See more information from the Business Air News Handbook
Press Release
Issued by Deutsche Aircraft.
December 1, 2010
328 Support Services GmbH of Germany (328 SSG) returns to the premier business show in the Middle East, MEBA, where it will present its latest Dornier 328JET VIP conversion, the new 328DBJ™ which features the newly installed Wireless Emergency Primary Power System WEPPS™ kit, an emergency lighting technology from STG Aerospace. The jet is owned by a private individual from South America and will be available for viewing at Chalet 1.
Five year old 328 Support Services, which specialises in the maintenance and VIP conversion of Dornier 328 aircraft, has now installed three WEPPS™ kits. One onto the privately owned 328DBJ, one for DC Aviation, and one on Nigerian airline Skybird's 328 airliner. Two more WEPPS kits will be fitted on a further two Skybird328DBJ' s early in the new year.
"VIP conversions are enjoying continued popularity owing to the challenging economic times," said Dave Jackson Managing Director of 328 SSG: "For a low unit investment of around US$4-5 million and a refurbishment of US$2-4 million - dependent on customer requirements - you have an aircraft that looks brand new. Many of the 328 Jets flying today are low time aircraft and are now competitively priced. There is nothing out there that beats the big cabin comfort of the 328DBJ in its class. As part of our commitment to provide affordable business jets we are also supporting the need to reduce overheads by looking for ways to help reduce operating expenses, yet maintain safety. The WEPPS system is one such innovation for us," adds Ray Mosses, Head of Sales, 328 SSG. "Installation of WEPPS™ can save the operator around $10,000 a year in reduced maintenance costs," Mosses continues.
The initial installations follow an agreement made between STG and 328 Support Services. Under the agreement STG will supply the company with their latest WEPPS technology and 328 SSG, sister company Avionics Mobile Design Services, certifies the product through a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) modification. As part of the arrangement WEPPS will be available via 328 Support Services to any of the companies operating one of the 200 Dornier 328 aircraft flying worldwide.
The WEPPS system from STG Aerospace integrates wireless monitoring, real-time MEL diagnostics, and solid-state operation for managing and powering emergency lighting systems. The system uses new operating protocols and approved 'fit-for-life' non-rechargeable battery modules to replace conventional NiCad battery/charger packs, reducing operating costs by eliminating the emergency lighting system's entire maintenance schedule.
328SSG has also introduced the SafTGlo, photoluminescent (PL) emergency floor path marking system for normal airliner configurations; the 328DBJ aircraft has emergency lights installed on VIP monument and VIP seat bases. The SafTGlo system is part of an ongoing partnership between Goodrich Lighting Systems and STG Aerospace. "The inclusion of the floor path system demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our conversions are offering the best standards possible for the client," notes Mosses.