Aerospace Engineering Solutions (AES), a specialist in aircraft design and certification, has announced the successful completion and approval from EASA for an STC that enables a complete business-class-only cabin reconfiguration on an A321 aircraft.
Headquartered in the UK, with additional operations in Spain and Ireland, AES’s Design Organisation Approval (DOA) team was contracted by beOnd, a premium leisure airline, to develop a modification that introduces a cabin layout using 34 business-class seats, generating a 68-passenger seating configuration.
The modifications include the installation of Optimares’ Vivaldi lie-flat business-class seats; integration of the seat motion power system; installation of 110V AC and USB Type C in-seat power supply system; rearrangement of cabin monuments; and reassignment of the Door 3 exit type from Type I to Type III. The list continues with the rearrangement of passenger service units (PSUs); reconfiguration of emergency equipment and emergency path lighting; updated placards; new carpet and cabin attendant seat covers; and on-site cabin inspections.
In addition to the interior reconfiguration, AES also provided the EASA-approved Part 21J technical data package to accomplish beOnd’s signature dark grey and copper livery.
“This latest STC approval reflects our commitment to excellence and reinforces our position as a leader in aircraft cabin reconfigurations,” said Andrew Dolby, director at AES. “Our team demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness and dedication, overcoming challenges related to material and parts procurement, all while working within a tight time schedule to ensure that the modification was completed and approved on time for our customer. We are thrilled to have partnered with beOnd on their new aircraft and deliver a configuration that will enhance the passenger experience, and we wish them all the success.”
“Our vast scope of approval and highly experienced team in cabin interiors, structures, and avionics allows us to provide our customers with any cabin configuration for their fleet,” Dolby continues.
“We are happy to have received the STC for our A321 aircraft, marking the addition of the second aircraft to our growing fleet,” said Tero Taskila, CEO and chairman at beOnd. “The expertise and professionalism of the AES team have been invaluable in transforming the beOnd vision from concept to reality, supporting our journey of expansion. A special thank you to Andrew and the entire AES team for their outstanding partnership. As we continue to grow, we look forward to working with them again in the future.”
