2025 Completions Market Signals a New Era

The 2025 completions market is entering a transformative phase marked by advanced technologies, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable practices. Industry players are embracing automation, digital tools, and environmentally conscious solutions to optimize well performance and reduce costs. This shift reflects a broader move toward innovation and efficiency, positioning the market for long-term growth. As new-generation strategies take hold, companies are redefining standards in well completions, setting the stage for a more adaptive and forward-thinking energy sector.

When Ben Shirazi, president of VIP Completions, answers the phone, he’s upbeat and full of energy, saying it’s been a while but everything is going well. That positive mood reflects the bustling state of his business, as demand for customized private jets surges, driven by a wave of younger, tech-oriented buyers seeking aircraft interiors that align with their modern lifestyle.

Veta Traxler, completions director at West Star Aviation, sees this generational change as a key force transforming the sector. She notes an increase in young, affluent buyers, many from the tech world who’ve struck success early and are jumping straight into high-end jets instead of gradually upgrading.

Shirazi is seeing similar trends, with more private individuals and families entering the market rather than corporate clients, which aligns well with VIP Completions’ longstanding focus. This evolution means completions firms are now tailoring jets to reflect personal preferences and lifestyles, not just business functionality.

Today’s younger aircraft owners expect their jets to be as connected and tech-ready as their homes or yachts, with Starlink becoming one of the most requested upgrades. Shirazi points out that even clients with advanced existing systems often ask for Starlink, preferring its speed and performance.

Competing services like Gogo and Viasat are attempting to stay competitive by offering lower prices, but can’t yet match Starlink’s speed or user experience. VIP Completions has already upgraded many legacy aircraft with Starlink, with more installations underway.

Traxler echoes this enthusiasm, explaining that passengers now expect to stream content seamlessly, using onboard internet much like they would on land. Swiss-based AMAC Aerospace recently had five Boeing 747s in for work, several receiving Starlink upgrades, highlighting the system’s growing popularity.

Traditional onboard entertainment systems are being phased out in favor of streaming capabilities, with Apple TV and media servers replacing DVDs and conference rooms. At a technical level, integration is now key, owners want cabin systems that control lighting, climate, media, and connectivity via simple mobile interfaces.

These control systems often resemble those found in smart homes, making it easy for digital natives to navigate their aircraft environments. Rather than shared screens, passengers now use individual tablets and headphones, though communal music still matters, making sound systems a top priority.

As screens shrink in importance, premium audio setups are becoming standout features, especially for streaming services and personal playlists. Design preferences are evolving as well. Shirazi describes a growing desire for open, airy interiors with natural textures and clean, matte finishes.

One of VIP Completions’ recent projects, a Falcon 7X designed with ARRCC, reflected this modern aesthetic, including unique elements like an LED-lit ceiling., The client, who also collaborated with ARRCC on their luxury home, wanted a seamless design experience carried into their aircraft.

At West Star, design collaborations with retail brands like RH must be carefully adapted due to FAA certification limits on materials and components. Natural textures and earthy tones are trending, replacing the stark monochrome palettes of the past with more inviting colors and tactile materials like cork.

Traxler mentions that warm beiges, patina metals, and natural fibers are increasingly popular in custom interiors. There’s a shift away from minimalist, sharp-edged architecture toward flowing shapes, layered finishes, and sculptural patterns.

These layered designs add movement and warmth, replacing the sterile feel of earlier minimalist trends with something more personal and comfortable. Though styles from the ’90s might resurface, wood-grain finishes are currently out of favor, with stone or synthetic flooring being the modern go-to.

Earth tones and natural materials are defining the current aesthetic, creating cabins that feel both luxurious and lived-in. Completions teams now serve as consultants, project managers, and educators, especially important for first-time buyers unfamiliar with the complexities of jet customization.

To support this role, firms offer virtual walk-throughs and 3D renderings to help clients envision every detail before work begins. AMAC Aerospace is expanding its capabilities, growing its Basel facilities and acquiring firms like Kreative Engineering Services to offer more customization.

Their focus is on understanding clients’ lifestyles and design tastes, and helping them achieve the right balance between aesthetics and aviation standards. Traxler emphasizes the importance of guiding new owners through everything from certification requirements to layout decisions and material options.

While sustainability isn’t a top priority for every client, interest in eco-conscious materials is growing, especially for carpets and upholstery. Completions firms are increasingly including recycled and sustainable materials in their offerings, even if clients don’t specifically request them.

Still, sustainability hasn’t dramatically reshaped client choices yet. Minimalist design remains more popular than pushing for overtly “green” materials. One of Shirazi’s standout projects this year is a Gulfstream G550 featuring a starry ceiling and two-toned leather window panels, which unexpectedly brighten the cabin.

He also recalls a particularly intricate Boeing 767 project for a high-profile client, noting the level of detail and complexity involved. Traxler’s team is finishing a Global 5000 with a unique gray camouflage exterior and mint green highlights, along with interiors rich in curved forms and warm materials.

Both industry leaders agree the completions market is in the midst of a sweeping evolution driven by younger clients, tech advancements, and changing aesthetics. The move toward personalization and thoughtful luxury is reshaping private aviation, today’s clients want their jets to reflect their identity and lifestyle.

Shirazi notes that these new buyers often ask why their aircraft shouldn’t feel just as comfortable and stylish as their homes or yachts. This mindset is leading to changes in everything from hardware finishes to smart system integration, turning jets into mobile extensions of personal living spaces.

Aircraft completions have become storytelling projects, designing spaces that express a client’s lifestyle, values, and aspirations. Buyers are no longer satisfied with standard options, they expect the same level of control and customization they have in their digital and domestic environments.

This demand for a complete experience is pushing the industry toward more intelligent design and seamless technology. Cabins are now smart, comfortable, and highly functional spaces tailored to how owners live, work, and relax, even at cruising altitude.

Designers and engineers work together to deliver not just a functional aircraft, but a fully immersive environment aligned with the owner’s vision. Aircraft interiors are no longer static, they're evolving, personalized spaces designed for a new kind of traveler.

And that traveler isn’t always a CEO, it could be a 35-year-old entrepreneur or a couple flying between multiple homes. As Shirazi puts it, the plane has become a sanctuary in the sky, a place of comfort, control, and modern luxury. 

For this new generation, the journey begins the moment the cabin door closes and their custom-crafted world takes flight.

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Source: ainonline‍