In a seamless fusion of elegance, aviation, and nautical tradition, Riva and Flexjet have unveiled a stunning new aircraft interior concept that brings the spirit of the sea into the sky. The project—named Riva Volare—marks a bold expansion of the Ferretti Group’s luxury lifestyle vision, embedding the unmistakable Riva aesthetic into the interiors of Flexjet’s Gulfstream G650 and Sikorsky S-76 aircraft.
A Lifestyle Takes Flight
Unveiled at a private event at Milano Prime Linate Airport, the Riva Volare collaboration is more than a design exercise—it’s a declaration of intent. It signals the deepening relationship between yachting and private aviation, two industries with overlapping clienteles and shared aspirations.
“We’re not just building boats anymore. We’re selling emotions and a lifestyle,” said Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, the parent company of Riva.
The partnership began in 2023, giving Riva owners preferential access to Flexjet’s fleet of over 300 private aircraft and helicopters, while Flexjet clients received VIP access to exclusive Riva yachting experiences and lifestyle events across Europe and the U.S.
The Riva Volare Design Language
The interiors of the Gulfstream G650 and Sikorsky S-76 have been transformed into flying tributes to Riva’s nautical legacy. The cabins feature:
- Glossed mahogany and Hollywood veneer paneling
- Silk carpets inspired by the motion of the sea
- Hand-stitched leather piped in Riva’s signature aquamarine and deep blue tones
- Metallic trims found across Riva’s luxury yacht range
The styling evokes the golden age of the Mediterranean, when Riva became the boat of choice for royalty, movie stars, and industrialists.
“We didn’t just want to borrow the Riva name. We wanted to do something stronger,” said Galassi. “This took a year and a half to get right.”
Craft Meets Compliance
The interior fit-out, managed in the U.S., had to meet strict FAA and EASA regulations. “Private aviation tends not to like wood,” noted Ken Ricci, Flexjet Chairman and a Riva owner himself. “So we steamed, heated, and thinned the wood to make it compliant, while preserving that luxurious look and feel.”
The result? An aircraft interior that reflects the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of Riva boats—while meeting the demands of modern aviation safety.
The Beginning of a Broader Vision
The Riva Volare interiors are just the beginning. Both Galassi and Ricci hinted at future collaborations across additional aircraft in the Flexjet fleet, possibly even expanding into exterior design customization. The Sikorsky S-76 will also anchor a new Flexjet helicopter service connecting Italy, the French Riviera, and Florida.
“Rivas come with a vision. And now, we have a story to tell—at sea and in the air,” Ricci shared.
For Galassi, a lifelong pilot and former aerospace executive, it’s the realization of two personal passions—aviation and yachting—coming together in a singular expression of luxury and innovation.
🛥️ ✈️ Where Air Meets Sea
From floating lounges in Mallorca to sky-high mahogany cabins, Riva’s expansion beyond the shipyard is reshaping what luxury mobility looks and feels like. And for UHNW clients looking to blend yachting elegance with private jet access, Riva Volare may be the most seamless—and stylish—way to travel yet.
