Aircraft

Airbus is to offer the smallest of its airliner-class business jets in only two cabin layouts, in order to match the price point of existing large cabin business aircraft.

In a deal signed today with cabin interiors specialist Lufthansa Technik (LHT), the airframer revealed that the A318 Elite will be sold with standardised interiors, in 14- and 18-seat configurations (pictured below). LHT will manufacture and fit the two layouts, the Elite and Elite Plus, in a choice of fabric colours, but fixed to a component-based design.

The launch customer for the interiors is Zurich-based Comlux, which signed today with LHT for completion its three aircraft, ordered late last year.

The A318 Elite is the smallest member of the Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) family, which also included the A319 CJ and the A320 Prestige. Airbus is targeting the A318 Elite at medium-sized companies to act as a corporate shuttle, with offices and fully reclinable seats.

“Airbus’s A318 Elite will offer executive and VIP travellers a better, more affordable way to fly, with several different zones in the cabin providing unmatched privacy for work and relaxation for even the most diverse groups and delegations,” says Comlux chief executive Ettore Rodaro. 

Pictures: Lufthansa Technik