Marshall Aerospace will announce today the signing of a modification contract covering six Boeing 777-200 aircraft destined for Alitalia. The deal was won from BE Aerospace/Flight Structures.
The modification entails the installation of BE Aerospace/Flight Structures Overhead Flight Crew Rest (OFCR) and Overhead Attendant Rest (OHAR) facilities on the new aircraft prior to delivery to the Italian flag carrier.
Complex
The contract will see the first aircraft arrive at the Marshall complex at Cambridge, England next month. In addition to the six Alitalia aircraft, Marshall Aerospace has an option for an additional three aircraft, from another undisclosed operator, to install the OHAR only.
The OFCR and OHAR are designed and maintained at Flight Structures, Washington State. Flight Structures has obtained both the FAA and JAA supplemental type certificates on the OHAR and anticipates similar certification for the OFCR by the end of this year.
The OFCR is engineered to take advantage of the unused overhead volume in the aircraft's forward section. Located just aft of the flight deck, past door 1, it is designed for pilots and flight crew working long-haul flights.
Standard features include two bunks, two reclining seats, folding meal or work trays, adjustable reading lights, audio jacks and bulkhead-mounted video displays for in-flight information or entertainment.
The OHAR takes advantage of the unused volume above the ceiling in the mid-section of the aircraft. It provides sleeping quarters for up to eight flight attendants plus two seat positions.
"We are very pleased to be partnering with Marshall Aerospace once again. Our previous history together will be a significant factor in the successful installation of these crew rest products for Alitalia and future Boeing 777 customers," says Keith Aakre, vice-president and general manager of Flight Structures.
Martin Broadhurst, chief executive of Marshall Aerospace, says: "We are delighted to be working with BE Aerospace to deliver these major enhancements for 777 operators and we look forward to seeing many more airlines taking up similar packages in the near future."
Source: Flight Daily News
