Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) has won the first A321LR order for two aircraft from Lufthansa Technik, which they say highlights the market appeal and versatility of the A320neo Family. The aircraft will be multi-role capable and can be equipped for various types of missions, such as troop transport, different MedEvac role setups (medical evacuation) and will be operated by the German Air Force (Luftwaffe). Lufthansa Technik has now placed a total order of five Airbus aircraft on behalf of the German Government: three ACJ350-900s and two A321LRs. The A321LRs will be able to fly up to 163 passengers, up to 6 intensive care patients and up to 12 medium care patients, depending on the installed configuration, with a maximum range of 4,200nm/7,800km or 9.5 flight hours.
“We are thrilled Lufthansa Technik has become the launch customer for the ACJ long-range version of the world’s best-selling A321neo,” said Benoit Defforge, ACJ president. “The ACJ320 Family features the widest cabin of any single-aisle aircraft in the sky, providing the greatest passenger comfort and intercontinental range. Lufthansa Technik and the German Government have a long-standing relationship with Airbus and we are proud of this new milestone order with us.”
The A321LR is a member of the A320neo Family with more than 7,400 orders by more than 110 customers. It delivers 30% fuel savings and nearly 50% reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation competitor aircraft, according to the company.
Featuring a huge cabin for business jet use, while being similar in size to competing large-cabin aircraft, the ACJ320neo family has similar operating costs. Airbus says it can do this because its lower maintenance and training overheads – part of its airliner heritage – deliver a similar total cost when combined with fuel and navigation and landing charges.
Around 12,000 Airbus aircraft are in service worldwide, supported by a globe-spanning network of spares and training centers, giving corporate jet customers unmatched support in the field. Airbus corporate jet customers also benefit from services tailored to their particular needs, such as the “one call handles all” corporate jet customer care center (C4you), and customized maintenance programs.
Combined with the inherent reliability that comes from aircraft designed to fly many times a day, the aircraft is “dependable and available when customers need it.”
Airbus corporate jets are some of the world’s most modern aircraft family. Features include the protection and simplicity of fly-by-wire controls, the benefits of Category 3B autoland, and time and cost-saving centralized maintenance on all systems.
Around 200 Airbus corporate jets are in service on every continent, including Antarctica, highlighting their versatility in challenging environments.