Acropolis Aviation to be first to receive all-new Airbus ACJ320neo
Acropolis Aviation, based at TAG Farnborough Airport, will be the launch customer of a brand new aircraft - the Airbus ACJ320neo. The aircraft will enter service in early 2020.

Acropolis CEO, Jonathan Bousfield, signed the contract for the newest member of the Airbus family with John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers and Benoit Defforge, Managing Director of Airbus Corporate Jets, during EBACE in Geneva last week.

“In finalising this today, we are committing to providing our discerning clientele with the newest and ultimate large-cabin aircraft well into the next decade. Our current ACJ319 performs at the top of the spectrum of client expectations with the largest cabin in its class. It is remarkable that the ACJ320neo will improve even further on these high specifications and standards,” said Jonathan.

Acropolis ACJ320neo

The new aircraft will have a range of 6,000nm/11,100km. With cabin space of 1,033 sq ft, 150 sq ft more than in the ACJ319, the ACJ320neo will have capacity for 140 bags and an even quieter cabin than the already super quiet ACJ319. It will also have an average lower cabin altitude of better than 6,400 feet, for improved passenger comfort.

Commenting on the launch order, John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, said: "I am delighted and especially proud to announce Acropolis Aviation as the launch customer for the ACJ320neo. It builds on Airbus's long relationship with one of the world's leading private aviation operators. We regard G-NOAH, its existing ACJ319, as an outstanding ambassador for Airbus Corporate Jets, and I am confident that the enhanced capabilities of the Airbus ACJ320neo will help to keep Acropolis at the forefront of the global private aviation market for many years to come.”

Farnborough, UK-based Acropolis began operations with the ACJ319 in 2010, and its aircraft G-NOAH, with its 19 luxury seats and VVIP cabin, is a highly regarded showcase for Airbus’ Corporate Jet fleet.

“Our ACJ319 with its 10-hour non-stop range is extremely popular in the high-end charter market, especially in the Middle East, USA and Europe. With the new aircraft we will gain an improved range of 6,000nm/11,100km, which means clients can fly from London to Los Angeles Johannesburg or Tokyo direct and London to Sydney with one refuelling stop,” said Jonathan Bousfield.

“Just like our existing ACJ aircraft, Acropolis’ ACJ320neo will have 180 minute ETOPS and Cat 3A low-visibility operations approvals,” he added. “Importantly too, Acropolis’ pilots and engineers will benefit from crew commonality, enabling a seamless transition from the ACJ319 to the ACJ320neo.”

G-NOAH: Acropolis' current ACJ319 based at TAG Farnborough Airport

The aircraft will accommodate up to 19 passengers in a VVIP configuration and will be fitted with start-of-the-art in-flight entertainment. “IFE and cabin connectivity is advancing at a rapid pace and we will ensure that our aircraft has the very latest technology, and is optimally configured for both work and leisure,” said Jonathan. “We look forward to keeping the charter community updated on developments as we progress towards service.”

The arrival at the end of the decade of the new Airbus ACJ320neo will replace today’s ACJ319 G-NOAH, which will become available for sale in late 2018.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 25th May 2015 | Issue #321
BlueSky - your weekly business and executive aviation news - every Thursday
Follow @blueskybizav on Twitter