C&L Aviation Services, a C&L Aviation Group company headquartered in Bangor, Maine, has received an STC from the FAA for its 16-passenger business class seating and floor levelling solution to be used in the Embraer ERJ 135. The STC certifies structural modifications for seat track relocation, allowing for a 1x1 business-class seating arrangement with a comfortable 43-inch seat pitch and extended reclining capabilities. In this configuration, the cabin is transformed from 37 to 16 seats. Further, the STC allows for a new centre aisle (prior to the modification the aisle is offset) and extended aisle width. The STC modification also includes galley improvements that increase the aircraft's beverage capacity.

“Since we begin producing custom, semi-private aircraft interiors a few years ago we have received several inquiries for this type of configuration,” says C&L maintenance director Phil Miholovich. “Having our own in-house engineering group allows us to dedicate resources to STC projects like this one that meet customers' needs.”

C&L is also actively working on an STC amendment to include the ERJ 145 and expects FAA approval to come before the end of 2021. The ERJ 145 will be able to accommodate up to 24 seats with this modification.

In order for these modifications to be implemented, it requires another C&L STC to be acquired in conjunction, which removes the cabin overhead bins, installs new ceiling and valance panels, introduces continuous run LED lighting as well as an additional row of overhead lighting.

C&L has been modifying and upgrading the interiors and systems on ERJs for several years and specialises in converting these aircraft into business-class and luxury jets. C&L also provides on-site engineering, avionics support, aircraft exterior painting and heavy maintenance services. The company also carries one of the world's largest inventories of ERJ parts in its warehouse, which helps to reduce maintenance times associated with these types of projects. Currently, the company is developing several other ERJ upgrades including a new first-class seat design.