Lufthansa Technik has added a new member to the family of business aircraft types that it completes for customers. Starting in 2003, its XXL class product will also include Fairchild Dornier's Envoy 7.

For customers outside the US, Fairchild's approval of LHT as a completion centre covers customisation of the Envoy 7 in Hamburg. In particular, the existing LHT global network of customer service and maintenance facilities benefits customers for the Envoy 7, which is based on Fairchild's 728 jetliner. It will carry up to 18 passengers on nonstop flights of up to 4,800 miles.

"Corporate customers for the Envoy 7 have requirements in the outfitting and long-term support of their aircraft different from our airline customers, and this agreement ensures we meet those require-ments," said Fairchild chairman of the board Chuck Pieper. "It also signals a strengthening of our relationship with Lufthansa Technik already supporting us through our worldwide aircraft spare parts distribution."

The first Envoy 7 will be flown to Hamburg in August 2003 for completion, with ultimate delivery in early 2004. The second aircraft of this type will arrive immediately there-after and will be delivered later in 2004.

Said an LHT spokesman: "The cabin layout can be conformed to the standard offered by Fairchild Dornier but also allows for flexible arrangements including separate conference areas, spacious sleeping quarters, stand-up showers and communication facilities such as Live TV and satellite telephone."

Meanwhile, with its purchase of Tulsa-based Bizjet International, LHT has strengthened its ability to offer full servicing of its XXL class executive jet in North America as well as Europe. To enable Bizjet to perform maintenance on the BBJ and A319CJ, an additional hangar is being built there that can accommodate two planes of that size. The new hangar will be completed in early 2001.