Last updated : November 17, 2025 3:30 pm
In an exclusive conversation, Retail4Growth connected with Saurabh Mehdiratta, Owner of Ozeca, and Captain Ehsan Khalid, the man behind Aviator 1903, to understand how the store was brought to life as a one-of-a-kind aviation retail experience.
When Captain Ehsan Khalid began shaping the idea for his aviation-themed store, he knew he didn’t want something ordinary. He wanted a space that instantly transports people into the world of flying. Today, that vision stands proudly at DLF Mall of India, Noida, as Aviator 1903.
Captain Khalid recalls the first conversation he had with Saurabh Mehdiratta, Owner of Ozeca, “I shared a concept centred around aviation, a pilot shop that combines a flight simulator experience with an exclusive range of aviation-themed souvenirs. The idea was to make customers feel as if they had stepped inside an aircraft cabin rather than a conventional retail store.”
He wanted the simulator area to feel like the inside of a cockpit – dim, immersive, and accessible through a single entry door inspired by real aircraft design. For him, the design was never about shelves and counters. It was about experience. “Our goal was to recreate the calm yet fascinating aura of an aircraft interior while keeping the space bright enough for effective retail display,” he explains.
Creating atmosphere through light
The lighting of the store has been planned very thoughtfully. The blue strips on the ceiling instantly give the store that calm, aircraft-cabin feel, while the spotlights make every model look sharp and detailed. Together, the ambient and focused lights not only brighten the products but also strengthen the store’s modern and high-tech vibe.
Why steel became the signature material
That’s where Saurabh Mehdiratta entered the picture. With the idea leaning heavily toward aviation authenticity, the choice of materials became crucial.
Saurabh shares, “Stainless steel is a premium and elegant material that instantly elevates the visual appeal of a space. Considering the store’s connection to the aviation industry, its reflective and industrial character made it the perfect fit.”
The use of stainless steel helped the store stand apart from typical retail setups that rely heavily on wood and veneer. Beyond just the look, it brought the kind of strength, durability and luxurious finish the store needed. The steel detailing became the strongest design markers of the space, with clean edges, modern lines, and a finish that naturally links back to aircraft construction.
Integration of Digital LED elements
Another standout feature in the store is the digital LED integration, which Saurabh says “was a deliberate design choice to infuse the space with a futuristic and dynamic energy.” He further adds, “The LED features create an immersive environment and allow the store to evolve with changing moods, campaigns, and customer interactions.”
A thoughtful finish to a thoughtful place
Both Captain Khalid and Saurabh wanted the design to feel intentional and not too flashy. Captain Khalid shares, “We wanted every visitor to feel they have entered a world-class pilot shop, a destination for aviation lovers rather than just another retail outlet.”
In the end, Aviator stands out because every choice was made with purpose. Captain Khalid wanted people to feel aviation the moment they walked in, and Saurabh helped turn that feeling into something real and tangible. From the cockpit-style entry to the clean steel detailing, the store is built to give visitors an experience they will always remember.