Airbus

This prominent European based airframe manufacturer offers a range of converted airliners catering for the private business jet market. Such ‘Bizliners’ are branded as ACJ’s or Aircraft Corporate Jets comprising three derivatives of the single-aisle family. These include the A318 Elite, the ACJ (a version of the standard A319) and the A320 Prestige. However, the ACJ banner is also extended to the larger wide-bodied A330 and A340. The flagship is the VVIP A380 flying palace offering, ordered by a number of private customers.

Airbus Corporate Jetliner

The Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) was launched in 1997 being the first jet specifically designed by Airbus for the corporate market. Regarded as the most successful of its family class, the ACJ is a derivative of the standard A319. Like the A319, the ACJ is certified to carry 40 passengers according to the stringent rules under FAR Part 121/JAR Ops1. But unlike the A319, the ACJ specification sets it apart from its standard cousin. Specifically the reinforced structure permits the inclusion of extra fuel tanks for enhanced intercontinental range and a higher cruising altitude of 41,000 ft. Built in air stairs allows the ACJ to operate from airports generally restricted towards servicing smaller aircraft. Exhibiting a modern interior the ACJ boasts a greater capacity within its ample cabin than most top-of-the-range corporate jets in its class. The modern flight deck features the industry norm of fly-by-wire controls. This ‘Bizliner’ also achieves fuel and weight savings through the use of composites and advanced alloys within its aerodynamic airframe design.

Airbus Industries A320 Prestige

The single aisle family currently manufactured by Airbus are a direct a direct descendant of the successful Airbus A320. The A320 Prestige represents the corporate or VIP version of this proven airliner featuring the longest cabin in the ACJ family. With two additional fuel tanks installed in the cargo hold, the range of the A320 extends to encompass intercontinental flights. It shares the same modern characteristics as its stable mates, the A318 and ACJ. These include fly-by-wire controls supported by the Category 3B autoland and full-centralized maintenance features as standard. Dependent upon both cabin configurations as well as the chosen routes, the A320 Prestige can accommodate between 19 to 60 passengers.

Airbus Industries A318 Elite

The smallest offering under the ACJ brand, the A318 Elite represents an affordable alternative for new operators and those customers with lesser demands for cabin space and range. Zurich based charter company Comlux of Switzerland was the first to operate the Elite. Airbus has confirmed further customer orders for this ACJ. Certified for 5.5-degree approaches it is ideal for short runway airports such as London City. The Airbus Elite offers a choice of two cabin capacity options consisting of 14 or 18 passenger configurations. Airbus works in partnership with Lufthansa Technik when tailoring the cabin interior according to the requirements of the customer. The Airbus A318 Elite has a range of 4,000 nm (7,400 km) allowing it to fly non-stop between New York and London or from the Middle East to Europe with a loading of eight passengers on board.

Airbus Industries A380 Prestige

This double-deck, wide-body, four-engined airliner is the largest passenger airliner in the world. It made its first commercial flight on 25 October 2007 from Singapore to Sydney with Singapore Airlines. The upper deck extends along the entire length of the fuselage, allowing for a cabin with 50% more floor space than the next-largest airliner, the Boeing 747-400. Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, the billionaire investor dubbed the Saudi Arabian Warren Buffett, ordered the first VVIP variant at last year’s Dubai Air Show. The green airliner will be delivered in 2010 and outfitted by 2013. The Flying Palace is able to house several bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, plus extras such as a boardroom with space to seat up to 15 people. Airbus expects to sell at least 30 of the type.

Address

Airbus

1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte

31707 Blagnac Cedex

France

Phone: +33 5 61 93 32 59

www.airbus.com