With this year’s NBAA show approaching we have been asked by multiple groups – both internal and external – to share the “why” of our work in aviation interiors and leather.
Like most adventures, you begin with the destination in mind. You have what seems to be a clear idea of the path – or in this case the flight path – you are about to take. But like most transformational moments in life you realize the journey becomes your destination. Sure, you begin to sound like a cheesy motivation poster with hands in a huddle or two leaf-covered paths, but the honest bone-deep truth is that the road you take really shapes your perspective on the arrival.
Our journey into the world of aviation interiors has been anything but simple. There have been humbling and soul-searching bumps along the way. But over the last 10 years there have also been moments of sheer joy and excitement. It is this mix of emotions that press on our chest a little and make us really ask why are we doing this? Why are we working so hard to offer something so new…why not just settle for what everyone else has accepted as the norm in our little section of the great big world of aviation business.
Here is the honest truth. Since we were little kids, the dream of flying has always been with us. Starting with paper airplanes and even daily staring into the sky any time we heard the roar of a jet – these things have turned into life-long, personal and professional passions for members of our team. Matt Buckley, SVP of Sales & Business Development, grew-up in the midwest and at the age of 5 was climbing up into the seat of a plane beside his decorated Air Force father. Add to that the backgrounds of both Chad Evans, Director of Aviation and representative Beverly McAuley and you will find a team of people who have merged their love of leather with a lifelong passion for flight.
That is why our goal remains to be a true design resource for the world of aviation leather. We have pushed hard. New colors. New leathers. Anything but status quo. Because we believe – just like as we did as children – that aviation is still meant to inspire. Its that core belief that has led us to continually invest and reinvest in our aviation division. This year we will launch Orion, a completely new leather that rivals the softest leather you have ever experienced. We are also bringing Celine Calf to the market – an extremely high-end leather, usually reserved for the exclusive fashion houses of France, this calf skin will truly raise the level of sophistication in our world of aviation.
And you’ll find at our headquarters in Virginia we have another four million square feet of reasons why we are passionate about our work. Each one carefully crafted by hand.
Aviation is not just another piece of the business. Its not just another column on the spread sheet. We are 100% dedicated to being a small part of a big world with wings.
It is with that fervor we find excitement and newness every time the door opens and we climb aboard.
To learn a little more about our passion for aviation watch this video.