Nuremberg, Germany-based MRO, FAI Technik, part of the FAI Aviation Group, is completing its sixth in-house Global Express cabin refurbishment with Collins Aerospace’s Venue cabin management and high definition entertainment system.
Known as Project Pearl, the five-month cabin refurbishment has been carried out alongside 60-, 120- and 240-month inspections, and includes Honeywell’s JetWave Ka-band technology. Connecting to Inmarsat’s Global Xpress satellite network, JetWave delivers high-speed broadband connectivity.
German designer Tim Callies, well-known for his ACJ, BBJ and Global Express interiors, has created the Project Pearl architecture. The finished interior will seat up to 12 passengers in VIP comfort. It includes two-tone leather seats and two Armani fabric-covered three-seat sofas.
The cabin also features new cabinetry, cobalt black metal plating, granite table tops and an upgraded galley, including a wine cooler, coffee maker and oven. The galley and toilet area boast heated stone floors.
Finally, ramp presence is also assured, thanks to a new exterior paint scheme. The refurbished aircraft is scheduled to go on sale in April, priced at US$10.95 million.
The choice of Venue IFE/CMS for Project Pearl comes after FAI Technik was appointed as an authorised dealer for Collins Aerospace avionics in January 2018.
Headquartered at Albrecht Duerer International Airport, the FAI group operates seven Global Express, five Challenger 604, one Challenger 850, 11 Learjet 60 series and one Premier 1A jets, plus a King Air 350.
FAI Aviation Group employs a full-time staff of 200 people, including 60 mechanics and engineers at its in-house MRO, plus some 50 part-time physicians and paramedics to support its air ambulance operations.