The ACJ320neo test program is underway following the first flight from Hamburg on November 16. The aircraft is derived from the A320neo airliner family, of which 500 are in service. The corporate jet version offers improved cabin pressure, and greater range, courtesy of extra fuel tanks in the cargo hold.
These features are being tested before delivery of the aircraft to Acropolis Aviation in the coming months. The aircraft will then undergo cabin outfitting by AMAC in Basel, Switzerland, and be repainted in customer colors.
“The ACJ320neo first flight heralds a new Airbus corporate jet era, delivering a range of improvement that enables non-stop travel between even more cities, in what is widely recognized as the best cabin of any business jet,” said Benoit Defforge, ACJ president. “The ACJ320neo family’s improved fuel efficiency also means that it compares even more favorably in operating costs with traditional business jets.”
The ACJ320 family now comprises the ACJ319neo, flying eight passengers 6,750 nautical miles (12,500km) or more than 15 hours; and the ACJ320neo, flying 25 passengers 6,000 nautical miles (11,100km) or more than 13 hours. Both aircraft feature new-generation engines and Sharklets.
