic aquamarine colour, admire the striped wood panels recalling the iconic Riva interiors and use the popup kibitzer seats with a classic nautical blue and white pattern. The Riva Volare interior will also feature on two Sikorsky S.76 helicopters owned by Flexjet, one operating in Florida and the other in Italy and
France. This reflects the growth of the company’s helicopter division in continental Europe and adds to the services already offered in London, New York, Florida and the Bahamas, to which Ferretti Group clients will enjoy privileged access. The S.76 is a well-established model launched in 1976 but has undergone constant development. It carries up to eight people, or twelve in a less spacious configuration. Around 900 examples have been built, and those dedicated to VIP/corporate transport have always sported American-style colours and lines. Now, though, those flying in Europe are offered an Italian ambience with the finest artisanal furnishings with patterns, textures and colours inspired by the lines and elements of Riva motorboats. And the S.76, which can whisk passengers
from yacht to city, can fly for 300 nautical miles (555km) or up to 2.5 hours. At the product presentation, Kenn Ricci, president of Flexjet, said: “I’m a great lover of the Riva style and welcoming it on board our aircraft is a wonderful development. Flexjet is now enjoying its 30th year of operations and Riva Volare is not only a celebration of a timeless design”. Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi adds that “Riva is an expression
At the presentation of the partnership, Kenn Ricci, president of Flexjet, and Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group (left). The Riva Volare interior will also feature in two Sikorsky S.76 helicopters owned by the same operator, one to operate in Florida and the other in Italy and France.
of elegance that blends class and exclusivity in every project. Looking at the sky and clouds while immersed in the Riva world is a beautiful, highly satisfying experience”.
This development means lovers of the Riva style can experience it by sea, on land and in the sky, enjoying a round-the-world journey amid true Italian style. flexjet.com