Lufthansa Technik presents the double-deck Airbus A380VVIP

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For the first time the global provider for VIP & executive jet solutions presented the renderings for both decks of its initial design approach on the Airbus A380VVIP together with the 1:20 model.

Earlier this year Lufthansa Technik unveiled a model of the A380 with a VVIP interior on the upper deck. At the same time Lufthansa Technik and Airbus signed a preliminary agreement for a fu-ture cooperation on completion projects on the A380. As a specialized cabin outfitter within the network for the Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) family Lufthansa Technik has been working closely together with the aircraft manufacturer during the last years. Its extensive and proven capability to outfit large private aircraft - such as the A340 - will help the German VIP specialist to integrate a state-of-the-art interior on the A380.

'With the launch of its A380 VVIP activities Lufthansa Technik is at the forefront to support cus-tomers to individually design their A380 VVIP interior as well as taking over its certification and production,' says Bernhard Conrad, Senior Vice President Completion Center & Head of approved design organization. 'For the first time an airplane will allow designers and a completion center to take advantage of two complete decks for an outfitting project and to separate the VVIP area from the government or representative areas.'

Following the latest design ideas the main deck will be used for representative purposes and in-cludes a forward lounge, various meeting rooms, the main galley, a spacious royal lounge and dedicated dining & conference area. The rear section of the A380's main deck features a First and a Business Class which would be used by the entourage. The upper deck will be reserved for the principal and accompanying guests. A private lounge with numerous divans could be found in the front section as well as a modern galley with a buffet. The mid section houses two guest rooms - separate bathrooms with showers are attached to them. Finally, the VVIP area will consist of a private office, a private bedroom with dressing area, a private bathroom and a wellness area in-cluding a steam bath and exercising machines.

'In Lufthansa Technik VVIPs will find a uniquely positioned partner not only for the completion but also for the years of operation afterwards. Our unexcelled service portfolio to the A380 operators is ranging from specification, line maintenance, component support and engine overhaul up to an outfitting of the highest level of elegance',

explained Walter Heerdt, Senior Vice President Market-ing & Sales at Lufthansa Technik. 'Since the 1960s many VIP customers entrusted their airplanes to us, reverting to our reputation in VIP completions as well as our experience in airline operations. Today, they can do so again - with a brand-new airplane.'

To create and build a state-of-the-art interior as well as to integrate the latest technologies for in-flight entertainment & communication requires encompassing resources and a proven track record within the VIP & executive jet environment. At its Completion Center in Hamburg (Germany) Luf-thansa Technik is already adjusting the hangar capacities to accommodate the world's biggest airliner. When the first contract is signed, infrastructural modifications have been already realized. The interior workshops themselves, consisting of a saddlery, a paint shop, a joinery with ultra-modern machinery and a composite shop will be the backbone for the completion process and guarantee a 90+ percent in-house capability. Relying on the vast resources for design engineering and the competence of an established 'innovation engineering' for high-tech amenities, A380 VVIP customers will have a competent single source on-hand for their turnkey project.

Since 2001, some dozen Lufthansa Technik engineers have been part of the customer focus groups involved in the specification and development of the A380. Drawing on their experience with flight operations and aircraft maintenance, they have been helping to optimize the manufac-turer's design. An important aspect of this is the reliability of the individual systems. From 2007 on Lufthansa Technik will operate a special hangar in Frankfurt with up to four bays, in which line maintenance can be done. In 2003 Lufthansa Technik founded N3 Engine Overhaul Services - a joint venture with Rolls-Royce that specializes in the servicing of Rolls-Royce engines, specifically of the types Trent 500, Trent 700 and Trent 900, the latter powering the A380.

Just months ago Lufthansa Technik and Air France Industries, Europe's two major MRO provid-ers, founded Spairliners for the supply of a complete line of components for the A380s. In addi-tion to component overhaul and management of a component pool, the plan is to offer compre-hensive servicing at the airlines' A380 hubs as well as at all destinations that the A380s and A380s VVIP fly to. In close collaboration with Air France, FedEx and the staff of the Airbus Training De-partment, Luft- hansa Technical Training is currently working on an A380 training platform that will define what the training of technicians will consist of. Following a precise analysis of training needs in close consultation with Lufthansa Technik, thought is now being given to what extent use can be made of the latest technical-training media and methods.

The results of these far-reaching initiatives and cooperations will be also to the benefit of A380 VVIP customers especially since the operational experiences and adjustments of the first months will support a reliable VVIP start-up operation. During upcoming show events Lufthansa Technik will update on its activities and is expected to present also the main deck of its A380 VVIP model at this year's Dubai Airshow.