In August 2007, Astraeus approached us with a request to develop a passenger/cargo ‘combi’ cabin configuration for one of their Boeing 757 aircraft, which was to be leased to the rock group ‘Iron Maiden’ for their 2008 World Tour.
This new cabin configuration was to provide a 74 seat passenger layout (including 20 business class seats) in the forward cabin, and a cargo compartment in the aft cabin, and was to be designed for installation on a ‘quick change’ basis to re-role the aircraft as required for operational commitments.
What did we do?
There were four key stages of the project:
Initial Project Evaluation
Firstly, we had a project evaluation and consultation with EASA, which identified new cargo compartment requirements and Special Conditions that would be applicable.
Project Definition
Once the applicable EASA requirements had been agreed through EASA acceptance of ATL’s Certification Programme.
Design Phase
This included the design of the passenger configuration, cargo compartment provisions and pallets, and aircraft external livery.
Certification and Testing
Lastly, certification and testing needed to be conducted, leading to EASA STC approval, including full-scale flammability testing, and ground and flight smoke clearance testing.
RESULTS
As a result of our work, certification of the passenger/cargo combi configuration on the Boeing 757 through the award of an approved STC was achieved in five months. Due to the proactive approach and involvement of ATL, EASA, and the partnered design organisations, who together developed a close working relationship that ensured the success of the project. Consequently, the project was delivered on time, enabling Iron Maiden to depart on their World Tour on schedule
