Aerospace

ACJ320neo corporate jet makes first test flight

Posted 19 November 2018

The first ACJ320neo successfully completed a two hour and 40-minute first flight from Hamburg on 16th November, initiating its short test-programme.

Above: The first ACJ320neo made a successful first flight from Hamburg on 16th November 2018.
Copyright Airbus

Derived from the popular A320neo airliner family, some 500 of which are in airline service, the corporate jet version includes features such as extra fuel-tanks in the cargo-hold that will deliver even more intercontinental range, plus greater cabin-pressure for better passenger comfort.

These features are being tested before delivery of the aircraft to Acropolis Aviation in the coming months. The aircraft will then undergo cabin outfitting by AMAC in Basle, Switzerland, and be repainted in customer colours. Acropolis Aviation provides luxury charter aviation based at Farnborough Airport, with a complementary sales office in Fort Lauderdale, USA. Its current Airbus ACJ319 entered service in March 2010, providing service in the high-end charter market.

“The ACJ320neo first flight heralds a new Airbus corporate jet era, delivering a range improvement that enables nonstop travel between even more cities, in what is widely recognised as the best cabin of any business jet,” said ACJ President Benoit Defforge. “The ACJ320neo Family’s improved fuel-efficiency also means that it compares even more favourably in operating costs with traditional business-jets,” he added.

Continuous improvements mean that the ACJ320 Family now comprises the ACJ319neo, flying eight passengers 6,750 nm/12,500 km or more than 15 hours, and the ACJ320neo, flying 25 passengers 6,000 nm/11,100 km or more than 13 hours.

Both aircraft feature fuel-saving new-generation engines and Sharklets, and deliver more comfort and space than traditional business jets with similar operating costs.

Airbus also offers a complete family of VIP widebodies that can carry even more passengers nonstop to the world - including the new ACJ330neo and ACJ350 XWB.

Today, the customers of more than 190 ACJs benefit from the robust reliability and worldwide support that comes from their airliner heritage, plus services tailored to corporate jet needs.