This April, Fokker Aircraft Services (FAS) celebrated the handover of an Airbus A320 conversion from airliner to VIP configuration, to Geneva based operator MasterJet.
When the A320 airliner arrived at the FAS facility in Woensdrecht, Netherlands for the conversion, the interior had to be completely stripped down and everything from wiring, isolation, monuments, partitions and seats were designed and fitted according to the customer’s own personal requirements, right down to the installation of 24-carat gold door knobs. In total, five cabins were installed, including a private suite with bedroom, bathroom and office; a conference and dining area, separate executive lounge and special first class seating area.
Throughout the design process Fokker used CATIA 3D graphics extensively in order to allow the customer to “experience” the aircraft throughout all phases of the design process.
“Other completions centers use CATIA as well, but not to the same extent as Fokker ,” says Eric Cuppen Director, Aircraft Completions and Conversions, “We find that it’s an excellent tool for allowing customers to fully understand what their aircraft cabin will ultimately look like.”
Another personalized feature included an AVOD Rack with a self-contained In-flight Entertainment (IFE) system: a separate power source and cooling system, meant the equipment didn’t need extra certification.
For acoustic comfort, Fokker soundproofing reduced cabin noise to 52-53 dB in the main private and lounge areas.
Additional Centre Tanks (ACT’s), which supplement the main fuel tank, were also fitted, increasing the aircraft’s range to nearly 4000nm. Although such a fit out is common for commercial aircraft, only a handful of VIP A320s have successfully undergone such a procedure.
Fokker Aircraft Service is an EASA, GCAA and FAA Part 145 approved maintenance facility. Located in in the Netherlands, it boasts five hangars spanning 16,000m2. At any one time, the facility is able to accommodate up to four positions for Boeing 737-series and Airbus A320-family aircraft.
FAS’ capabilities are increasingly being used for Boeing 737 series aircraft and the Airbus A320 family, along with other regional aircraft types such as Embraer and Bombardier.
ABOUT FOKKER AIRCRAFT SERVICES
Fokker Aircraft Services (FAS) specializes in the maintenance, modification and conversion of commercial, private and military aircraft on behalf of operators the world over. With a staff of 400+ based at its Woensdrecht, Netherlands headquarters, FAS serves the operators and owners of Fokker, Boeing and Airbus aircraft. It also maintains the aircraft of national and international armed forces. Fokker Aircraft Services is a company of Fokker Technologies, which develops and produces advanced components and systems for the aerospace and defence industry, and supplies integrated maintenance services and products to aircraft owners and operators. In 2009 the group achieved a turnover of € 602 million with 3,500 employees.
