Duncan Aviation Delivers Falcon 2000EX Refurbishment That Enhances Fleet Consistency and Passenger Experience

This Falcon 2000EX was recently completed at Duncan Aviation. It reflects the company's commitment to truly listening to its customers, understanding both their operational needs and aesthetic goals. Click image for high-res download.

LINCOLN, NEB. — Duncan Aviation recently completed a comprehensive interior refurbishment of a Falcon 2000EX at its Lincoln, Nebraska, facility, delivering an aircraft that seamlessly aligns with the customer’s newest Falcon 2000LXS and reinforces a consistent, recognizable fleet experience for passengers and crew. The result is a warm, professional cabin environment that blends corporate sophistication with the comfort and functionality of a modern office in the sky.

Duncan Aviation Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions

Duncan Aviation Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions Representative Rene Cardona closed the acquisition of the Falcon 2000LXS in December 2024, after initially being engaged to identify an aircraft for a planned first- or second-quarter 2025 purchase. In early October, the customer’s aviation manager shared that, following discussions with their CFO, the decision was made to accelerate the timeline in order to qualify for 2024 bonus depreciation. Cardona successfully negotiated the acquisition of the newest, lowest-total-time Falcon 2000LXS available and completed the transaction prior to year-end.

Following the purchase of the Falcon 2000LXS, the customer elected to upgrade and modernize its existing Falcon 2000EX to match the newly acquired aircraft, creating a more unified fleet experience for passengers while extending the value and usability of the existing asset.

A Unified Fleet

A long-time Duncan Aviation customer, the director wanted their current 2000EX to be transformed to look and feel like the newly acquired LXS aircraft. From the moment passengers step onboard, the goal was for the aircraft to be immediately identifiable as theirs—professional, refined, and comfortable--while maintaining a consistent experience across multiple aircraft in the fleet.

Senior Lead Designer Stephanie Kuhn, Design Assistant Lauren Burkhardt, and Senior Completions & Modifications Sales Representative Tracey Boesch worked closely with the customer to achieve that vision. Notably, some of Kuhn’s earliest projects at Duncan Aviation involved refurbishing three of the customer’s aircraft back-to-back, establishing a deep understanding of the customer’s expectations and aesthetic preferences that carried into this project years later.

To ensure precision, Boesch, along with Senior Avionics Sales Rep Jeff Simmons and Interior Design Engineer II Mike Riley, traveled to meet the customer while both the Falcon 2000EX to undergo refurbishment and the newer LXS model aircraft were available. This allowed the team to document the aircraft side-by-side, capturing measurements, hardware details, and photographic references—bringing to light additional details for consideration including new latches, lavatory door handle & towel bar, magnetized MED (main entry door) curtain panels and finishes—ensuring a high level of accuracy and reducing the risk of rework or inconsistencies during the refurbishment process.

While the intent was to replicate the LXS model aircraft’s interior, Kuhn and Burkhardt identified opportunities to enhance select materials. The original silk carpet was replaced with a 100% wool version for improved durability and long-term wear, while retaining the same triangular geometric pattern and incorporating darker, richer tones. This update preserved the familiar look—one of the most defining elements tying the fleet together.

The refurbishment included complete re-veneer of all cabinets throughout the aircraft using heavily figured walnut with a lighter tone to match the model aircraft’s appearance. Seating was refreshed with a warmer, more modern color palettes to create a comfortable yet polished environment suitable for both work and relaxation, supporting both productivity and passenger comfort.

Throughout the cabin, modern rectangular latches with satin antique nickel plating were installed, along with new lunel accent lighting in the PSU panels. In the cabin, the Dassault LXS wave-inspired backsplash was added to the upper sidewall at the drinkrail, using veneer trim that mirrors the curve of the table’s enclosures for a subtle but distinctive design statement. Flooring selections included woven vinyl in the galley and matching carpet in the lavatory to maintain continuity.

