Story ID: 
Airbus Books ACJ319neo Order
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: The aircraft will expand Alpha Star's VIP charter operation.
Word Count: 157
Airbus wrote its first order for an Airbus ACJ319neo from Riyadh-based Alpha Star. Delivery of the aircraft is anticipated in the second quarter of 2019. Alpha Star must still select engines for the aircraft and define the cabin. The aircraft will be used to help expand the company’s VIP charter operation, making it among the largest in the Middle East, says the company.

Alpha Star already owns, manages and operates a fleet comprising ACJ318s, ACJ319s, ACJ320s, an ACJ330 and an ACJ340, along with other aircraft types.

The order is the second for a corporate variant of Airbus’s recently launched “neo” series. Airbus launched the ACJneo during EBACE with an order from Farnborough-based operator Acropolis Aviation for an ACJ320neo. That aircraft will be delivered in 2018 and outfitted for 19 passengers. The neo series is fitted with more efficient engines, wingtip-mounted sharklets, and upgraded fuel and baggage capacity.