Altitude Aerospace Interiors soars

Formed less than two years ago after almost 20 years evolution as part of its parent’s Engineering Services unit, Altitude is already a supplier of custom airline interiors to the giant US manufacturer and the only Boeing-recognised BBJ interior completion centre outside the US and Europe.

Altitude specialises in work on the 737-based luxury business jet- designing,   building and installing furniture modules and systems such as power, water, air-conditioning, waste and in-flight entertainment.

High end customers
 
General manager Michael Pervan said around 100 BBJs had been sold, mostly to wealthy individuals, corporates and governments since first deliveries started 12 years ago and his company had refurbished five for operators who wanted new interior décor.

The BBJs, with a 14-hour range compared with the regular 737s’ five hours and typically configured to just 14 to 19 seats, have a list price of between $US55 million and $US63 million with another $US15 million to $US25 million for full interior completion work.

Mr Pervan said Altitude had recently signed its first contract for a full BBJ fit-out for an Asian customer.

“Boeing will deliver the new aircraft to us,” Mr Pervan said.

 “The owner has a good idea of what he wants done to the interior but we will stress-test the design and make fundamental changes to ensure it meets regulatory approvals.”

He said New Zealand companies such as luxury yacht builders supplied a range of hardware including custom-made units and products used in cabin systems.

Altitude is currently sourcing around 60 percent of its fit-out requirements locally while importing others such as seats, lavatories and some galleys but aims to achieve 75 percent New Zealand content.

“We can do that by selling the concept that this is sustainable for local suppliers,” Mr Pervan said.

“We want those with core capabilities to get small satellite niches up and running.”

“Full interiors are around 25 percent of the final BBJ price so it is a major coup for a New Zealand industry to be able to bring this type of high-level work here.”

Altitude began in the early 1990s as Air New Zealand’s Engineering Services’ design engineering group, initially designing and certifying aircraft repairs and growing into bigger work including integrating interiors and manufacturing modules such as bars and closets.

The group handled Air New Zealand’s 747-400 fleet upgrade in 2004-05, followed by engineering and cabin furniture design and build for the carrier’s new 777-200s.