Airbus handed over the world’s first ACJ320neo to UK-based luxury charter operator Acropolis Aviation on January 16, 2019.
The handover was made at Airbus’s headquarters in Toulouse, France. The next step will see the cabin outfitted by AMAC Aerospace in Basel, Switzerland, with an interior designed to Acropolis’s specification by Alberto Pinto. The livery will also be tailored for Acropolis.
“This is an historic day for Acropolis Aviation, and we are very much looking forward to presenting the aircraft to our clients at the end of the year,” said Jonathan Bousfield, CEO at Acropolis Aviation.
The interior design was created by Alberto Pinto designer Yves Pickardt, who also styled Acropolis’s current ACJ319 (G-NOAH), which entered service in March 2010.
“Our new aircraft will be an evolution of our highly popular cabin in G-NOAH, retaining the traditional and comfortable style, and will continue to optimize the use of space to ensure the cabin is the market leader,” said Bousfield.
“The versatile accommodation is designed to appeal to our diverse range of travelers, from heads of state to private individuals flying on business and on leisure.”
The new ACJ320neo will accommodate 19 passengers. Areas include a private master bedroom leading to a luxury en-suite with larger shower. The forward lounge and dining areas have also been enlarged, and feature the latest technologies, including connectivity equipment, optimized for work and leisure.
“Delivery of the first ACJ320neo is the latest milestone in the roll-out of a completely new ACJ family, enabling even more of the comfort, range and value prized by business jet customers,” said Benoit Defforge, president of Airbus Corporate Jets.
The ACJ320neo is powered by new-generation engines and also features Sharklets. Airbus pointed out that more than 600 aircraft of the A320neo family are already flying with airlines. Features of the ACJ320neo type include extra fuel tanks in the cargo hold for greater range, increased maximum take-off weight and cruise altitude, an improved cabin atmosphere, and airstairs. Meanwhile, deliveries of the aircraft’s sibling, the ACJ319neo, are scheduled to begin in the coming months.
