ACJ operator Acropolis Aviation, based at Farnborough airport in the UK, has contracted Marshall Civil Aerospace in Cambridge as its prime maintenance supplier. It is Marshall Civil Aerospace's first ACJ contract. Technical director Aidan Leitner-Murphy says that Marshall adopted a 'superb team approach' and carried out 'excellent work' on Acropolis' existing ACJ319 G-NOAH during a major six-year check.

The engineers conducted significant airframe inspections and removed the entire interior for inspection and overhaul, refitting it within five weeks. Project manager from Aeropeople Patrick Meyer led a specialist engineering team that inspected the aircraft's extended range fuel tanks in the rear cargo hold. An upgrade of cabin furnishings took place too. “The quality of the divan cover sewn by Marshall was as good as the original supplied by the OEM,” adds Leitner-Murphy.

The contract will also apply to the operator's ACJ320neo which enters service in late 2019. Alberto Pinto design in Paris has been selected to design the cabin for this aircraft. “We are delighted to have been chosen by Acropolis to work on the ACJ320neo and have the opportunity to create something really exceptional,” says director Linda Pinto. The project will be the responsibility of Pinto's Yves Pickardt, who also styled the operator's ACJ319.

“Selecting Alberto Pinto was a natural choice for us,” comments Acropolis CEO Jonathan Bousfield. “Our current versatile cabin caters for a diverse range of travellers, including heads of state, HNWIs, corporate and leisure clients. Choosing a design that reflects an evolution of our highly popular cabin will help us stay ahead.”

The neo will have 19 seats, a private master bedroom with luxury en-suite, and a larger galley fitted out like a regular kitchen. “We continue to receive positive feedback from clients flying G-NOAH,” Bousfield continues.

“The care and attention taken in designing this exceptional and ergonomic cabin means it is as stylish today as it was in 2010 and this is the reason we re-engaged Alberto Pinto.”