Name: Graham Williamson
Company: TAG Aviation Europe
Position within company: President
Website: www.tagaviation.com
. What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
Within the Corporate and Business Aircraft design customers seek flexible interiors that can be an office, a dining room, a meeting room, a cinema and a bedroom all in one. They expect cutting edge performance and range using the very latest materials and technology.
. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2016 and beyond.
Flexible interiors and zones
Composite materials
Modular designs
Maximum range
Exceptional take of and landing capability
. And key trends that we should be aware of?
Ultra long range products such as Gulfstream 650ER, Bombardier Global 7000 and 8000 and the new Dassault Falco 8X will lead the way
. What projects are you currently working on?
With the bespoke B757 now in service TAG is seeking further aircraft to join the fleet of bespoke Air Cruising products using the B757 or B767 as the initial platform. We are also working with Airbus and Boeing for a long term and bespoke Air Cruising product using the Airbus A321 NEO or a Boeing B757 – 900 MAX.
In addition to bespoke large aircraft TAG is also the dealer for the brand new Honda Jet.
TAG has an in-house Business Jet interior design capability and will be unveiling a new “Pod Concept” that could be installed into existing large cabin private jets.
. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Invest in exceptional project management, control your supply chain and stick to the plan!
. A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?
Have the best team in both locations and appreciate them every day
. How important are The International Yacht and Aviation Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
We are honoured to be shortlisted for these awards and hope we can showcase the achievement of so many people and suppliers in the creation of the Four Season Private Jet.
. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Find more aircraft and grow the fleet!
. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
The car you drive?
A battered land Rover
Your favourite place to travel to in the world?
Sailing in the Mediterranean
Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?
Four Seasons (where else!) / Wiltons, Jermyn Street
The place that gives you the most energy?
Twickenham or Lords if we win!
And the place that enables you to totally relax?
My village pub – The Plume in Crondall
Your favourite food and drink?
A barbeque with friends and white wine from the Upper Loire valley
Anything else interesting?
Since its founding, TAG Group has been devoted to the pursuit of excellence, as demonstrated by its investments in Heuer, a venerable Swiss watch company that was acquired by the TAG group, re-named TAG Heuer and built into one of the leading watch brands in the World; McLaren Group, the legendary Formula One race team and manufacturer of high end road cars of unparalleled quality: and TAG Aviation, the worlds foremost provider of business aviation services, including aircraft management, charter and brokerage. TAG Aviation also owns and operates the Farnborough Airport outside of London which, after extensive renovation by TAG Aviation, is consistently ranked as the best FBO in the world.