Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) has launched a business jet that it believes will create a new market segment, that of the ‘extra-large bizjet’. The ACJ TwoTwenty is a clean-sheet design based on the A220-100, and for the first time ACJ’s offering includes a flexible cabin catalogue.
Comlux’s completion centre in Indianapolis, Indiana, has been selected as ACJ’s exclusive partner for outfitting the first 15 cabins. Leveraging Comlux’s long-standing experience in business jet operations and cabin outfitting, its completion team is partnering with ACJ’s head of creative design, Sylvain Mariat.
Six of the aircraft have already been ordered – including two by Comlux. The first ACJ TwoTwenty by Comlux Aviation is targeted for entry into service in early 2023.
“The aircraft combines intercontinental range, unmatched personal space and comfort for all passengers,” said Benoit Defforge, president of ACJ. “This latest technology platform is offering unbeatable economics and unrivalled reliability. Based on its compelling market appeal, we see a promising demand for this aircraft in the growing business jet market.”
ACJ contends that while occupying the same parking space and being able to take off from the same airports as competing business jets, the ACJ TwoTwenty will offer three times more cabin space and reduce operating costs by a third. The OEM says the A220 family features a 50%-reduced noise footprint compared to previous-generation aircraft, and up to 25% lower fuel burn.
The interior will feature wi-fi throughout, plus technologies including electrochromatic windows and LED lighting. ACJ says the aircraft will offer “two times better connectivity than its competitors”. The cabin has 73m² (785ft²) of floor space distributed over six living areas, offering various interior arrangements and handcrafted furnishings. Up to 18 passengers will be able to work, share, dine and relax on board. The aircraft will have a range of 5,650 nautical miles (10,500km).
The VIP interior is supported by a flexible cabin catalogue, from which launch customer Comlux has selected the business and guest lounge as well as a private entertainment space and a private suite, including a bathroom. The cabin will be equipped with lie-flat seats, a US-king-size bed, a standing rain shower, a humidification system and connectivity.
“We are proud to be the launch customer of Airbus’ newest family member, the ACJ TwoTwenty, and the selected partner to outfit the cabin in our completion centre in Indianapolis,” said Richard Gaona, executive chairman and CEO of Comlux. “We have worked jointly with ACJ and shared our long experience in operating and completing all types of aircraft, to allow the new bizjet to offer more comfort and the latest cabin innovations available in the industry. Thanks to the unique combination of intercontinental range, comfort, extra space and second-to-none economics, we are convinced the aircraft will be a winner in the business aviation market.”
“We are honoured to see our long-standing client Comlux becoming the launch customer of our new ACJ TwoTwenty as well as our cabin completion partner on the programme,” said Defforge. “Our new extra-large bizjet will seamlessly complement Comlux’s portfolio – and we are convinced the aircraft will become a flagship addition to their fleet.”
ACJ is putting all its cabin design knowledge into this new aircraft, supported by the experience of having already delivered around 90 turnkey cabin solutions over several decades to clients all around the world. More than 200 Airbus corporate jets are in service on every continent, including Antarctica.
Click here for a video showcasing the interior.
