Luxury and Customization at Its Finest

Airbus Corporate Jets

, or simply ACJ, is a unit of Airbus

that specializes in transforming the company’s well-known airliners into business jet variants. The first aircraft of the ACJ family was the A319CJ, introduced in 1997 as an answer to Boeing Business Jet

program. Currently, Airbus uses almost all their models to create VIP configurations.

As of today, over 200 corporate aircraft have been ordered from the manufacturer, with over half of them being from the Airbus A320

family. Besides the obvious changes to the cabin and bespoke interiors, ACJs offer increased service ceilings and the ability to carry additional removable fuel tanks.

Besides the narrow-body options, Airbus also offers VIP wide-bodies, which are based on the Airbus A330

, Airbus A340

, Airbus A350

and Airbus A380

models. Between governments and private individuals, 89 of the above have been ordered so far and 84 delivered.

The primary customers of ACJs are governments, corporations, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, as the aircraft can cost upwards of $100 million. Below we will explore different models with their unique features and customization possibilities.

Understanding Airbus Corporate Jets

After Boeing

introduced its Boeing 737

-based Boeing Business Jet (BBJ), Airbus responded with its A319 Airbus Corporate Jet in the late 90s. Since then, the business unit has grown, supporting the development of over 200 aircraft of nine different models.

The ACJ offers a wide range of cabin concepts as well as the option to fully customize the interior according to customers’ needs. Airbus’s business jets are catered to government and official bodies. However, there were also instances of individual buyers. Charter services of the ACJ are offered by Luna Jet and Tag Aviation, among others, for those wanting to rent the aircraft.

Unlike commercial aircraft that have standard seating arrangements, the commercial variants are designed to reflect owners’ preferences. They include handcrafted furniture, bespoke interior designs and premium materials. Some models even include spas, private bedrooms, and dining areas, making the aircraft a flying residence.

Another significant benefit of the ACJs is enhanced performance and efficiency. For example, the standard version of the A320neo is able to cover distances of around 3,400 nautical miles, while the ACJ A320neo is able to fly across 6,000 nautical miles. Additionally, reduced passenger payload translates to lower fuel consumption, often making intercontinental trips possible.

Lastly, ACJ offers a highly personalized approach, with a lot of freedom in cabin design. Owners can decide to create separate zones for sleeping, meetings, relaxation, dining etc. While commercial aircraft have to follow strict regulatory rules. ACJ models can also incorporate more advanced soundproofing solutions and advanced air filtration systems, making for a quieter and smoother environment.

ACJ’s premier aircraft models

ACJ TwoTwenty

The corporate variant of the A220-100 was announced in October 2020 and the first aircraft will be delivered in April 2023. It can comfortably host 18 passengers and fly across 5,650 nautical miles. The aircraft can be equipped with removable auxiliary center tanks (ACT) and its total price comes to around $80 million.

The A220 was a design acquired by Airbus from Bombardier

in 2017, and its first flight was made at the end of 2021. The interior designs are made by Sylvain Mariat, offering four signature baseline ambiances:

• Avant-garde – Modern and contrasting
• Timeless – “Chic and calm”
• Quintessence – Nature-focused with a holistic and organic approach
• Special edition – Modern art inspired, made by Cyril Kongo

The aircraft offers 73 square meters of space, with the ability to split the cabin into six different zones. Airbus calls it its “first biz-jet.” However, the cabin is significantly larger than other aircraft in the class.

The cabin area of the biggest business jets:

The ACJ TwoTwenty can fly non-stop for 12 hours, covering 5,650 nautical miles. Airbus

highlights that it is the freedom and flexibility that they focus on while offering the highest levels of comfort and technology.

General specifications:

• MTOW Up to 174,165 lb
• MLW 148,592 lb
• MZFW 141,757 lb
• MFC 9,075 US gal (4 ACTs)
• Max range 6,000 nm
• Max cruise altitude 41,000 ft
• Engines CFM LEAP-1A or PW1100G

ACJneo

The ACJ Neo family features the ACJ319neo and ACJ320neo. These aircraft combine spacious and luxurious cabins with next-generation engines, creating one of the world’s most renowned “bizliners.”

