Press Release

Issued by Lufthansa Technik.

April 4, 2014

Together with partner company Aerolite Max Bucher AG, Lufthansa Technik AG will be unveiling the complete model of a newly developed unit for the transportation of patients in commercial and vip aircraft – the Patient Transport Unit Next Generation (PTU NG) – for the first time at Aircraft Interiors Expo. The modular system can be adapted to meet the customer's needs, varying from a fixed installation with a comfortable bed to an ultra-flexible version that can be installed and uninstalled as required. First deliveries are scheduled for September 2014.

The PTU NG offers a number of new design features. Thus, it is not only possible to install and uninstall it more quickly compared with the previous model, but it is also highly robust and built in a weight-saving design. It is also a lot easier to clean. The first PTU NG's have already been sold to Lufthansa and a vip customer. The initial EASA Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) for the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A380 are currently in preparation.

The PTU NG offers flexible stowage and a universal power supply for medical equipment. The oxygen system which can be integrated into the lower module provides up to 13,000 liters of oxygen for the purpose of artificial respiration. The oxygen pressure and level sensor warning indicators are located on a central console in the upper module, which also accommodates the power supply, overload and fault indicators. Under the unique modular concept, drawers and standard plug-in units can be combined in a flexible way to meet the customer's needs. Additional medical equipment for artificial respiration and monitoring, defibrillators and telemedical equipment can be attached to the equipment rack or to the bed rails.

"Developing a PTU NG product for this demanding market calls for a sound basis and systematic project management. A partnership with a company like Lufthansa Technik is an important step in the direction of a promising future," said Roland Hengartner, ceo of Aerolite. "Our unique experience of medical cabin interiors for aircraft and helicopters has been certified by EASA and FAA on numerous projects. Our modular components and systems for rapid installation and removal allow for easier configuration changes. Using light materials designed for durability and reliability, we offer tailored solutions for patient transport that meet the operational requirements of our customers."

Peter Isendahl, Senior Product Manager at Lufthansa Technik, said: "The response from customers to this flexible solution for patient transport is already overwhelming. We are benefiting from decades of experience with Patient Transport Solutions." Over 50 units of the earlier generation of PTU and numerous Stretchers were designed by Lufthansa Technik for airlines, special mission and vip customers.

The modular design of the PTU NG consists of one comfortable bed together with upper and lower modules, with aircraft seat rails adapters available for many aircraft types. A rack for additional medical equipment and sockets is available as an option. The Aerolite standard interface with quick release locking system makes installation and configuration changes simple and quick. The light design enables patients weighing up to 120 kg to be transported. The unit dimensions of about two meters in length, 80 cm in height and a width of 65 cm ensure a comfortable working environment for medical personnel and sufficient room for the patient and extensive medical equipment.

Peter Isendahl will be attending the Aircraft Interiors Expo from 8 to 10 April, where he can be found at the stand of Lufthansa Technik in Hall 6, stand 6B60 – with a 1:5 scale model of the PTU NG.