Scottsdale, Ariz. – March 1, 2016 – Associated Air Center (AAC), StandardAero’s Large Transport Category VIP Completions Center has completed and redelivered the company’s first Boeing 747-8 wide body, aircraft for a Middle-Eastern, Head of State customer. The aircraft departed from the company’s facility, located at Dallas Love Field, on February 26, 2016, 35 days ahead of the contractual redelivery schedule, on a 15-hour, non-stop flight to its home base.
Following a thorough review of several cabin design concepts offered by several outside designers, the customer chose AAC’s in-house design department to create an elegant, contemporary interior featuring purpose-specific cabin zones (resting, meeting, dining, lounging, gaming and medical areas).
AAC’s in-house certification Organizational Designation Authorization (ODA) team, working with multiple aviation regulatory agencies obtained several FAA Supplemental Type Certificate(s) applicable to this highly customized cabin configuration, as well as other EASA and customer country validations.
The 4,786 sq-ft upper and main deck cabins were supplemented with the integration of a 393 sq-ft module installed above the aft passenger cabin, accommodating eight private sleeping compartments and changing area.
The VVIP cabin systems feature Audio-Video-On-Demand (AVOD) available to all passengers through in-arm, personal, LCD Touch-Screens and large 55″ bulkhead mounted LED monitors, providing passengers with a large library of High Definition (HD) videos and a Passenger Flight Information System (PFIS) providing passengers with High Definition (HD) 3D world-wide moving maps and aircraft location. In addition, the cabin includes Multi-Region Satellite TV, Satcom Broad Band (SBB) allowing access to the internet and video conferencing, in-seat outlets for charging Personal Electronic Devices (PED) external High Definition (HD) cameras for landscape viewing, LED Mood-Lighting providing an array of pre-programmed scenarios and multi-zonal cabin humidification system to improve passenger comfort during long missions. Additional potable and gray water tanks were installed to support the integration of nine lavatories, three of which are equipped with showers and three strategically located galley complexes.
“This project demonstrated both the depth and breadth of our completions expertise,” said James Colleary. “Extensive engineering resources and elaborate program management were required to deliver this amazing aircraft, as promised, to our customer’s exacting specifications.”
In February, AAC also redelivered the industry’s first 787 VVIP Head of State aircraft. The company is currently bidding on numerous, additional wide and narrow body completion programs for induction in 2016.
Associated Air Center provides world-class program management and ODA certification authority to keep airplane programs on schedule and provides industry-leading experience and warranty support after delivery. The company’s vertically-integrated, state of the art facility employs the most advanced engineering in the industry along with operational excellence and superior customer service from start to finish.
Associated Air Center (AAC), StandardAero’s Transport Category VIP completion center in Dallas, Texas, is the global leader in BBJ completions and the most experienced completion company in the industry. Authorized by both Boeing and Airbus, AAC offers full completion capabilities for both narrow body and wide body aircraft, including maintenance, refurbishment, modifications and upgrades. AAC’s vertically-integrated, state-of-the-art facility provides world-class interior design, engineering and completion capabilities, engine and airframe MRO and ODA certification authority. AAC provides the most advanced engineering in the industry along with operational excellence and superior customer service from start to finish, keeping airplane programs on schedule; providing industry-leading experience and warranty support after delivery. Founded in 1948 as Associate Radio, the company has served the VVIP market and global Heads of State for over six decades.
StandardAero is one of the world’s largest independent providers of services including engine and airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul, engine component repair, engineering services, interior completions and paint applications. StandardAero serves a diverse array of customers in business and general aviation, airline, military, helicopter, components, energy and VIP completions markets. The company celebrated its 100th year of industry leadership in 2011. StandardAero is owned by and partnered with Veritas Capital, a leading private equity firm headquartered in New York City. Veritas invests in companies that provide critical products and services to government and commercial customers worldwide including those operating in aerospace & defense, healthcare, technology, national security, communications, energy and education. More information can be found on the company’s web site at www.standardaero.com.