TAP, Portugal’s leading airline, has introduced two additional Airbus A330s into its long-range fleet, following comprehensive and fast-turnaround cabin upgrades, integrated and certified by Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, which had the responsibility of Design Organisation and seat modification house.
The programme timescales were exceptionally tight, as both aircraft were operated by another airline until the end of 2013. Post modification and certification, the first aircraft was released to service on 25th July by the TAP Maintenance and Engineering facility in Lisbon. This release, approximately 10 months after project inception – and several months less than the industry norm – reflects the professionalism and dedication of the TAP engineering and maintenance team and its close working relationship with Marshall. The second aircraft was delivered just a few weeks later, on 18th August.
TAP employed Marshall’s services based on a strong relationship developed in response to the operator’s time-sensitive requirements on a recent four-aircraft (Airbus A340) cabin upgrade programme. In contrast to that programme, the A330 upgrade included the introduction of Lower Deck Mobile Crew Rest (LD-MCR), which required comprehensive structural changes to the airframe. In addition, Marshall engineered the Business Class seat modifications and supplied approved modification kits.
The Marshall A330 modification was approved by European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), allowing return to service, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval is currently being applied for in support of US-based supplier interests and any later aircraft re-sale.
Marshall press release
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