Riva, renowned for their classic and elegant boat designs, has recently expanded into the world of private aviation through a collaboration with Flexjet, a private aviation operator. This partnership, formed in May 2024, has resulted in the creation of Riva Volare, a series of aircraft cabin designs that embody the iconic style of Riva motoryachts.
The Riva Volare designs were recently revealed at a special event at Milano Prime Linate Airport, where guests were able to view the Flexjet Gulfstream G650, Sikorsky S-76 helicopter, and Riva Aquariva Special motoryacht on display. The Riva Volare interiors have already been installed on one of Flexjet’s Gulfstream G650 jets, which can accommodate up to 12-15 passengers and fly for up to 14-16 hours. This allows for seamless travel between popular destinations such as New York, Tokyo, London, Singapore, and Milan.
The Riva Volare design scheme was created by in-house designers from both Riva and Flexjet, incorporating luxurious materials, bold patterns, and contrasting colors inspired by the classic silhouettes and design elements of the Aquarama and Aquariva motoryachts. Some key design features include handstitched leather seating with Riva’s signature aquamarine color, high-gloss wood veneer paneling, and accent areas in the iconic Riva aquamarine and deep blue colors paired with polished metallic trims.
The design of the cabin also includes a striking silken carpet with a pattern that mimics the sleek motion of a motoryacht cutting through water. This attention to detail extends to the smallest elements, such as Riva glassware, chinaware, and silverware, as well as luxury onboard service from Flexjet’s Red Label Academy trained cabin crews.
For those looking to travel shorter distances, the Riva Volare design can also be found on two of Flexjet’s Sikorsky S-76 helicopters. These helicopters, which can seat up to 8 passengers, offer a range of 300 nautical miles and feature dual-redundancy safety features, including twin-turbine engine reliability and dual autopilot systems.
Kenn Ricci, chairman of Flexjet, expressed his excitement for this collaboration, stating, “I have long admired the iconic style of Riva, and seeing this brought to life in our aircraft is nothing short of exceptional. ” He also noted that design is an integral part of the elevated experience that Flexjet offers, and the launch of Riva Volare is a testament to their commitment to providing truly memorable experiences for UHNW (ultra-high net worth) and selective travelers.
The unveiling event for Riva Volare took place at a newly built hangar at Milano Prime, an Italian and European business and general aviation infrastructure manager. This event showcased the growth of Flexjet’s helicopter division into mainland Europe, with the addition of a new helicopter operation in Milan.