At this year’s EBACE in Geneva Airbus announced to begin final assembly of the first ACJ320neo in June in Hamburg, Germany.
The ACJ320neo “Family” includes ACJ319neo and ACJ320neo, both of which are based on the company’s best-selling A320neo airliner family.
Long anticipated, first ACJ320neo is due to be delivered to Acropolis Aviation of the United Kingdom in the last quarter of 2018, and will be followed by second aircraft headed for Comlux of Switzerland.
Second member of the family ACJ319neo,will be delivered to K5 Aviation, Germany, in the second quarter of 2019.
In total, Airbus has received nine orders – six for ACJ320neos and three for ACJ319neos.
Neo stands for “new engine option” with a choice of CFM International LEAP-1A or Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines.
The ACJ320neo Family will come with the customers’ choice of engines and wingtip sharklets which save around 15% in fuel while improving range.
According to Airbus, the ACJ319neo can fly eight passengers 6,750 nm/12,500 km or 15 hours; while the ACJ320neo can transport 25 passengers 6,000 nm/11,100 km or 13 hours.
ACJ320neo Family planes include a reinforced cargo hold to carry additional centre tanks for intercontinental range, built-in air stairs for airport autonomy, and an improved environmental-control system which lowers the cabin altitude to 6,400 feet at cruise flight on both aircraft.
Both models offer fly-by-wire controls, advanced avionics and more comfort.
The cabins are about 12 feet wide; ACJ320neo is about 90 feet long, while ACJ319neo is 78 feet long.
Last year, Airbus unveiled an interior concept for the ACJ320neo called “Melody” that features light colors, curved lines, acoustically modified cabin with three 65-inch curved entertainment monitors, an oversized main lounge, and a real kitchen.
There is a “sky ceiling,” designed by The Atelier Pagnani Automobili, a lot of cabin curves, and cabin panels that can change from clear to opaque electronically. The layout of the 950-square-foot cabin features separate cinema, dining, and lounge areas.
While Airbus does not reveal exact prices, a company spokesman said the tab will be around $95 million for the ACJ320neo and $85 million for the ACJ319neo.
