Story ID: 417
Aeria Touts Latest VVIP Completion
By: James Wynbrandt
Caption: BBJ for undisclosed head of state marks San Antonio company’s third custom completion since opening shop in 2012.
Word Count: 345
Amidst the display of its VIP airliner completion and maintenance offerings, Aeria Luxury Interiors (Booth N4831) is highlighting at NBAA-BACE September’s delivery of a head-of-state BBJ to an undisclosed customer, the company’s third custom completion since opening in 2012. Inducted in last year's second quarter, the jet was turned over to the customer “months ahead of schedule,” said Aeria v-p and general manager Ron Soret. He credited the company’s cabinetry, upholstery, sheet metal and other in-house shops for its ability to control the project schedule, and its San Antonio location, which Soret called “the birthplace of large aircraft VIP completions,” for access to the pool of craftsmen, engineering talent and regional support services projects of this scale require.

The 26-passenger cabin incorporates a grand entryway; private quarters with an elegant VIP bedroom and ensuite lavatory; and office quarters that include largely scaled furnishings, a custom handcrafted desk, and an ultra-plush, fully certified custom-made six-zone massage seat. Design accents include gold plated detailing seen in medallions throughout the cabin, and intricate latticework done in exotic woods. Taking advantage of an expansive open layout in the aft cabin, the rear section features a staff and club-style seating area topped by the new Boeing Sky Interior, adopted from the 787 Dreamliner’s advanced cabin, and offering maximized headroom.

Due to client confidentiality agreement, the only image of the interior that can be shown is a view of the aircraft’s dining service, Aeria said.

Global connectivity is assured throughout the cabin through an innovative single SSID Wi-Fi network providing the principal client one login to access internet, e-mail, cabin controls, and other cabin systems, including HD Airshow by Collins Aerospace, and the Direct View Camera System to display images from airframe-mounted equipment.

Hinting at business to come, Soret said Aeria, a division of Singapore’s ST Engineering, expects “more exciting VIP completions projects in the near future,” pledging its commitment to “delivering each and every project on time or ahead of schedule without comprising quality or craftsmanship.”