Austria's International Jet Management will commercially operate three refurbished Fokker 100s for vip charters in 2007.

TAT Industries and Moscow Sky have started the conversion work. Christopher Pelletier, a TAT spokesman, told EBAN: "The conversions will result in luxurious seating, beds, IFE and catering possibilities for up to 30 passengers.

"Each of the three aircraft will feature customised design and harmony. The conception of the new interior has been developed on the basis of Moscow Sky's wide experience in VIP chartering and its understanding of client requirements for comfort and quality," he added.

The conversion is being executed in Dinard, France at TAT's facilities and its completion, along with EASA certification, is expected to be finalised by the end of this year.

Moscow Sky says the contract will help it satisfy the needs of the expanding European and Russian vip charter markets, especially in large jet segment.

Both TAT and Moscow Sky predict the Fokker conversions will be in further demand. Pelletier said: "Together we are opening a new segment in the vip aircraft market through a module that will offer an unmatched size/price/quality ratio." New orders are expected "shortly."

TAT Industries is one of Europe's largest independent MRO service providers. Moscow Sky represents a group of Russian and European aviation companies including aircraft and helicopter operators, air charter brokers and consulting firms. These firms include Meridian Air Company and International Jet Management.

Refurbished Tupolev

Meanwhile it was announced in Moscow that a refurbished Tupolev Jet has joined the fleet of S-Air company, a provider of business-class charter services.

Kvand, a vip interior design and refurbishment in Russia and the CIS, said the cabin refurbishment took place at Minsk aircraft repair works in Belarus. Engineering solutions were co-ordinated with, and approved by, the Tupolev Aircraft Design Laboratory.