Airbus has unveiled a new member of its Airbus Corporate Jet
(ACJ) family, aimed squarely at taking on the long-range sector of the
conventional business jet market, not otherwise seen as Airbus territory. With
an order for three aircraft (plus three options) from Switzerland's Comlux
Aviation, the newly announced A318 Elite is being positioned as a direct
challenger to aircraft like the Gulfstream 450, Global 5000 and Falcon 900EX.
Airbus says the A318 Elite offers the same 4,000-nmi range
of these rivals but with a 5,300 cu ft cabin volume that is three times their
size. The A318 Elite will be certified for a glideslope of 5.5 degrees,
permitting operations into small airports such as London City.
The A318 Elite is priced in a bracket that is around 10% to
15% cheaper than the A319ACJ, says Airbus. Launch customer Comlux is a growing,
Zurich-based charter provider that became an A319ACJ customer earlier this
year. That aircraft will be delivered in May 2006. The first of its new A318
Elites will be placed into service during first quarter 2007, and all three
jets will be operational by the end of that year.
Comlux CEO Ettore Rodaro told Show News, "Our customers are
very interested in space, and with so few aircraft in this class available for
charter we are going to make a big difference. Our typical clients are high
net-worth individuals and major companies— they are serious individuals; we are
not in the 'showbiz' market. Comlux is strong in Europe, Russia, Central Asia
and the Middle East, and we hope to expand into the U.S. with these new
long-range aircraft and have applied for [FAR] Part 129 operations.
"There is a very big requirement for aircraft like this out
of Moscow right now, and also in Central Asia. Countries there are very badly
served by the airlines to European destinations, and there are plenty of people
who can afford charter services."
The A318 Elite is being developed in an exclusive
partnership with Lufthansa Technik. The German ultra-large business jet
specialist has created two basic cabin configurations (for either 18 or 14
passengers) plus 11 additional options that should meet virtually all potential
customer needs. Lufthansa Technik also promises a speedy turnaround for A318
Elite customers, with a downtime of just four months.
Rodaro gives strong signals that Comlux's three optioned
aircraft will soon be firmed up. "There is a huge market out there for large
aircraft charter, but we are also looking at the business shuttle market very
closely. It may not be too long before we make the decision to connect some
interesting destinations."
Comlux has not yet selected engines for its aircraft and has
a choice between the CFM56 and the PW6000. Says Rodaro, "We have about a month
before we have to make that decision. We are still assessing both options, but
the Pratt & Whitney engine does look interesting."
