Altitude's General Manager Michael Pervan says that after completing many BBJ interior refurbishments, the contract signing is a significant achievement for the company and demonstrates its growing reputation as a leader in high quality aircraft interiors.

"The Asian-based customer will deliver the new BBJ to Altitude's Christchurch completion facility where, in conjunction with support from Air New Zealand Technical Operations, the aircraft will be installed with its customised interior. The scope of work to complete the fitout will cover entire electrical, entertainment and mechanical system installation within the empty aircraft shell," Mr Pervan says.

Altitude's Head of Commercial - VIP Aircraft, Matthew Woollaston says securing the contract to fully fit out the BBJ is a significant milestone that will see the company continue to build on its world class credentials.

"As a New Zealand-based company, we are proud to be developing on New Zealand's extensive aviation heritage with our 'can do' approach," says Mr Woollaston.

Altitude brings a wealth of experience from over two decades of aircraft interiors development from when they were formerly known as ANZES Design Engineering, operating as part of Air New Zealand. Now a subsidiary of Air New Zealand, Altitude has been operating as a stand alone company for almost two years and has offices based in Auckland and Christchurch, New Zealand. Altitude's offering of interior engineering design, manufacturing and maintenance in conjunction with Air New Zealand Technical Operations, on both VIP aircraft and commercial airlines, is based on using the latest technologies and computer modelling to deliver lightweight, innovative and high quality custom aircraft furniture and interiors systems. Altitude's strategy is one of sustainable and focused growth.

Mr Pervan says Altitude's strategy is to build a reputation for reliable delivery of a quality product.

"We achieve this by careful consideration of each opportunity and commit only to those where a good fit exists between client expectations and our capability, capacity and aircraft knowledge. We have built up our capabilities in engineering design and have considerable aviation certification credibility which is essential to successfully participate in this sector. Couple this with extensive programme management over many VIP and airline programmes means Altitude is now well positioned to tackle the most complex of projects," he says.

"This experience and credibility has seen Altitude become the only Boeing recognised supplier of luxury aircraft interiors outside of Europe and the USA."

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Issued by Air New Zealand Public Affairs ph +64 9 336 2761