328 and Turkish Technic Inc. complete first joint conversion project.

Friday 17th May 2013

328, part of the 328 Group returns to EBACE with the announcement that it has successfully completed in partnership with Turkish Technic Inc. an extensive Gulfstream GIV interior refurbishment for the Turkish Government. This marks the first project in collaboration with Turkish Technic Inc. which forms part of a wider agreement to work together on design and certification projects.  The first collaboration proved so successful that it grew from the original remit, to undertake simple modifications to the aircraft and support certification of design and materials selected by Turkish Technic Inc., to a much more complex project.

328 supported a complete replacement of the in flight entertainment system (IFE) which involved sourcing and supporting the installation of a Rockwell Collins HDTV ( Venue ™) system. In addition 328 designed and manufactured the system's harness and controls. An existing divan was taken out and replaced by two aft and forward facing business class seats. The removal required a side panel to be manufactured matching the existing style of the interior. 328 designed, manufactured, and certified the side panel in its Oberpfaffenhofen facility before shipping it to Turkish Technic Inc. which installed the part on site. Turkish Technic Inc. were also responsible, under the guidance of 328, for the renewal of upholstery, veneer, and a complete new galley layout. The project required 328 design engineers to spend many weeks with Turkish Technic at its Istanbul based facility to oversee the work.

328 entered into the arrangement with Turkish Technic to work together on design projects in January 2012. Intended as a knowledge sharing partnership the agreement maximises 328's extensive experience in VIP conversions along with its collection of over 200 STCs (Supplemental Type Certificates) and minor modifications on aircraft types ranging from Hawker 125's to Airbus A320's and larger aircraft, in addition to rotary machines. Whilst it also enables Turkish Technic Inc. to expand its manufacturing, certification and engineering capabilities as the first Turkish company with EASA design approval.  It is anticipated the agreement will continue until Turkish Technic Inc. has established its own set of STC approvals and enhanced its own team experience.

Managing Director of 328 Dave Jackson commented, "This is major milestone for our team and another important step to further develop our business capabilities on aircraft beside the Dornier 328.  This project has proved highly successful and we are already in discussions with the team about the next project's requirements."

Can Sasmaz, Vice President Technical, from Turkish Technic commented: "Turkish Technic and 328 have developed an excellent working relationship and we are impressed by the company's outstanding conversion capabilities.  As aviation is continuing to expand in Turkey we value sharing their experience as we work towards improving our own in-house knowledge and experience. We will continue to work with them to explore future projects."

The 328 Group is exhibiting at EBACE next week. Stand No. 388.

About the 328 Group:

328 Group is the trading name of London based Quest Aviation Services Limited, which offers a broad spectrum of services to the aircraft industry. The Group employs over 250 aviation experts and supports more than 200 aircraft globally. Services offered range from maintenance and painting to STC design activities, parts' manufacture and support on numerous types of aircraft, bespoke VIP interiors including avionic and IFE upgrades.

www.328.eu

About Turkish Technic:

Turkish Technic, an association of Turkish Airlines group companies, provides MRO services for Airbus and Boeing airframes, engines, auxiliary power units, landing gear and components. The company serves more than 100 airlines in Turkey, Europe, the Middle East, Northern Africa, CIS countries with its maintenance centers in Istanbul & Ankara and highly qualified workforce of more than 3,000 personnel.