Press Release

Issued by Fokker Services Group.

May 16, 2011

This April, Fokker Aircraft Services (FAS) celebrated the handover of an Airbus A320 conversion from airliner to VIP configuration, to Geneva based operator MasterJet.

Among the many special features of this state-of-the-art VIP aircraft, is a new innovation called 'Direct View'. This custom-made feature, designed and engineered in-house by Fokker allows for one flight attendant to monitor passengers seated in every cabin during Taxi, Take-off and Landing, which is a regulatory requirement by EASA.

In order to comply with this regulation, the operator would have had to situate a crew member in each cabin, which would have been both uneconomical and unpractical" says Eric Cuppen, Director, Aircraft Completions and Conversions.. "As problem-solving is one of our specialties, Fokker proposed to engineer a solution. And that solution is Direct View."

When the A320 airliner arrived at the FAS facility in Woensdrecht, Netherlands for the conversion, the interior had to be completely stripped down and everything from wiring, isolation, monuments, partitions and seats were designed and fitted according to the customer's own personal requirements, right down to the installation of 24-carat gold door knobs. In total, five cabins were installed, including a private suite with bedroom, bathroom and office; a conference and dining area, separate executive lounge and special first class seating area.

Throughout the design process Fokker used CATIA 3D graphics extensively in order to allow the customer to "experience" the aircraft throughout all phases of the design process.

"Other completions centers use CATIA as well, but not to the same extent as Fokker ," says Eric Cuppen "We find that it's an excellent tool for allowing customers to fully understand what their aircraft cabin will ultimately look like."

Another personalized feature included an AVOD Rack with a self-contained In-flight Entertainment (IFE) system: a separate power source and cooling system, meant the equipment didn't need extra certification.

For acoustic comfort, Fokker soundproofing reduced cabin noise to 52-53 dB in the main private and lounge areas.

Additional Centre Tanks (ACT's), which supplement the main fuel tank, were also fitted, increasing the aircraft's range to nearly 4000nm. Although such a fit out is common for commercial aircraft, only a handful of VIP A320s have successfully undergone such a procedure.