Can Be Quick-Changed For Troop, Government Use

Aero-News has learned the Czech Republic has ordered two Airbus Corporate Jetliners (ACJs), bringing the total number of sales for the ACJ series to some 70 aircraft.

The Czech Republic also announced it has selected CFM56-5 engines to power its Airbus ACJs -- which will consume much less fuel than the Tupolev Tu-154s that they will replace. It is expected the Airbus ACJs will deliver significant savings in operational and maintenance costs to the government fleet.

A quick-change kit will also allow the Czech Republic’s ACJs to transport either troops or government officials, allowing the most efficient use of the aircraft. Cabin-outfitting will be carried out by Lufthansa Technik, in Hamburg.

The Czech Republic is the third European government to select the Airbus ACJ, which is already in service with the Italian and French Air Forces. Other governments that have selected the Airbus ACJ include those of Azebaijan, Brazil, Qatar, Thailand and Venezuela -– as well as several Middle East states.

The Airbus ACJ Family comprises the A318 Elite, ACJ and A320 Prestige, which are derived from the popular A318, A319 and A320 airliners. They offer the widest, tallest and most comfortable cabins of any corporate jet, plus the most modern design, excellent reliability and all the benefits of Airbus’ worldwide product support network.

Airbus’ A320 Family features a choice of modern engines, fuel-saving aerodynamic design that includes wingtip fences, and extensive use of weight-saving composites. The aircraft are also unique in offering cost-saving cockpit commonality, fly-by-wire controls and centralized maintenance -– benefits that are also shared by every Airbus passenger aircraft in production today.

With more than 4,300 firm orders to their credit, over 2,600 aircraft in service, and more than 200 customers and operators, the Airbus A320 Family is the world’s most successful airliner range.

FMI: www.airbus.com/en/aircraftfamilies/acj/