The flight deck was a key focus for the customer’s chief pilot. Kuhn worked with the manufacturers to identify materials that would closely match the look and function of the model aircraft. The flight deck pedestal was finished in carbon fiber Ultraleather—an upgrade that delivered a cleaner, more modern appearance—while the AirCell handset was replaced and avionics were updated.

With the vast difference between the EX and LXS material finishes in the flight deck, Kuhn carried the crew and director’s strong desire for the flight deck to also have as much of an upgraded look as the remainder of the aircraft and worked closely with Duncan Aviation’s Interior team to achieve the goal.

To ensure the flight deck pedestal accurately reflected the LXS as closely as possible, Duncan Aviation’s Interior team re-shaped a composite panel to achieve the required contours before wrapping it in carbon fiber Ultraleather.

It was no small task. Completions Master Specialist Cory Ebbers invested significant time and effort ahead of time to achieve the precise look and fit, helping ensure a high-quality finish that met the customer’s expectations.  

“Given the outcome, we feel this will definitely be an upgrade many of our 2000EX and 2000EXy clients will be interested in,” explained Boesch.

Avionics upgrades included a new Collins Venue cabin management system, LED lighting, USB charging ports, and Gogo Galileo connectivity—enhancing passenger connectivity, in-flight productivity, and overall cabin experience. Duncan Aviation also completed the first Gogo Galileo installation on a Falcon 2000 outside of the factory, and installed Gogo MB13 antennas in preparation for future Gogo LX5 capability.

Additional enhancements included redesigned lower sidewalls with vertical seams and trim to mimic the LXS aircraft, dark Corian countertops throughout, and thoughtful material selections that reinforce the aircraft’s “comfortable corporate” aesthetic—professional, warm, and functional.

The completed Falcon 2000EX reflects Duncan Aviation’s commitment to truly listening to its customers, understanding both their operational needs and aesthetic goals, and delivering an aircraft that not only performs reliably, but also provides a consistent, intuitive, and comfortable experience for passengers and crew across the customer’s fleet.

Testimonial from the Assistant Vice President

“Duncan Aviation delivered an exceptional end-to-end customer experience that resulted in an interior that exceeded our expectations. The entire engagement, from initial consultations and design choices to material selection and ongoing project updates, was remarkably seamless and effortless. The two project managers assigned to our project were invaluable, guiding us at every turn with their professionalism, design knowledge, and prompt communication, making the process a pleasure. Their skill in understanding our needs, posing pertinent questions, and offering insightful recommendations was key to achieving such a superior outcome. I highly recommend Duncan Aviation for interior refurbishment projects.

The exceptional experience we had was largely due to the incredible efforts of Stephanie Kuhn, Lauren Burkardt, and Tracey Boesch. Their combined expertise in design and project management, coupled with their outstanding client service, resulted in an interior that surpassed all our expectations.

The interior is stunning and surpassed all our expectations! While our initial aim was to replicate our other aircraft's interior, the Designer’s recommendations elevated it significantly. We received samples of proposed materials or finishes at our doorstep within a day of each suggested change, showcasing the truly first-class service we received from Duncan Aviation.”

About Duncan Aviation

Duncan Aviation is an aircraft service provider supporting the aviation needs of business aircraft operators, government agencies, and other aircraft service providers. Services include major and minor airframe inspections, engine maintenance, major retrofits for cabin and cockpit avionics systems, full paint and interior services, engineering and certification services, fabrication and manufacturing services, and preowned aircraft sales and acquisitions. Duncan Aviation also has international aircraft components solutions experts available 24/7/365 at +1 402.475.4125 who can handle any aircraft system problem with immediate exchanges, rotables, loaners or avionics/instrument/accessory repairs and overhauls. Complete service facilities are located in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Provo, Utah. We also have dozens of other facilities strategically located throughout the United States to provide customers with scheduled regional support and the quickest response possible to avionics, engine and airframe Aircraft On Ground (AOG) situations.

For more information about any of Duncan Aviation’s services, call +1 402.475.2611 or visit https://DuncanAviation.aero/services