Completions specialist Greenpoint Technologies, a Zodiac Aerospace company, is currently in the midst of a unique project. Greenpoint is collaborating with Crystal AirCruises on the design and completion of a luxury “cruise” version of a Boeing 777-200LR. Crystal specializes in luxury vacations, featuring several cruise options on helicopter-equipped megayachts, for example. Starting next year, the company will deploy the specially configured Boeing on 14-, 21- and 28-day “air cruises,” hopscotching the globe to visit some of the worlds most exotic destinations, with stopovers of as long as three days in each location.
Greenpoint’s contribution is the ongoing design and completion of the aircraft interior at its Moses Lake, Wash. facility. Designed to carry as many as 380 passengers, this 777-200LR will accommodate just 84 “guests,” to ensure their “maximum personal space and comfort.” Greenpoint design director Annika Wicklund said, “We teamed closely with Crystal AirCruises’s design team to understand their ship designs and brand value, and while pulling similarities, we embraced the company’s unique experience in flight. I believe the guests will enter and feel excitement, refinement and ultimate care.”
The design elements include its Grand Lounge with a stand-up bar; sofas and tables for dining, socializing and relaxation; Crystal AirCruises trademark Executive Class seats that recline fully to form a lie-flat bed; flat-screen television; Wi-Fi connectivity; in-flight entertainment; and custom blankets and pillows.
The Crystal AirCruises Boeing is scheduled for delivery and first air cruise itinerary next year.
STCs BoomBeam on Piaggio
In other news, Greenpoint Aerospace recently announced STC approval for Lopresti Aviation BoomBeam landing light for the Piaggio P-180 twin turboprop. The STC also includes approval for HID (high intensity discharge) BoomBeam technology for the P-180’s taxi lighting.
With the addition of the P-180 Avanti series, the list of approved models for LoPresti HID lighting systems includes Beechcraft, Challengers, Citations, Falcons, Gulfstreams, Hawkers, Learjets and Pilatus the PC-12 turboprop.
LoPresti calculates the performance of the BoomBeam lighting at a 400 percent increase in range and a 70 percent reduction in current draw. The lights come with a five-year parts warranty.
Steve Bruce, sales director at Greenpoint, explained the connection between the two companies and how the joint work on the STC fell into place. He said, “When the customer and LoPresti requested to complete the first installation at our facility, we were happy to help. The speed of approval, simplicity of installation and outstanding performance of the lights is remarkable. We recommend this upgrade to all our customers.” David LoPresti, v-p of sales for LoPresti Aviation said, “Teaming with Greenpoint Aerospace makes the process extremely simple.”
Finally, Greenpoint recently completed a repaint project on a Gulfstream III operated by ONEflight. Greenpoint documented the project in a video. To see the Gulfstream’s transformation, visit the Greenpoint website, or go to https://youtu.be/frHzQ_ww9U4.
