Woodfeather and Airborn: Turning Aircraft Parts into Unique Furniture
In the world of aviation enthusiasts, there’s something satisfying about sipping coffee at a table made from an Antonov 12 engine or entertaining guests on a leather sofa crafted from an 18-foot-long MIG 21 Drop Tank. These unique pieces of furniture are the brainchild of Akshay Sharma, founder of Woodfeather and Airborn.
Akshay Sharma, a former pilot and media marketing professional, turned his passion for aviation into a business. With a clientele including pilots, aviation geeks, and celebrities like Gauri Khan, Mahesh Babu, and Ranveer Singh, Woodfeather and Airborn have become a go-to destination for those who appreciate unique and stylish decor.
With a focus on creating furniture that not only looks great but also starts conversations, Akshay Sharma has managed to export 60% of his propellers outside India. His clients, many of whom are not directly connected to aviation, appreciate the unique and different nature of his products.
In 2017, Woodfeather was born, starting with seven to eight pieces. The brand now creates annual collections, with sizes ranging from six to 10 feet. One notable project was a 10-foot, three-blade propeller, which was a challenge but one that Akshay enjoyed.
The biggest breakthrough came when Woodfeather secured a deal with "Top Gun." Akshay Sharma, who had been watching the movie trailer, wanted to create propellers inspired by the film’s iconic elements. After months of back-and-forth negotiations, he secured a contract with Paramount Pictures, allowing him to create official Top Gun propellers.
Beyond propellers, Akshay Sharma has expanded his business to create furniture using aircraft parts. Accessing these parts was a challenge, but with his contacts in aviation and the air force, he managed to source many parts, often at a significant cost. These parts, which have spent years in service, are refurbished and repurposed into unique pieces of furniture.
The collection now includes fire extinguisher table lamps, oxygen bottle floor lamps, combustion chamber chandeliers, flap desks, Boeing wheel coffee tables, spinning compressor rotor tables, aircraft skin tags, and more. Akshay Sharma is constantly searching for new parts to bring iconic planes to life again.
Prices start at ₹2.5 lakh, and the products are available on woodfeather.com. With a focus on bringing aviation-inspired decor to life, Woodfeather and Airborn continue to captivate aviation enthusiasts and those who appreciate unique, stylish furniture.
Reference : https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/luxury/furniture-made-of-aircraft-parts-for-your-living-room/article69123387.ece
