Airbus Industrie has launched a corporate-jet version of the A319, the A319CJ, in direct competition with the Boeing Business Jets 737. Meanwhile the consortium has handed over the first of 28 A319s for United Airlines during a ceremony held at the air show.
The A319 has been in passenger service since April 1996, and will receive only minimal modifications for the corporate-jet role, allowing, says Airbus, the use of the original A319 commercial-type certificate. This contrasts with Boeing, which has married the fuselage of the new 737-700 with the wing of the -800.
Airbus says that its minimal-change approach "-means that the aircraft will retain maximum residual value to customers since it can be converted back to a passenger jet and sold on the market".
The interior design will allow for between eight and 50 passengers in what Airbus describes as "true widebody comfort". Maximum range of the A319CJ is 11,655km (6,300nm), although Airbus says that this can be "tailored" by changing the number of auxiliary fuel tanks in the cargo hold. The aircraft will be available from the end of 1999, says Airbus.
Source: Flight International
