Associated Air Center

Source: Technology Digital

Date :25/06/2008 06:00:47

From nose to tail, Associated Air Center has the answer for your aircraft interior. Exec learns more

Written by Ian Armitage and Produced by Pat Harlow

Associated Air Center, part of Standard Aero, a Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) company, is an industry leader in aircraft completions and specializes in heavy corporate and commercial aircraft.

Based at Dallas Love Field, it is perhaps most famously known as a completion and service center for Boeing Business Jet and Airbus Corporate Jet, offering custom services, including in-house capabilities such as interior design, engineering, certification, furnishings manufacturing, upholstery, in-flight entertainment, cabin management systems and avionics installation.

“We have earned the highest endorsement from the manufacturers of these prestigious aircraft. You are assured of an unmatched level of experience in design, fabrication and installation of custom cabin and cockpit completions,” says Patricio Altuna, AAC Executive Vice President of Sales.

The business, once known as Associated Radio Company, first opened its doors in 1948. It started small – originally as a three-man operation – and installed surplus radio equipment in former military aircraft, which were then operated by individuals and corporations.

These “conversions,” says Altuna more often than not, involved extensive avionic upgrades, leading to the natural progression of the business. So, as orders grew, the business did also.

Since then, Associated Air Center has become a world leader in the maintenance and modification of air transport aircraft and its clients include numerous internationally recognizable individuals, corporations and heads of state.

More than a jet

Michael Moore, AAC Senior Vice President and Site Leader says “it’s not just a business jet; it’s your personal retreat” and aircraft owners around the globe rely on it for interior solutions, whether that be a new custom interior or a refurbishment of an existing one.

AAC’s experienced designers, engineers and craftsmen are committed to “artistic innovation” and have a “unique understanding of custom interior completions”.

Customers, therefore, can be sure that the finished job will be functional, safe to operate as well as beautiful. “In an industry where the balance between form and function is of critical importance, we recommend materials and configurations for your aircraft that afford symmetry between payload and interior cabin noise, as well as maximum comfort, durability and ease of maintenance,” says Moore.

AAC is capable of slotting almost any amenity into a design too. Its designs including state-of-the-art audio/video equipment, business computers and facsimile machines, even voice scramblers, missile defense systems and security systems have been known to make an appearance. It also designs and installs fully equipped cooking galleys equipped with cook-tops, dishwashers, trash compactors and steam microwave ovens. Showers, sinks, bidets, lavatories and Jacuzzi’s can also be installed.

“We are a true single-source provider for custom interiors,” says Moore.

How is this possible? Well, AAC works with clients “from original concept and floor plan to fabric, furniture and fixture selection to cabin/cockpit systems integration” and can handle almost any request.

It “works with customers at every point to explore a full range of design and luxurious completion options” to ensure they get what they want. Its employees are dedicated to the highest caliber service, close client relationships and making sure the job is done “right first time, on time and on budget”.

More than custom design

AAC can service and maintain interiors from nose to tail. For more than half a century, it has been involved in every phase of maintaining large air transport category aircraft. So, it comes as no surprise that AAC is an FAA Designated Alteration Station and FAA/EASA Class IV-rated repair station. As such it is fully equipped to provide “major overhauls, structural repairs, modifications, avionics upgrades and heavy maintenance

on all large transport aircraft”.

“We’ve performed more aging aircraft inspections than any other completion centers, including mandatory inspections, service bulletins and other necessary modifications,” says Altuna.“Our skilled mechanics and technicians work 24/7 to minimize your downtime.”

AAC is the leader in interiors and completions. It is also a leader in avionics. It pioneered the installation of EFIS, forward-looking radar, EGPWS, TCAS and satellite communications in large air transport category aircraft.

“Today, we continue to be one of the premier avionics modification centers in the world,” David Kimbrell, AAC Electrical Engineering Manager and FAA DER continues. “Our engineers and technicians understand the needs of today’s business traveler. Whether it’s being able to call your home office while crossing the Atlantic, watching television to capture the latest news or just relaxing and listening to your favorite composer - we offer the latest in cabin systems.”

New senior vice president

In April 2008, Standard Aero appointed Moore as senior vice president of Associated Air Center. He has previously served as vice president production, planning and supply chain at AAC where he had responsibility for production, manufacturing, maintenance, planning and supply-chain.

Prior to coming to AAC Moore served as vice president and general manager of an Aviation Services Company where he managed sales, quality assurance, materials, operations and human resources for MRO providers and in the Airline industry where he held the position of Director of Operations and managed large fleets of engines.

Moore holds an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University and is a graduate of Valdosta State University. He is also a licensed A&P.