DaimlerChrysler has ordered an Airbus A319 Corporate Jet (CJ) for delivery in early 2000. The aircraft will be operated by a new subsidiary company, DaimlerChrysler Aviation, based in Stuttgart, to ferry employees between the German city and the conglomerate's second headquarters in Detroit, USA.
Before it receives the International Aero Engines V2500-A5-powered A319CJ, DaimlerChrysler Aviation will lease an A320 from Transmeridian for a year. The latter is itself subleasing the aircraft, which will be fitted with a 50-seat interior, from Air Macau. Lufthansa Technik, which is performing the conversion, has already completed the C-check in Frankfurt and transferred the aircraft to Hamburg for modification.
DaimlerChrysler has acquired the Airbus aircraft because "-there is no direct link between Stuttgart and Detroit so this will save several hours from the journey time". The flights will also land at Detroit's Pontiac Airport, which is closer to the company's Auburn Hills offices than the city's main international airport.
Source: Flight International
