B/E Aerospace Wins FAA Approval, Announces Launch Customer for New Overhead Crew Rest

B/E Aerospace has won an important Federal Aviation Administration approval for its new overhead flight crew rest compartment for the Boeing 777-200 aircraft. Separately, B/E announced that Alitalia is the launch customer for the new product.

The Supplemental Type Certificate indicates that the product meets all applicable safety and airworthiness standards. Installed in an unused space above the passenger cabin on the 777 aircraft, the rest compartment enhances flight crew endurance and performance on long-haul flights.

"B/E's overhead flight crew rest offers significant advantages over the competition," said an Alitalia spokesman. "B/E's design is more ergonomic and offers greater interior height. It gives pilots much more shoulder room in the individual bunk areas. Overall, the B/E design optimizes utilization of the large space available above the passenger cabin."

The crew rest compartment features two seats, two bunks, audiovisual service for in-flight information and entertainment, PC power jacks and a full lavatory. Installation has little impact on ceiling and bin profiles and requires minimal relocation of aircraft systems. A standard overhead flight crew rest compartment can be installed in about four weeks.

Alitalia has selected the two-bunk rest compartment for pilots, and B/E's separate eight-bunk compartment for flight attendants. Marshall Aerospace of Cambridge, England is installing the compartments on six aircraft.

"The Alitalia program sets the standard as the most cost-effective flight crew rest solution for the Boeing 777," said Mr. Keith Aakre, Vice President of B/E. "Passenger seats formerly used for crew rest on long-haul flights are now back in revenue service."

B/E is the world leader in crew rest compartments, with products on board more than 500 Boeing and Airbus aircraft. The company has delivered over 20 different crew rest product designs to about 40 airline customers. In total, B/E holds over 155 FAA Supplemental Type Certificates.

FMI: www.beaerospace.com