The long-term sales war between Airbus Industrie and Boeing recently saw hostilities spread from the airliner world to that of the business jet. Both companies are producing derivatives of their smaller twinjets to satisfy the requirements of companies, and even individuals, requiring the last word in range, spaciousness and luxury.

The Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ), based on the A319 airliner, is now a reality, with completion of the first aircraft (pictured) following its delivery to an outfitting center in Zurich late last year. Operated by the Al Kharafi group of Kuwait, but registered in the United Kingdom, it provides the vehicle for the ultimate in one-upmanship: 'Mohammed Al Kharafi' painted on the forward fuselage.

During this year's Paris Air Show an ACJ flew non-stop from Santiago, Chile, to the French capital to emphasize the aircraft's long legs. A second publicity coup for the European plane-maker was this impressive formation of current airliners, led by an ACJ and also comprising the A320, A321, A310-300, A300-600, A330-200, A340-300 and A300-600ST 'Beluga.' It is a fleet of four (soon to be five) of the last-mentioned which carries major airframe components from various European factories to final assembly plants in France and Germany.