Lufthansa Technik is starting work next year on the world's first head-of-state cabin conversion on an Airbus A350. In order to reduce the wait time for the operator – the German Federal Government's Special Air Mission Wing – the aircraft will be equipped with a special transitional cabin for the transportation of delegations. Preparations have already begun at the company's VIP workshops in Hamburg, where the aircraft is expected in April 2020.

The transitional cabin will be tailored to the customer's specific requirements, featuring an office area and spacious conference area, adjoined by a multifunctional lounge area. The rest of the cabin area will be available to the accompanying delegations. It will be equipped with modern, comfortable seats, a generous number of washrooms and a kitchen designed to cater for up to 150 people.

“The German Air Force was our very first external customer. We have been equipping its aircraft, including government aircraft, for decades, thus forming a comprehensive partnership,” says Wieland Timm, senior director of sales, VIP and special mission aircraft at Lufthansa Technik. “That we have now been asked to support and equip the latest generation of government aircraft as well is a great vote of confidence. With our wide-ranging expertise for the Airbus A350, we are well equipped to meet the high expectations of the new government aircraft.”

Lufthansa Technik provided support in the development of the Airbus A350. It is a provider of engineering and maintenance services for this aircraft type and is capable of supplying the majority of A350 components. In early 2017, the EASA also approved Lufthansa Technik as a design organisation (Part 21/J) for the A350.

That same year, Lufthansa Technik already developed and launched an innovative cabin concept for the Airbus A350 XWB called Welcome Home. In total, the company has provided cabin interiors for more than 45 wide-body aircraft to date. The designs realised range from offices and spacious bathrooms and bedrooms to dining and conference areas as well as various forms of seating for the accompanying delegations.