Similarly to the airline counterparts, the ACJ320neo is a longer version of the ACJ319neo. The ACJ321neo is, however, the biggest narrow-body business jet on the market.

The ACJ Neo family offers non-stop intercontinental flights on routes such as Los Angeles – Tokyo or Dubai – Paris. The aircraft can fly for around 15 hours continuously and offer up to 96 square meters of floor space. The aircraft’s hourly operating costs are:

• ACJ319neo – $11,390
• ACJ320neo – $11,415

The manufacturer, however, promises enhanced resale value, as they can be easily refitted into standard passenger configuration.

ACJ330neo

The Airbus A330 is a family of wide-body airliners that was introduced as a medium to long-haul solution. Its cockpit is very similar to A320s or A340, lowering training costs. However, its size and performance are where the differences begin.

With the introduction of the new engine option (neo) and new winglets, the aircraft set a new standard in efficiency, range and environmental footprint. According to the manufacturer, the ACJ330neo can fly non-stop for 21 hours and offers 12% less fuel burn when compared with its predecessor.

Airbus advertises the ACJ330neo saying it has “hospital grade filtration” and that it offers the quietest cabin in its class. The floor area is comparable to that of a big house at 243 square meters and customers can choose to install over six separate temperature zones.

There are five interior options available by Airbus with the following pricing:

ACJ350

Called by the manufacturer “the ultimate wide-body” and for a reason. Airbus considers this aircraft to be the world’s most modern business wide-body with ultimate comfort, performance and luxury.

The ACJ350 offers up to 308 square meters of space with over eight different temperature zones. The experience of purchasing this wide-body aircraft is different from previous models, as Airbus puts particular weight on the customization and personalization process.

“From the second you leave your home on the ground, to the moment you board your home in the sky, you’re still at home.”

The interior design and layout is catered to customer’s needs, tastes, passions and preferences, with multiple designs delivered for choice and review by the ACJ

team.

This VIP Airbus A350

can fly non-stop for up to 22 hours and covers a range of 11,100 nautical miles. Airbus states that it burns 25% less fuel than other aircraft in its class and offers the greatest value compared to any other business jet.

General specifications:

• MTOW Up to 606,200 lb
• MLW 456.350 lb
• MZFW 431.450 lb
• MFC 43.980 US gal
• Max range 11,100 nm (25 pax)
• Max cruise altitude 43,000 ft
• Engines Rolls-Royce Trent XWB 84

Personalized flying experience

The ACJ team works closely with every customer to create designs that fit their lifestyle, preferences and needs. The company states that the aircraft needs to “reflect their customer’s vision.”

This is done by gathering needed information through a series of conversations and forms by the design team, who later submit proposed designs for review by the customer. As the aircraft can be fitted with many amenities, such as areas for different class seats, relaxation rooms, bathrooms, offices and more, it is vital to understand what the purpose of the purchase is.

The designs can be viewed in ACJ’s showrooms using a 1:1 scale layout of the aircraft projected on the floor and through a tour using Virtual Reality glasses. Customers can choose to personalize materials, technologies, layouts, systems, aesthetics and, in some cases, even performance options (such as additional fuel tanks).

Leading in personalized flying experience

Airbus Corporate Jets are a synonym of luxury and exclusivity in private aviation. Thanks to a wide range of models, from the smallest ACJ TwoTwenty to their flagship ACJ350, customers can choose an aircraft that fits their needs and be sure to receive the highest quality on the market.

The company always reaches to distant lengths in order to meet the client’s expectations. In 2012, they even catered to an order for an A380 corporate jet with a design of three decks (one in a cargo compartment). The sale finally didn’t materialize, and the aircraft was sold as a standard airliner. This shows, however, the dedication and flexibility of the team to satisfy the customers.

In conclusion, the Airbus Corporate Jets offer unmatched comfort, modern fly-by-wire technology and prestige, making travel that much more delightful. For those looking for something beyond standard private jets, ACJ offers unlimited personalization and industry-leading performance to ensure satisfaction.