Inside the Cockpit: How Broadway Stages’ Airplane Sets Help Productions Take Flight

/

Authenticity, atmosphere and emotional impact; each of these significantly influence a story told on the big or small screen. Unique sets enhance storytelling in film and TV by creating immersive worlds and deepening audience connection. They serve as visual storytelling tools that support the narrative, reinforce emotional engagement, and give a scene greater authenticity. They help to establish the setting and time period, and even the personalities and socioeconomic status of characters, creating a more immersive experience for the audience. They are also cost-effective. While real-world locations can offer authenticity, there are also many challenges. On-location sets, on the other hand, offer more control. Imagine the multitude of scenes you have watched that take place on an airplane. Did you ever wonder how or where the scenes were filmed? Read on to learn more.

Airplane Sets: Essential for Film and TV Production

An authentic airplane cabin or cockpit adds realism and credibility to a film or TV production by accurately reflecting the look, feel, and spatial dynamics of air travel. They also help actors deliver more convincing performances and support effective camera work. 

However, shooting in a real airplane cabin or cockpit presents challenges such as limited space for crew and equipment, difficult lighting and sound conditions, and logistical hurdles like security and scheduling. These constraints reduce control over the environment, making production less flexible compared to using a set. Luckily, Broadway Stages has a variety of realistic and versatile aviation environments that are production-ready. From high-stakes drama to intimate character moments, we have the aviation assets needed to bring a story to life.

Challenges of Filming in Actual Aircraft vs. Using Aviation Sets

Airplane scenes are popular because they naturally create tension and drama due to the confined space and high-stakes environment. Emergencies, turbulence, or hijackings raise the stakes and keep viewers engaged. Diverse characters are forced into close proximity, leading to unexpected interactions, conflict, or emotional bonding. 

Additionally, airplanes often symbolize transition, escape, or isolation, adding deeper thematic meaning to the story. Their unique, enclosed environment helps explore vulnerability and human behavior under pressure. Visually and narratively, airplane scenes break away from the routine and provide a fresh backdrop for storytelling. This combination of tension, symbolism, and character dynamics makes airplane scenes compelling and versatile for a wide range of genres.

While this environment is helpful for many reasons, the challenges of filming in an actual aircraft at a real-life location are significant. Before filming even starts, there are logistical and legal hurdles, including obtaining special permissions, security clearances, and scheduling around real flight operations. And once filming starts, the challenges that any shoot faces are compounded in tight spaces like an airplane cabin or cockpit. 

Limited airplane cabin or cockpit space restricts camera placement and movement, making it difficult for the crew and equipment to maneuver effectively. Similarly, lighting is constrained due to limited natural light access and the restricted space for rigging professional lighting equipment. Sound quality can be compromised by ambient noise from the airport or aircraft systems and echoes caused by the confined acoustics. And with a multimillion-dollar piece of equipment like an airliner, there are real limits on modifying or adapting interior elements. Broadway Stages offers various on-location aviation sets that help a production avoid these obstacles.

Aviation Set Options for Film and Television at Broadway Stages

Broadway Stages has five aviation sets available for production. Each type of plane (make and model) has its own character and brings something unique to a scene. Broadway Stages has these options for you to choose from:

  • 828 (3 aisle 3):

This set is a fictional or conceptual aircraft layout with three seats on either side of a central aisle, resembling a standard narrow-body jet. While not a standard model, it evokes realistic commercial aviation with expanded passenger space.

  • 747 private jet:

This Boeing 747 converted into a private jet offers opulence on a grand scale, including bedrooms, lounges, offices, and even dining spce. Due to its sheer size and customization potential, it is perfect for scenes depicting royalty, heads of state, or ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

  • LearJet:

LearJet is a brand of sleek, mid-sized business jets known for their speed and agility. Originally developed by Bill Lear in the 1960s, it's a staple in private aviation, appropriate for scenes depicting executives and celebrities for short to mid-range flights.

  • P600 private jet:

The Embraer Praetor 600 (often abbreviated as P600) is a super-midsize private jet praised for its impressive range, cutting-edge avionics, and spacious, luxurious cabin. The produdtion possibilities are endless.

  • Aircraft fuselage:

For shoots requiring high-intensity action sequences or dramatic emergency scenarios, we have a meticulously crafted, full-scale replica of an aircraft fuselage, designed to simulate a realistic crash scene. Its true-to-life design allows creators to depict the chaos and tension of a crash environment, providing an immersive backdrop that enhances storytelling.

Why Film Productions Choose Broadway Stages for Aviation Sets

Broadway Stages’ aviation sets help productions achieve compelling visuals without the logistical challenges and safety concerns associated with actual aircraft. Best of all, they come with all the advantages of Broadway Stages' comprehensive, all-in-one production services. We can support every aspect of filmmaking. With essential support areas and seamless equipment services, we simplify operations and boost collaboration. From creative vision to technical execution, we empower your team to deliver work that's just as impactful behind the scenes as it is on screen.

Broadway Stages is based in New York City, close to the heart of the entertainment industry and key talent pools. Our scalable studio spaces provide flexible options that accommodate everything from small sets to large aviation scenes. Additionally, our facilities offer access to transportation, including nearby airports, highways, and public transit, making logistics easier for cast, crew, and equipment.

Our studio environments allow complete control over lighting, weather, and sound, minimizing costly delays caused by unpredictable outdoor conditions. This reliability translates into reduced costs and streamlined schedules, since scenes can be shot efficiently without interruption. The ability to manage all aspects on-site also lowers logistical challenges related to location changes, permits, and transportation.

Just as significant is the freedom that directors and production designers have to build custom aviation sets tailored precisely to the needs of their story. Broadway Stages' realistic aviation backdrops and versatile soundstages allow for highly detailed and immersive visual moments, whether a runway, hangar, or cockpit scene. This creative flexibility enables genuine, visually striking scenes that might be difficult or impossible to achieve on location.

Just a few of the productions we have hosted “in-flight” include:

Broadway Stages: Your NYC Location for Custom On-Location Aviation Film Sets

Unique and realistic airplane sets play a crucial role in film and TV by enhancing storytelling through immersive, authentic environments that deepen audience engagement and support actor performances. While filming in a real aircraft poses significant logistical, spatial, and technical challenges, Broadway Stages offers versatile, controlled aviation sets that provide production reliability, creative flexibility, and convenient access to industry resources. 

These specialized sets enable filmmakers to craft detailed, high-impact aviation scenes, ranging from intimate cabins to large-scale crash simulations, while streamlining production and reducing costs. From grounded drama to airborne action — connect with Broadway Stages to access premium airplane sets used in shows like “Succession” and “Manifest.” Contact us us today.

One of New York’s largest and most trusted full-service production studio companies, offering comprehensive services for film, television, live streaming, commercials, live performances, music videos, and more. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve become a cornerstone of New York’s thriving creative industry.

With more than 60 soundstages spanning across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, Broadway Stages offers over 4 million square feet of state-of-the-art production space, including soundstages, support space, distinctive filming locations, parking, and in-house services for lighting, power, and grip rentals. We provide tailored solutions for productions of all sizes, delivering the resources and expertise needed to meet your creative and technical needs.

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information and links to put you in touch with industry-focused job posting sites; general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.