A multi-engine, instrument rated pilot, James Wynbrandt has been an AIN and Business Jet Traveler contributor since 2003. His in-depth reporting and insightful features have won more than a dozen editorial honors, including two National Business Aviation Association Gold Wing Awards (2019; 2021), and his articles have also appeared in the New York Times, Barron’s, Fortune, Forbes, and Smithsonian Air &amp; Space. He has flown his Mooney M20K 252 on assignments throughout North and Central America and the Caribbean. Wynbrandt is also the author of Flying High (Wiley &amp; Sons), a biography of Jet Blue founder David Neeleman, as well as histories, references works, and books on a variety of other topics from major publishers. He lives in New York City.

Contributor - Business Aviation

James Wynbrandt

Associated Air Center (AAC) of Tempe, Ariz., has been awarded a contract for the custom interior completion of a Boeing 787-8 BBJ, and staffing, training and infrastructure development are under way in preparation for the project. AAC expects delivery of the green aircraft from Boeing by this summer, and AAC’s in-house design is now undergoing a full review. The contract, signed in late December, capped months of discussions and work with Boeing engineers.
The 787’s composite structure requires special training, unique tooling and state-of-the-art design considerations for interior work. Jack Lawless, AAC’s CEO, calls the project “a game changer in the world of custom interior completions,” saying, “Not only is this a major milestone for AAC, it represents a monumental leap forward for the entire custom interiors completions industry, as this aircraft is unlike any other in the world.” 
Work will be performed at parent company StandardAero’s transport-category VIP completion center in Dallas. “The AAC team has a long and proven history on several Boeing platforms,” said Boeing Business Jets president Steve Taylor. “We look forward to working with AAC in support of its first 787 BBJ interior completion.”
The 787-8 offers 2,404 sq ft (223.3 sq m) of cabin floor area and a range of 9,590 nm. AAC did not disclose the identity of the aircraft owner or the project cost.

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

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