Configurator for airplanes and helicopters

A private jet or helicopter is a premium product that is almost never sold in a basic configuration: each buyer chooses the cabin layout, trim, avionics, and dozens of other parameters to suit their own requirements, tastes, and usage scenarios.

Manufacturers and distributors who enable clients to visualize the complete package before signing a contract shorten the approval cycle and gain a measurable advantage over those who still work with static presentations and endless iterations of revisions.

AVADA MEDIA develops 2D and 3D aircraft and helicopter configurators for manufacturers, distributors, and business aviation operators.

Who needs an aircraft configurator?

Manufacturers and distributors of private jets and helicopters can offer buyers an interactive customization tool instead of a static catalog.

Airlines and business aviation operators can use the configurator to create customized offers for corporate clients, with a choice of cabin layout, trim, and additional equipment.

Charter companies and business aviation brokers can integrate the configurator into the sales process: the client independently assembles the desired option, and the manager receives a ready-made specification for preparing a commercial proposal.

Aircraft customization and conversion companies can use the configurator as a customer approval tool: present several interior trim options, compare them visually, and finalize the selection before work begins.

Configurator formats

The 2D configurator works with flat diagrams and renderings. Users can view the interior plan from above or a frontal sectional view and apply changes to specific areas: seats, wall trim, flooring, ceiling, and lighting.

It is a technically lightweight and quick-to-integrate format, optimal for a wide range of configurations without a high budget.

The 3D configurator is based on a 3D model of the aircraft. From the outside, you can evaluate the livery, fuselage paint, and decorative elements. Inside, you can view the cabin from different angles, assessing the seating arrangement, trim, and lighting.

The combined 2D/3D configurator combines both approaches in a single interface. Users can work with flat diagrams and renderings in 2D mode, then switch to 3D and evaluate the results in 3D – both exterior and interior. This format is ideal for companies that value both easy parameter management and maximum visual impact of the final result.

The combined format also simplifies the approval process: the client can start with a quick setup in 2D and move on to 3D only when the main parameters have already been determined.

What elements does the configurator consist of?

The configurator structure is formed for a specific product and audience.

Let's look at the basic set of elements using the Bombardier configurator as an example ( https://bombardier.com/en/configurator#!/ )

Aircraft type. Users can choose from a variety of available models: turboprops, light and medium jets, heavy long-range jets, and so on, depending on the company's offerings.

Appearance and livery. The user can customize:

• fuselage paint color and graphics
• decorative stripes and logo
• color of engines and tail unit
• type of porthole glazing

Cabin layout. Before diving into the details, choose a basic layout. Several options are available in the demo: for example, the Executive with a conference area and club seating, or the Globetrotter with sofas and a lounge area.

Each option is designed for a specific number of passengers and usage scenario – VIP flights, corporate flights, long-haul routes. Choose the one that best suits your needs and configure the details based on that.

Interior trim. The user can customize the materials and colors of individual areas:

• seat upholstery: leather, Alcantara, textile – with a choice of color and texture
• wall and ceiling finishing: wood, metal, fabric, varnished panels
• floor covering: carpet, parquet, natural stone
• Lighting: type and color temperature of backlighting

Functional capabilities

Real-time visualization. Any change –livery color, upholstery material, interior layout – will be displayed instantly, without reloading the page.

Exterior and interior viewing. In 3D mode, users can evaluate the aircraft both from the outside – by walking around the model – and from the inside, moving around the cabin and examining the finishes from different angles.

Configuration comparison. The user can save multiple options and compare them side by side – a convenient tool for final approval between multiple configurations.

Specification export. The user can obtain a PDF document with a visualization and a full list of selected parameters – a ready-to-use file for production or a commercial proposal.

Automatic cost calculation. When changing the configuration and trim, the system can automatically recalculate the estimated cost of the configuration based on the current price list.

Mobile-friendly. The configurator works seamlessly on smartphones and tablets.

Additional features

Connecting an AI assistant expands the configurator's capabilities. It can:

• select the optimal configuration based on the customer's parameters – routes, number of passengers and type of aircraft use,
• check the compatibility of selected options and warn about configuration conflicts
• compare several collected options based on key parameters – so that the final choice is conscious, not intuitive.

Integration with CRM allows for automatic saving of data about the selected configuration – the entire history of customer preferences and parameters is stored in the system and accessible to the manager at any time.

Synchronization with the price list keeps prices and available options up-to-date: when the configuration changes, the configurator can automatically update the cost calculation.

Cost and development time

The final cost depends on the configurator format, the number of aircraft models, the depth of customization, and the required integrations.

Prices and deadlines are approximate – the final project parameters are determined after analyzing the customer’s technical specifications and catalog.

Technical implementation

The aircraft configurator is developed as a web application and can run in a browser without installing additional software.

For 3D formats, the Three.js library is the basis for visualization. It provides rendering of volumetric models, realistic material display, and correct lighting for both the exterior and interior of the cabin. Models are prepared in GLTF/GLB or Spine formats.

For 2D formats, the Canvas API or SVG rendering is used. Changes can be applied and cost calculations can be performed client-side, eliminating delays and unnecessary server roundtrips.

Development stages

1. Analysis and design. The configurator's structure is defined: aircraft types, available options, element combination logic, and usage scenarios.
2. Model preparation. A 3D aircraft model is a detailed digital twin of the real thing, including both the external fuselage geometry and the complete cabin interior with all trim elements. The quality of the models determines how convincingly the configurator conveys the final result.
   Models can be developed by the team from scratch, provided by the customer, or purchased from stocks and modified.
   Texture maps are created for each material: a color map, a roughness map, and a normal map. These maps ensure that leather upholstery looks like leather, and metal parts look like metal, with the correct sheen and texture. The more models and finishes there are, the greater the volume of graphics that must be prepared and linked to the interface logic.
3. Frontend and backend development ( continuously). Frontend developers integrate models into the interface and configure interactivity. Backend developers build server-side logic: storing configurations, processing requests, and connecting with the price list and external systems.
4. Administrative panel development. The client receives a tool for independently managing the model catalog, available options, and prices – without contacting the developers.
5. Integration. If necessary, we can connect the customer's CRM, price list, or other systems.
6. Testing and optimization. The configurator is tested on various devices and browsers, optimizing loading speed and rendering quality for complex 3D models.

What does a configurator offer to businesses?

• Shortening the approval cycle. The configurator transforms the discussion from a "tell me what you want" format to a ready-made visualization – agreeing on parameters takes fewer iterations and requires less time on both sides.
• A visual selling point. The client sees the result before production begins, increasing confidence in their choice and reducing the risk of rejection at the final stage.
• Accurate specifications from the first contact. The configurator records all selected parameters and transfers them to the CRM – without data loss or manual data transfer.
• Competitive advantage. The interactive tool sets the company apart from those who still sell via PDF catalogs and spreadsheets in emails.

Want to launch the configurator for your product?

Describe your task – we will suggest a suitable configurator format, estimate the scope of work, and prepare a commercial proposal.

[Discuss the project]