Many people buy Riva boats due to their classic aesthetics, especially the Aquariva Special motoryacht, an evolution of the iconic Aquarama designed in the 1960s. They can now enjoy the Riva feel in private jets and helicopters due to a collaboration between Riva (part of the Ferretti Group) and Flexjet (a private aviation operator), with classic motoryacht styling carried over to aircraft interiors.
The partnership was formed in May 2024, and the result has now been revealed: the Riva Volare aircraft cabin designs, which form part of Flexjet’s range of customised and boutique-style LXi Cabin Collection interiors.
The Riva Volare scheme has been fitted aboard one of Flexjet’s Gulfstream G650 ultra-long-range jets, which seats up to 12-15 passengers and is capable of flying for up to 14-16 hours, connecting destinations such as New York and Tokyo, London, Singapore or Milan.
The Riva Volare interior has also been installed in two of Flexjet’s Sikorsky S-76 super-midsize helicopters, one based in Florida and the other in a new helicopter operation in Milan, serving Italy and the French Riviera. The Milan operation represents the growth of the company’s helicopter division into mainland Europe, adding to its existing rotary aircraft operations in London, New York, Florida, and The Bahamas.
The Milan facility will cater to growing demand from the company’s existing jet owners and from new clients for helicopter flights in Italy and the South of France during the summer months, with Ferretti Group clients benefitting from preferential access.
From sea to sky
The bespoke Riva Volare design scheme has been created by in-house designers at both Riva and Flexjet, with luxury materials and bold patterns, textured leathers and metals, and colours that contrast light and dark, the choices inspired by the classic silhouettes and design elements of the Aquarama and Aquariva motoryachts.
Key design touches include:
- Soft, handstitched leather seating, piped with Riva’s signature aquamarine colour and embroidered with Riva logos
- High-gloss, striped-wood veneer panelling, as used in Riva’s iconic boat interiors
- Accent areas featuring the Riva aquamarine and deep blue ‘Blu Sera’ colours, paired with polished metallic trims that evoke the feel of Riva motoryachts
- A striking silken carpet, the pattern designed to echo the sleek motion of a motoryacht cutting through water
In brief: What can customers expect in the Flexjet Gulfstream G650 experience?
- A maximum range 7,000nm or 11,263km. This equates to up to 14-16 hours of flight time – sufficient to connect many destinations around the globe
- Seating for up to15 passengers
- A multi-zone interior, with specific areas for sleeping, dining, working or relaxing
- Pop-up kibitzer social seating with a classic nautical stripe design in blue and white
- A cabin altitude of 1,002m (3,290ft) for reduced fatigue and jet lag
- A cabin sound level of 47 decibels sound level – one of the quietest in private aviation
- 1.96m (6’5”) of cabin height – high enough for tall passengers to stand up in
- Starlink wi-fi service for seamless, high-speed inflight connectivity
- A cabin server and well-equipped galley for inflight hospitality
- A curated selection of Riva glassware, chinaware and silverware
- Luxury onboard service from Flexjet’s Red Label Academy trained cabin crews
In brief: What can customers expect in the Flexjet Sikorsky S-76 experience?
- A range of 300 nautical miles or 555km. This equates to around 2.5 hours of flight time
- Seating for up to 8 passengers
- Dual-redundancy safety features include twin-turbine engine reliability; a 4-blade rotor system for enhanced stability, comfort and safety; and dual autopilot systems
- Every helicopter flight is operated by two certified, IFR qualified pilots
Kenn Ricci, chairman of Flexjet said of the interiors,“I have long admired the iconic style of Riva, and seeing this brought to life in our aircraft is nothing short of exceptional. At Flexjet, design is more than an aesthetic bonus, it’s integral to the elevated experience we offer. The launch of Riva Volare in collaboration with Ferretti Group is a tangible expression of our shared commitment to evolving truly memorable experiences for UHNW and selective travellers.”
