Andrzej Jeziorski/MunichGraham Warwick/Atlanta
Lufthansa Technik (LHT) is offering modular interior packages for both the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ), a derivative of the Boeing 737-700, and the Airbus A319 Corporate Jet, which will allow an aircraft operator to mix and match an individual aircraft for a variety of roles.
The LHT Executive Jet customisation allows operators to use the aircraft as a flying office or hotel suite, a corporate shuttle or a VIP transport.
Modules offered by LHT include a lounge, conference room, office, patient transport compartment or bedroom with bath. The modules can be combined to suit the application. The German company says that the modular structure also allows fast removal during overhaul.
The Lufthansa subsidiary has alteration and design licences from the aircraft manufacturers which allow it to perform this kind of work, and has already been designated by Boeing as a completion centre for the BBJ.
LHT chief executive Wolfgang Mayrhuber says that the first customised aircraft will be flying in 1998, but declines to name the launch customer.
He adds that the company already has 20% of the customisation market, including work on various Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
Forecasts for sales of the BBJ and A319 Corporate Jet are close to 200 aircraft, with the USA as the largest single market, says Mayrhuber. Orders are expected for about 15 customisations per year.
Boeing has awarded a contract to US engineering company PATS to install long-range fuel tanks in the BBJ. The aircraft will be flown shortly to a site at Sussex County Airport in Georgetown, where the Colombia, Maryland-based firm will carry out tank fabrication and installation work.
PATS says that the contract will be worth more than $200 million over the next ten years.
Source: Flight International
