Airbus has formally included the re-engined A330neo in its corporate jet line-up, offering up to 17.5% more range than the baseline A330 version.
The aircraft, designated the ACJ330neo, will have the capability to operate up to 9,400nm if configured for 25 passengers, says the airframer.
Airbus detailed the addition of the executive aircraft during the EBACE show in Geneva.
“The ACJ330neo offers an unbeatable combination of modern design, proven capability and productivity, as well as being part of the world’s best-selling widebody family,” claims Airbus chief operating officer for customers John Leahy.
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Airbus intends to put the A330neo, fitted with Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, into regular passenger service in 2018. The ACJ330neo will be developed from both the A330-900 and the smaller, but longer-range, A330-800 models of the re-engined twinjet.
The market for VIP widebodies has tailed off recently. Airbus delivered only one ACJ model last year – an ACJ330.
Customers also took delivery in 2016 of only one widebody Boeing Business Jet, a variant of the 777-300ER, according to data released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).
But BBJ deliveries picked up in the first quarter this year. Boeing delivered one each of BBJ derivatives of the 777-300ER, 787-8 and 787-9 up to 31 March, GAMA’s database shows. Airbus did not deliver any narrowbody or widebody ACJs in the first quarter.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
