Lufthansa Technik is one of the most notorious names in VIP/VVIP Cabin completion. Tell us what makes your capabilities unique in this market
Our unique position stems not only from more than half a century of experience with VIP/VVIP and government aircraft completions, it is moreover based on the fact that we are also one of the leading global MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) providers for all modern Airbus and Boeing aircraft types, as well as for their engines and components. Due to our business success in this field, we have become a major partner for both OEMs, which gives us advance insights into their technical solutions. This results in a unique knowhow of aircraft maintenance and technical modifications, which reflect into our bespoke cabin interiors. None of our competitors has such a close relationship and strong partnership to the aircraft and system OEMs. Due to this holistic approach, we can offer our customers not only top-notch cabins, but also complete packages of all relevant services for their aircraft.
The Lufthansa Technik EXPLORER design concept was first unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show 2021. It is based on the current trend for luxury Explorer superyachts.
Being the MRO arm of one of the largest and most renowned flag carrier airlines will certainly benefit your customers. Other than cabin completion, what other services are available to Bizliner operators?
Our deep aircraft expertise already starts with consulting services that help our VIP and government customers in the selection of the right aircraft type for their needs. Here, our close relationship to a leading international airline enables us to provide most accurate route calculations and range diagrams, for example. Moreover, we usually take over the aircraft production inspection for our customers to ensure that the aircraft manufacturer builds every aspect of their valuable assets in the desired quality. Due to our decades-long experience with both airliners and private aircraft, we moreover ensure that the design and completion of our customer’s cabins provides for easy maintainability in everyday operations. In case our customers do not operate their aircraft every day, we can implement special low utilisation programs and other services in line of the Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO) for our customers. Another advantage is our wealth of experience with aircraft modifications of all sorts: From Satcom antennas and onboard Wi-Fi to most modern in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems (IFEC) or even self-defence systems: Based on numerous STC´s from airline modifications and the wide range of MRO activities, we can realize a broad spectrum of customer wishes. Another strength is our worldwide MRO support network that is available 24/7 and ensures shortest possible reaction times, for example in case of an AOG.
How did the Covid-19 pandemic Impact VIP/VVIP Fleet Demand? Have you seen any significant impact on customer behavior and/or business models?
Most of our existing customers used their VIP/VVIP aircraft as they already did before the pandemic. However, we also noticed significant new demand in the market, both for new-built and used aircraft. We even contracted a number of first time completion customers during the pandemic. In addition, we experienced very strong demand for our MRO and modification services. Another example: In the past two years, requests from charter operators increased significantly, because many former first class airline passengers decided to use a chartered aircraft instead of their routine airline connection. This resulted in significant numbers of aircraft transitions and the respective cabin modification and MRO business for us. We also noticed that a number of older aircraft were kept in service for longer, whose owners and operators requested additional maintenance and refurbishing work from us.
