First Airbus Corporate Jets TwoTwenty Takes Flight

Airbus Corporate Jets announced the completion of their TwoTwenty's first test flight, taking the newly completed jet on its maiden voyage from its home in Mirabel, France The aircraft will soon be delivered to Comlux for fitment with its VVIP cabin at their facility in Indiana, like the rest of the soon-to-be produced aircraft. 

Comlux won the exclusive outfitting rights for the first 15 aircraft of the TwoTwenty line, offering a range of cabin layout configurations with all the tech and luxury appointments expected from an ACJ. The TwoTwenty joins what Airbus refers to as "The Xtra Large Bizjet” market segment against Boeing's popular 737-derived BBJ variants. With the 2020 pandemic boost to business aviation worldwide, the time is right for Airbus to enter the race with suitably stiff competition of its own.

The TwoTwenty sports 6 relatively spacious 130 square-foot VIP living areas and a 12-hour, 5,650nm cruise range for optimum in-flight comfort. Of course, the freedom to select the interior layout can result in varying levels of opulence for its 18 estimated passengers. In commercial airline trim, the cabin could seat as many as 133 passengers, space that ACJ exchanges for comfortable, spacious accommodations instead. Optional luxuries include fully reclining sleeper seating, a full bar, 55-inch 4K televisions, an 8-seat dining table, a king-size bed, and a private bathroom with a fully plumbed rain shower all improve a long flight. 

Airbus has sold 200 of its corporate jets so far, but it remains to be seen how popular this new addition will be. Once Comlux completes its modifications to the interior for aircraft #1, a sale price may be gleaned through industry rumor, currently a mystery. Airbus has said they anticipated a price for the TwoTwenty between its competitors, the G700 and Global 7500, offering customers some interesting tradeoffs to make. Smaller jets may have a wider array of smaller airports to choose from, or in some cases longer range, higher speed, or better runway performance. The TwoTwenty brings impressive airline-class reliability with lower fuel burn, noise, and emissions, all important considerations in an increasingly ESG-conscious industry. 

FMI: www.acj.airbus.com