Airbus has launched the ACJneo (New Engine Option) Family with an order for an ACJ320neo from Acropolis Aviation of Farnborough, near London, which is the first to order the new aircraft.

Delivery of Acropolis’ ACJ320neo, which will seat 19 passengers, is planned for the fourth  quarter of 2018. Cabin outfitting details and engine choice will be decided later.

Airbus’ ACJ320neo features new, more efficient, engines, wingtip-mounted Sharklets, and a more comfortable cabin. Together, these improve fuel burn, range and performance, while delivering an even better ride. The ACJ320neo will be able to fly 25 passengers 6,000 nm/11,100 km.

“Our passengers and team have been delighted with our Airbus ACJ319 and the success that it has achieved with VVIP charter flights over the past five years,” says Acropolis Aviation CEO Jonathan Bousfield. “We are excited and proud to be the first launch-customer for the ACJ320neo, which is the cornerstone of our planning for a successful future,” he adds.

Airbus’ ACJ320neo will be complemented by a new ACJ319neo, also with new engines, Sharklets and a more comfortable cabin, which can fly eight passengers 6,750nm/12,500km.

“Airbus prides itself on innovation and having the world’s most modern aircraft family, so launching the ACJneo Family is a natural next step for us in growing the Airbus corporate jet lineup,” comments Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy. “The ACJneo allows us to offer even more of the comfort, range and value sought by our customers,” he adds.

Airbus corporate jets’ airliner heritage means that they offer the widest and tallest cabins of any business jet, while being similar in size externally. It also means that they can carry the larger groups that companies, individuals and governments often want to fly. Airbus corporate jets also feature the robust reliability demanded by airlines, and are supported by a worldwide network serving the needs of more than 8,000 aircraft and over 500 customers and operators.

Airbus corporate jets were the first with the enhanced ergonomics and practical protection of fly-by-wire controls that are today’s industry standard. They are still the only aircraft in the top-of-the-line bizliner category to do so. They also feature the common cockpit of all Airbus aircraft produced today, extensive weight-saving materials, and cost-saving centralised maintenance.

More than 170 corporate jets have been sold to date, and they are flying on every continent, including Antarctica, highlighting their versatility.

Press Release and image: Airbus