General Aviation First ACJ320neo takes to the skies
The first ACJ320neo has successfully completed its first flight. The aircraft is the first VIP A320neo to ever be built by Airbus.
Registered as D-AVVL, the first ACJ320neo has taken to the skies for the first time. The aircraft took off from the Airbus plant at Hamburg-Finkenwerder and performed a two hour and 40 minute long first flight. The day after, the aircraft was transferred to Toulouse, France.
The good start marks the beginning of the aircraft´s short test-programme. Airbus´ VIP version of the popular A320neo Family – from which over 500 aircraft are in airline service already – features additional fuel-tanks that allow the aircraft to fly even further on intercontinental routes. Moreover, a greater cabin-pressure will deliver better passenger comfort.
“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.
After all test have been performed successfully, the aircraft will be delivered to Acropolis Aviation in the upcoming months. Then, the aircraft will undergo cabin outfitting in Basle, Switzerland, by company AMAC. The aircraft will receive a new coat of paint in Basle as well.
Airbus´ ACJ320 Family now comprises the ACJ319neo, which can fly eight passengers 6,750 nautical miles (12,500km) for 15 hours. The ACJ320neo can fly 25 passengers 6,000 nautical miles (11,100km) for more than 13 hours.
Along with the ACJ320neo Family, Airbus also offers VIP wide-body jets like the ACJ330neo and the ACJ350 XWB. The manufacturer´s ACJ programme has seen 190 aircraft delivered to worldwide VIP customers.
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Source © airbus.com