New Version Brings Extra Features And Options
Sometimes a business jet has its roots in an airplane that is intended to carry hundreds of people, rather than a few executives and VIPs. That's the case with the Airbus ACJ318 Enhanced, a new version of the smallest member of the their corporate jet family, which embodies new features and introduces a catalogue of optional extras.
The Airbus ACJ318 Enhanced ... unveiled at the NBAA convention on Monday, introduces new elements as standard - such as a more elegant cabin decor, new seats and high-definition in-flight entertainment – as well as formalising options such as fuel-saving Sharklets, a shower and a cinema lounge. “We’ve always had a culture of innovation at Airbus,” points out Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy, “and the Airbus ACJ318 Enhanced’s cabin and efficiency improvements will help us to deliver even more value to customers - as well as giving the aircraft a fresher feel on the inside and a more lively look on the outside.”
New features that are standard on the Airbus ACJ318 Enhanced include domed ceilings and window-shades throughout the cabin, which provide a more comfortable feel and ambiance, new linings allowing a better integration of overhead lights and air supply outlets, and light-emitting diode (LED) illumination throughout. Others include a wider choice of seats, including a new Benvolio VIP seat with more comfortable curves and a more stylish shape, high-definition (HD) in-flight entertainment with Blu-ray player, state-of-the-art displays and HDMI interfaces for external equipment, and a new passenger information system.
Sharklets on the wingtips, which make the aircraft look nicer, as well as saving fuel and extending range, a shower in the ensuite bathroom to allow a fresher arrival, the ability to transform the aft lounge into a cinema, and mood-lighting. Other options include ipod and ipad interfaces, including for cabin management, wireless local area network (LAN), even greater soundproofing, and a humidifier.
Numerous other detail improvements incorporating the views and suggestions of customers, as well in-service experience, complete the Airbus ACJ318 Enhanced offering.
Airbus has their full line of Business jets from the ACJ318 to the ACJ380. During the conference they indicated that the first ACJ380 is still being assembled and interior completion. An Airbus ACJ319 was at the Static Display allowing NBAA attendees to see the possibilities of the large class airframes. Operated by Comlux on VVIP charters, the Airbus ACJ319 entered service earlier this year, and is being shown at NBAA for the first time.
(Images provided by Airbus)