Jet Aviation at London Biggin Hill recently began remodelling its main hangar to accommodate aircraft maintenance, refurbishment and hangarage services. Simultaneously, construction is underway for a passenger lounge, workshops and office space.

The construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. The facility will be fully operational for maintenance and outfitting by the end of 2002.

“This project is strategic for attracting and maintaining London’s aviation customers,” said Theo

Staub, vp strategic planning and business development.

Meanwhile, the company’s engineering department at its Basel location has recently been awarded the first JAA Design Organisation Approval Certificate (DOA) to be issued to a Swiss company by the Swiss Federal Office for Civil Aviation. The certificate allows Jet Aviation Basel to certify engineering work performed on major and minor modifications and to approve the work for minor changes on behalf of the JAA.

“This allows Jet Aviation to raise its standards and capabilities. We can now design, verify and certify engineering work in-house,” said Rainer Albecker, vp and general manager of the location.

The approval covers design changes and modifications involving avionics and instrument systems installations, electrical and mechanical systems installations, cabin interior refurbishment and completions of large aircraft in accordance with applicable airworthiness requirements.

The certificate is recognised by all JAA member states and is mandatory for developing classified major changes to a JAA certified or validated product.