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

Italy’s Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG) added FAA approval for two more STCs—already EASA validated—for its Leonardo-Finmeccanica AW139 VIP interiors. The added approvals are in response to “growing demand for additional options in the U.S. for VIP-configured AW139s containing a higher level of technology,” said MAG co-general manager Armando Sassoli.

 


The STCs cover more than eight different interchangeable layouts and configurations, ranging from four seats with multiple cabinets and consoles to eight-seat layouts. According to the aviation systems manufacturer, the interior can quickly be changed from one seating configuration to another.

 


MAG has customized nearly 200 twin-engine AW139s with VIP interiors, primarily in Europe, and expects the new FAA approvals “will assist in a more even distribution” of the installations. MAG’s proprietary SILENS (Speech Interference Level Enhanced Noise System) and I-FEEL (In-Flight Entertainment Enhanced Lounge) are available under both new STCs. “The market, and specifically the operators near our Philadelphia facility, wanted a quieter and lighter weight [interiors] option,” said Sassoli.

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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