Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Bombardier manufactures a variety of business aircraft models, provides engineering, and aircraft maintenance services.

Matt Thurber

Football star Christiano Ronaldo liked the livery of his newly purchased Global Express XRS so much that he kept the paint job designed by Happy Design Studio and added just his initials and silhouette to next to the cabin door to personalize the unusual paint job.
“He chose that one because it’s ultra-visible,” said Didier Wolff, founder of Happy Design Studio. “I assume he wants to share an aspect of his personality and doesn’t want to hide his travel on his private jet.”
With a focus on design and creation of custom liveries for private, commercial, and military aircraft, Happy Design Studio also oversees paint work of its clients’ aircraft in the shops that they select, “always with the goal of achieving bespoke, premium aesthetics,” the company said. “Each project is conceived as a unique work of art, combining visual harmony, modernity, and meticulous detail.”
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-img">
<img alt="Futurliner concept on Bombardier Global 7000" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5cbf4636-4281-4151-a293-19fd977c217d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Futurliner_1%20small.jpg" width="5000" height="3334" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Happy Design Studio founder Didier Wolff created this homage to the General Motors Futurliner on a conceptual Bombardier Global 7000.</figcaption>
</figure>

At MEBAA 2024, Wolff is highlighting the Ronaldo livery, as well as a unique concept based on the famous GM Futurliner, described as “an avante-garde bus,” for which General Motors designer Harley Earl was the project director. Earl later became the father of the iconic Corvette.
Wolff’s concept, adapted to a Bombardier Global 7500, pays tribute to the art deco exterior styling of the Futurliner, conceived by designer Robert E. Bingman and featuring streamlining inspired by the Airstream trailer from the 1930s. “The designers were also inspired by the Boeing Flying Fortress bomber, introduced in 1935, and included a Plexiglas dome for the cabin,” he said.&nbsp;
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-img">
<img alt="GM Futurliner" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d6f1901f-b900-4249-9f59-d8033acb9030" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/FUTURLINER_BIG.jpg" width="4000" height="2500" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>The art deco-inspired GM Futurliner.</figcaption>
</figure>

“The design fits well [on the global 7500],” Wolff said. “This is a design concept and is a way to attract customers. This is a red-and-white bait. I think if it’s a beautiful livery design, it will be first to sell. Some owners don’t vote for discretion; they want to be visible.”

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Christiano Ronaldo is Thrilled with Happy Design Studio's Global XRS Livery

Many private aircraft owners prefer to show off their distinct liveries

With a focus on design and creation of custom liveries for private, commercial, and military aircraft, Happy Design Studio also oversees paint work for clients. 

Ronaldo is Thrilled with Happy Design Studio Jet Livery

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

The Dubai International Airport facility already supports the PC-12

Pilatus Adds Jet Aviation Dubai As PC-24 Service Center

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

New EASA AOC gives easier access to the European Union

Gama Aviation Adds Maltese AOC and Mobile Service Team

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

MEBAA 2024

In this article

Global 7500 and 8000

Bombardier

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Pilatus Adds Jet Aviation Dubai As PC-24 Service Center

The Dubai International Airport facility already supports the PC-12

Gama Aviation Adds Maltese AOC and Mobile Service Team

New EASA AOC gives easier access to the European Union

UAE Approves Aero-Dienst as Maintenance Organization

CAR 145 certificate issue helps German MRO expand support for Gulf region operators

Comlux Opens Dubai Maintenance and Service Center

New facility spans 20,000 sq m at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub

ExecuJet Signs MOU for Local Paint Services at Satys

Middle East business aircraft operators won't have to fly to Europe for paint

Aero-Dienst, AeroSource Team Up on MRO Growth in India

Partnership will seek to provide more support to growing fleet of business aircraft

Bombardier's Booming Aftermarket Segment Keeps Expanding

Business jet maker aims to have customers "bring their aircraft home" for servicing

CitationPartners Eagle Program Grows in Value

Upgraded aircraft is seeing a $355,000 net value gain

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