Duncan Aviation gives Cessna Citation CJ3+ a 46-colour paint scheme

Duncan Aviation has unveiled one of the boldest paint schemes in its history after completing the bespoke transformation of a Cessna Citation CJ3+ business jet into a genuine work of flying art. Registered N1RD, the light jet now wears a 46-colour livery, regarded as the most complex paint project the company has ever completed.

The work took roughly two years, from the first artistic concepts through to final completion, and required close collaboration between the company’s Design and Paint teams. It also became the first aircraft to be painted in Duncan Aviation’s new paint hangar in Lincoln, United States.

Originally, the Citation CJ3+ had the standard factory white finish with decorative stripes. The aircraft spent its first years in service in Peru before being bought by owners Robert and Karen Duncan, members of the company’s founding family. Duncan Aviation is the largest US maintenance business owned by a single family.

Duncan Aviation’s Cessna Citation CJ3+ as a blank canvas

According to Duncan Aviation, the couple viewed the aircraft as a blank canvas on which to create a visual identity reflecting their enthusiasm for art, travel, colour and creativity. The brief was also intended to convey the innovative character of the company, which is known for producing tailored projects for business aircraft owners.

Around 30 initial concepts were created by artists from the Design and Paint teams to reach the final result. Following several rounds of review, the selection was narrowed to 15 proposals, before the owners chose one design.

Karen Duncan said that the family liked a number of the designs, although the choice became more focused as the team incorporated feedback received throughout the creative process. She noted that one of the details that stood out from the outset was the small flies illustrated in the paintwork.

Mexican art influences and 46 colours

The selected concept was created by Duncan Aviation paint specialist Troy Reinke. His design drew inspiration from Mexican art and culture, reflecting the Duncan family’s strong connection with Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Alongside the flies, the large eyes painted on the fuselage are another defining feature of the scheme and have become among the aircraft’s most striking details. Positioned across different areas of the jet, these elements are combined with flowers, stencils, graphic patterns and other hand-applied artwork covering almost the entire exterior surface.

The company said the application involved detailed planning, masking and carefully sequenced painting stages to turn the artistic proposal into a finish certified for flight operations.

Robert Duncan said this is the fifth or sixth aircraft in the family to receive a custom paint scheme, underlining the company’s tradition of developing one-off projects. He said the aim was to produce an aircraft that could not be mistaken for any other.

Duncan Aviation is also known for the unprecedented chameleon paint scheme on a customer’s Gulfstream jet, and it will continue to operate its Pilatus PC-12 with another exotic fish-themed livery: