DDA talk texture, taste and trends in the cabin for 2017 at NBAA

Tuesday 1st November 2016

2017 will be the year that contemporary styles blend with diversifying global traveller needs and functionality, says Scott Ritter, CEO of Dahlgren Duck & Associates, (DDA) about trends in amenities for executive jets. The Texas-based supplier of custom-made fine dining ware, bespoke amenities and art works for private jets returns to this year's NBAA2016 with a collection of products that will highlight leading design themes for the next twelve months.

DDA will display a wide range of products reflecting the changing demands of global travellers on booth 1247. "Our customers spend so much time travelling they want to replicate their lifestyle in the sky. They want to touch and feel the product and incorporate their personal interests to mirror their on the ground environment." Demand for specific, personalised, linens, towels, blankets, bath-robes, throws and other soft amenities is on the increase. "The changing requests show a more refined customer that while using jets for business, wants to feel at home."

2017 styling will also see subtle, yet impactful differences in the craftsmanship of china with many DDA vendor partners producing products that have a variety of textures. Gloss and matte finishes, representing natural elements give a rich depth to the items, whilst black, white and metallic finishes, combined with unusual shapes is bringing increasingly elegant china on board.

Functionality also remains key, and with new types of galley equipment being installed into the larger aircraft many suppliers are adapting their product to suit microwaves, steam ovens and on board coffee machines. All without compromising the look and feel of each product.

The amenities are not just reflecting changing lifestyles but also changing dining habits. DDA notes that customers are much more culturally aware. This is reflected in what they eat, and consequently table settings need to service a range of menus from Asian, through to Arabian and Western. "We are most definitely seeing an increased demand for region-specific items such as soy dishes, chopsticks and chopstick rests, rice bowls...with this look also comes a more minimalist/simplistic look outside of your traditional 5-piece place setting," says Ritter.

Displays of the contemporary, lustrous offerings from leading international design houses will be showcased alongside items from its bespoke collection, tailor-made for individual clients. In addition to the traditional American style table setting, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Russian dining ware will also be on view to showcase the cultural offerings portfolio, and DDA's ability to cater to the increasingly diverse needs of today's international traveller.

About Dahlgren Duck:


Dahlgren Duck provides bespoke, customized and leading luxury brands of china, flatware, crystal and amenities to the private and corporate aviation world.
Founded thirty years ago it is an international business with clients stretching across the globe. 
The team of industry experts and project consultants combine their international expertise, with a select product portfolio, and a network of artisans to offer a very focused service to the business aviation industry.
In addition to providing services to private jets the company has further divisions servicing yachts, palaces, private residences, luxury hotels, and destination clubs with bespoke-crafted and top luxury amenities worldwide. Being unique, and offering unmatched service is what drives the company forward.


www.dahlgrenduck.com