Independent MRO Sabena technics has signed a cabin modification contract with Air Tahiti Nui for its A340 aircraft.
The work will be carried out at Sabena’s Bordeaux facility and will see its technicians equip the cabin with new seats and In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) systems.
Sabena said it will also develop and supply the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) and the kit manufacturing for the latest retrofit, which is part of the France-headquartered airline’s $22.4m fleet renovation programme which began in 2013.
Sabena technics’ skilled teams have equipped the two-class cabin with brand new seats as well as with the latest In-Flight Entertainment systems allowing passengers to benefit from a wireless internet connection on-board using their own personal touchscreen tablet.
“This project highlights our ability to carry out a complex cabin modification from A to Z, in-house, with an utmost attention to detail”, said Philippe Rochet, Chief Operating Officer of Sabena technics. “With this new cabin, passengers choosing to travel with Air Tahiti Nui will get the best value in terms of technologies, comfort and materials.”
“The retrofit of this fourth aircraft completes our fleet renovation program initiated two years ago. This $22,4 million dollars project aims at offering improved seat comfort to our customers both in Business and Economy class. The highlights of the new cabins also include a new Inflight Entertainment System featuring an on demand access to a selection of movies, music, games, and magazines. In the same time, the new configuration also helps generating fuel cost savings through lighter equipment” said M. Michel Monvoisin, Chairman & CEO of Air Tahiti Nui.
The aircraft has been delivered on-schedule to the airline at the beginning of this month.
