First Avro Business Jet With Design Q Interior Completed

(November 27, 2008) -- BAE Systems Regional Aircraft announces that a significant milestone has been achieved in the Avro Business Jet (ABJ) programme with the completion of the first aircraft fitted with a Design Q interior. The conversion was carried out by Inflite Engineering at London-Stansted Airport.

The aircraft - an Avro RJ70 - has been acquired by Bulgaria's national carrier Bulgaria Air and will be operated on behalf of the airline's parent company, the Varna-based diversified industrial group TIM. Bulgaria Air already operates eight BAe 146-200/300s on domestic and regional scheduled air services, alongside Boeing 737 Classic and Airbus A320 family aircraft.

In May BAE Systems announced that it had teamed with premium UK design consultancy Design Q to offer innovative cutting-edge interior designs for the ABJ. BAE Systems has also teamed with Inflite Engineering, one of the UK's leading corporate aircraft completion, maintenance, repair and overhaul centres and Fixed Base Operator (FBO) to carry out high quality, customised VIP conversions on the ABJ.

Stewart Cordner, Deputy Vice President Sales & Marketing for BAE Systems Regional Aircraft said today: "When we announced our teaming arrangement with Design Q we knew that this premium design consultancy would bring a totally fresh approach to interior designs for the Avro Business Jet. The result is stunning and shows convincingly that the combination of a pre-owned airliner together with an innovative interior results in a strong, cost-effective contender for the larger business jet market and at a fraction of the cost and timescale of new production line aircraft."

The interior of the ABJ for Bulgaria Air was created by Design Q in close partnership with the Principal of the customer and reflects the same values, lifestyle and design choices that are found in the home, in the car and in other private transport modes.

Gary Doy, joint founder of Design Q explained that in recent years there has been a shift in values and aspirations of the VIP aircraft owner. He said: "In part this is due to younger and more design-aware customers entering the marketplace who are looking for both a more contemporary and high-quality interior solution, with a trend towards more open plan layouts and modern surface finishes."

He continued: "This is what we have done with the Bulgaria Air ABJ and we have been able to offer a highly individual design that maximises the opportunities available with the large ABJ cabin. We are delighted to be working with BAE Systems on the ABJ and are already engaged in several interesting new projects."

Several innovative features have been incorporated into the design including what is believed to be the world's first engineering installation of a Bang & Olufsen state-of-the-art entertainment system into an aircraft.

Particularly, attention has been paid to the entrance of the aircraft. After ascending the air stairs an entrance vestibule with a curved bar on each side of the cabin door acts as a focal point and leaves the passenger in no doubt that this is a VIP product. The main cabin is entered via electronically controlled pocket doors providing both a sense of theatre and a practical solution to a solid door. The wide body of the ABJ allows for a layout that is usually associated with a much bigger and more expensive aircraft. Two club four arrangements are used in the forward area of the main cabin with the principle seating located aft. A generous curved sofa opposite the entertainment system with two articulated armchairs adds a more relaxed feel to this area emphasising the space available.

Gary Doy adds: "Unusually for an aircraft interior of this size the temptation to "build in" the furniture has been resisted. The credenza units, seats, and entertainment system have been designed as individual units allowing each part to "show off" its own attributes and provide a more interesting journey for the eye around the cabin. The size of the cabin is emphasised with a brushed metal finisher running the length of the upper coving panel terminating in the framed mirror on the aft bulkhead. The mirror provides the illusion of a further principle cabin beyond the main cabin with a second set of pocket doors providing privacy between the spaces. The aft cabin however has a first class layout to allow the customer to carry sufficient passengers whilst at the rear of the aircraft there is a VIP lavatory and a large cloakroom for coats and carry-on baggage.

"The simplicity of the form language is complimented by a neutral colour pallet providing the perfect canvas to exploit the true benefits of a sophisticated mood lighting system. The overall effect is one of understated luxury with a contemporary yet timeless appeal."

Source : BAE Systems

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Events related to this news release

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