Agreed. Can you talk to us about shower systems? I know the big consideration of course is weight...fresh and gray water, plumbing etc. I know Boeing used to have a system that recirculated the same 50 gallons over and over. Any thoughts?

 

“Well, you know Jeff Bonner’s group (JBRND) have some really good shower designs. I think you're sort of looking at two things. One is the mechanics, and one is the aesthetics, right? So, from that mechanics POV, I just accepted an aircraft recently and when I took a look at the water system, it was hugely complex. What they were trying to do and we're able to achieve was a recirculation of ‘hot’ water continuously within the lines which means that when I go to wash my hands at the sink or get in the shower, hot water is there relatively quickly. So, I think that's a very good idea but unfortunately nobody that I know of has found a simpler way to do it. I think a supplier like Monogram or others perhaps, have an opportunity to create something better and bring it to the marketplace.  

 

As for the Boeing system, recirculating the same 50 gallons – and cut the weight down that way, I think customer acceptance of that is still a ways away. It’s a good idea from a practical standpoint but most customers aren’t ready for that yet.  So, we have to ask the customer, how many showers a year, let’s say, will you be taking and is the trade-off of weight (which of course impacts range) worth it? Often when forced to examine the question, the answer is no. But in some cases, they just want it to have the ability to wash and refresh before landing. In that case, we go find them the best system out there at that moment."

 

Let’s talk contagion abatement, or air filtration for a minute. I'm a pretty big fan of ACA, a great company with a pretty amazing product. Can you tell us how you counsel your clients here in a post COVID world?

 

“Sure, so the classic air filtration is a simple HEPA filter on board, but then we also now have the plasma ionization system from ACA as you mentioned. Basically, what you're doing with that is you're able to take the mildew and bacteria and of course a very high percentage of the viruses out of the air that's recirculating through the cabin. So yes, I'm a big fan of that system too. I think it's a great solution and this is always a part of our conversations with the customer. Obviously, in the last few years it’s a conversation that’s come to the forefront and I think owners are now willing to pay for it because in the past it didn't mean as much. But now that narrative has all changed and people want to protect their families and guests, regardless of price. The reality is, that with a system like ACA’s, your breathing cleaner, far less contaminated air in your aircraft, than on the ground, if you're in a city."

 

This is where we drew our very enlightening conversation to a close - and so we’ll leave the completion oversight portion for another installment, but suffice to say, the business of purchasing and converting a transport category aircraft to VVIP is not something to enter into lightly...OR without expert guidance.

 

Mr. Chatfield and his company, Camber Aviation Management have a global reputation in this uniquely specialized field and they’re finding a growing market for their services – unfortunately earned on the backs of many bad experiences in prior decades when offerings like Camber’s, were largely nonexistent.