Shiny polished wood, gently curved and finely permeated with light-coloured stripes. Soft, handcrafted leather in navy Blu Sera, decorated with piping in bright aquamarine – a homage to the water surrounding the yacht. Elegant accents in shimmering metal and embroidered signature lettering are the unmistakable design signature of Riva, as featured in its latest yacht models: all four – the Aquariva Special, the Riva Cento, the Riva 58' Capri and the Riva Iseo Super – recently celebrated their première at a location that has been at the heart of Riva’s history since 1842: the shipyard in Sarnico on Lake Iseo, which still builds these elegant classic yachts. With its design concept, Riva – one of seven high-end brands in the Ferretti Group portfolio – not only strikes a chord with its discerning clientele; it also demonstrates an ideal blend of Italian craftsmanship and the stylish spirit of the times. And now also in the skies.
Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi and Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci share a clear commitment to uncompromising quality and outstanding performance. Lifting the iconic Riva design into the air was a vision that immediately got both of them excited. And the result? In the cabin of the Flexjet private plane, 'Riva Volare' creates a stylish aesthetic that feels familiar yet new – with an interior customised precisely for this space. The elegant blend of comfort and refined design promises an exclusive travel experience. In every sense.
'Watching the sky and the clouds while being surrounded by the world of Riva is an incredibly beautiful and satisfying experience – an absolute must.'
Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group
Flying today really can be as beautiful as this: at your feet, a silk carpet that imitates the smooth movements of the water. Walls with glossy wood panelling up to the ceiling in the iconic Riva stripes design – that’s a generous 1.96 metres in the Flexjet Private Jet Gulfstream G650, which means comfortable headroom even for tall passengers. The nautical design can also be found in the armchairs and seating areas, skilfully transferred to meet the demands for comfort on long-haul flights. The cabin has separate areas to spend time however you like, whether that be sleeping, eating, relaxing or working – the latter naturally with fast Internet and Wi-Fi. You’ll also find Riva elements in the service provided by the on-board staff trained at Flexjet’s own Red Label Academy: glasses, cutlery and porcelain match those of the yacht line. A flight to the other side of the world could not get much more enjoyable than one taken in the Gulfstream G650 – a jet that can take up to 12 passengers a maximum of 7,000 miles to their destination without stopping.
'I have admired Riva’s iconic style for many years and to see it brought to life in our aircraft is simply extraordinary.'
Kenn Ricci, Flexjet Chairman
It’s easy to imagine Riva design moving from a yacht to a private jet. But to a helicopter? The Flexjet Sikorsky S-76 proves that this is also a perfect match. The classic mid-size helicopter, which has a maximum range of 300 miles, consistently adopts the colour concept of intense blue and warm wood tones as well as the striking textures and fine materials to create a truly spectacular interior. Passengers will soon appreciate the comfort when they fly to their next business appointment in the renowned four-bladed rotor helicopter – which is always piloted by two certified pilots. Space is plentiful – up to eight people can travel – and perhaps there’s time to reminisce a little about your recent yacht trip as you lean back. What appeared to be a distant pipe dream became a prestigious union thanks to the special partnership between the Ferretti Group and Flexjet. We admire the results with awe, fascination and applause.
Kenneth C. 'Kenn' Ricci, Flexjet Chairman
Visionary and entrepreneurial legend Kenn Ricci, Flexjet Chairman, has been passionate about aviation since he was a child. After graduating in law, he began his career as an Air Force ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) cadet at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and later worked as a pilot for the US President. In 1981, he founded his first company, Corporate Wings, which specialised in aircraft management and charter operations. Numerous successful investments, company participations and start-ups followed. He took over Flexjet in 2013 and established it as the world’s leading private aviation company and a top player in the aircraft parts ownership sector – with over 5,000 employees today and a premium fleet of state-of-the-art, premium-equipped private jets and helicopters. Ricci’s enthusiasm for Italian design art is no coincidence: he has Sicilian roots.
Alberto Galassi, CEO Ferretti Group
Alberto Galassi is an outstanding leader behind the Ferretti Group. Galassi, born in 1964, graduated from the University of Modena before beginning his career as an attorney and partner at the law firm Capece Minutolo in Rome. In addition to his legal expertise, he has over 20 years of experience in corporate leadership and management, including positions as a member of the board of directors at Novico S.p.A. and Piaggio Aerospace, where he played a key role in shaping their successful international relaunch. As CEO, Galassi has been steering the Ferretti Group, with its 2,800 employees and 60 dealerships, on a course of global success since 2013. He is responsible for the strategic direction and operational business of the seven Italian shipyards and the exclusive brand portfolio comprising Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Itama, CRN, Custom Line and Wally. As well as yachts, his other great passion in life is football: he is on the Board of the clubs Manchester City and Palermo FC.
