Airbus ACJ Family Grows Larger and Smaller

The Airbus Corporate Jetliner family has just grown bigger, with the introduction of its newest member, the smaller A318 Elite. The Elite offers less range (up to 4,000 nm) and a shorter cabin than the Airbus 320. Airbus said Germany’s Lufthansa Technik will outfit the Elite with a choice of two cabin layouts seating up to 14 and 18 passengers, respectively, with seats clustered in several lounge areas throughout the cabin. Airbus is working on certifying the Elite to a steep approach capability of 5.5 degrees to allow the airplane to meet stringent noise-abatement procedures and obstacle avoidance at several airports. Meanwhile, Airbus announced that sales of ACJ family aircraft have now surpassed 50.