Tempe, Ariz. – January 6, 2014 – Associated Air Center (AAC) announced that it has been awarded a new custom interior completion contract for a green Boeing 787-8 BBJ aircraft. The aircraft interior is already under full design review. AAC has also kicked off detailed planning, staffing, training and facilitization in anticipation of the green aircraft’s delivery from Boeing in mid-2014.
“This achievement is a game changer in the world of custom interior completions,” said Jack Lawless, CEO, Associated Air Center. “AAC has a distinguished history as pioneers and leaders in the completions industry; being among the first to complete Boeing 737-BBJs and Airbus A319 ACJs and the first to perform a Boeing 757 completion. For over 65 years, AAC has been on the leading edge for both narrow- and wide-body aircraft including the Airbus A330-200 ACJ, Boeing 747-8 BBJ and now, the Boeing 787-8 BBJ. Not only is this a major milestone for AAC, it represents a monumental leap forward for the entire custom interiors completions industry as this aircraft is unlike any other in the world. Its composite structure and advanced systems, require special training, unique tooling and state-of-the-art design considerations. Being among the first completion centers to receive this aircraft represents tremendous confidence in AAC by Boeing and the customer.”
“The AAC team has a long and proven history on several Boeing platforms,” said Captain Steve Taylor, President, Boeing Business Jets. “They are a trusted and innovative team member on interior completions and we look forward to working with AAC in support of their first 787 BBJ interior completion.”
The completion contract was signed late December, culminating months of discussions and special airframe training requirements from Boeing engineers. The aircraft’s interior was designed by Associated Air Center’s in-house design team using the new Boeing 787 signature periphery as inspiration in creating a comfortable and modern environment.
The VIP-configured 787-8 offers 2,404 square feet (223.3 square meters) of cabin space and a range of 9,590 nautical miles (17,760 km) while the VIP-configured 787-9 offers 2,762 square feet (256.6 square meters) of cabin space and a range of 9,950 nautical miles (18,425 km).
Associated Air Center (AAC), StandardAero’s Transport Category VIP completion center in Dallas, Texas, is a 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. 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. A Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) company, StandardAero provides a global service network of 13 primary facilities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Singapore and Australia, along with an additional 50 sales and field service locations. The company celebrated its 100th year of industry leadership in 2011.
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd is a globally recognized aerospace company specializing in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, aircraft completions and aircraft leasing. The Company is headquartered in Dubai and operates in four continents and employs over 4,000 people. More information can be found on the company’s web site at www.dubaiaerospace.com.