Lufthansa Technik landed a contract from an unnamed private customer to install a VIP interior on a new Airbus ACJ320neo. The German completions and MRO specialist anticipates that the ACJ will arrive at its facility in Hamburg in late 2023 with interior work completed in the first half of 2024.
Conceptualized by Lufthansa Technik in concert with the customer, the design is flexible so that it can accommodate an owner traveling with a family or a travel group charter with up to 19 passengers. This is reflected in the choice of luxurious but durable materials. At the same time, the cabin is designed within narrow weight limits to ensure that full range can be achieved with four auxiliary fuel tanks and Pratt & Whitney PW1100 geared turbofans, the company said.
Lufthansa Technik described the layout as linear but with privacy in mind—from an open grand entrance behind the flight deck to lounge and office areas and an aft master bedroom.
Planned features include a cabin air humidification system and in-flight entertainment and communications system that focuses on passengers’ personal devices and only a few large screens. Lufthansa Technik said this will be similar to a smart home with the ability to transfer personal content to built-in displays at any time. Some of the displays will be retractable.
“With its flexible interior and a top-notch entertainment system, the aircraft will set completely new standards for narrowbody VIP cabins,” said Michael von Puttkamer, v-p of special aircraft services. “But what pleases me even more is that we were able to convince the customer not only with our design, engineering, and cabin completion expertise, but with a complete package of tailor-made services.”
In addition to the interior installation, the contract calls for Lufthansa Technik to provide an aircraft production inspection program, continuing airworthiness management organization services, and aircraft maintenance and component support initially for five years after delivery.