Case Study: Vueling Airlines’ Efficient WiFi Antenna Retrofit
Overview
Vueling Airlines needed to retrofit their fleet of A320s with WiFi antennas. Their contractor, STS, aimed to perform the work on the apron to speed up turnaround time per aircraft and reduce costs by eliminating hangar and movement expenses.
The Opportunity
Vueling Airlines, a low-cost carrier (LCC) based in Barcelona, Spain, operates a fleet of 114 A320s. STS, a modifications company, was contracted to retrofit the fleet with WiFi. Given that the modification could take longer than 72 hours, EASA required the work area to be either hangared or encapsulated.
The Challenge
The challenge was to provide a cost-effective, portable, and easy-to-use “rapid deploy” IglooMX® enclosure that could remain in place for days. It needed to be suitable for both forward and aft of the wing, allow space for a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) inside, and provide enough room to open cargo hold doors. Additionally, the modifications team needed to be kept warm and dry 24/7.
The Approach
JB Roche designed an IglooMX® enclosure tailored to the specific requirements of the WiFi antenna placement. They maximized the unit’s length to allow simultaneous cargo hold work and considered future modifications aft of the wing by designing a rotatable unit through 180 degrees.
The unit featured a side door for driving a Genie scissor lift inside, enabling the modifications team to access the aircraft crown under cover. Ballast and tie-down points ensured stability in high winds, as the enclosure was anchored by the aircraft.
The business case included the high costs and limited availability of hangar space over several months, which would have made the project unviable. By meeting EASA and Airport authorities’ requirements with the IglooMX® enclosure, the project’s overall cost was drastically reduced, achieving a return on investment in less than four aircraft modifications.
The Result
On a cold Monday in October 2018, the IglooMX® was deployed for the first time around an aircraft in Barcelona. The unit was inflated in under 10 minutes, forming a tight seal around the fuselage. Both the Airport Authority and EASA were present to inspect and approve its use for these modifications.
The approval enabled the modification of 110 aircraft on the apron at significantly reduced costs. Vueling Airlines could now promote its new WiFi service to passengers.
Extra Benefit
One significant benefit of the IglooMX® is the improvement in working conditions for aircraft mechanics. Working in extreme conditions, whether it’s heat, wind, cold, or rain, can be challenging. With the global shortage of qualified personnel, providing comfortable and safe working spaces is essential for staff retention. Mechanics are more likely to stay where better conditions are offered, such as working indoors. The IglooMX® enclosures eliminate this concern by providing a safe and comfortable environment for maintenance work.
Conclusion
The IglooMX® enclosure offers substantial cost savings and operational efficiency while keeping engineers comfortable and safe. Can we help reduce your maintenance costs and improve working conditions for your staff?
Contact Us
Email: sales@jbroche.com
Call: +353 21 4320 320
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