Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ), the airline manufacturer’s executive aircraft sales division, arrives at the Singapore Airshow on the heels of a strong 2019, with nine aircraft sales inked, including its first ACJ350XWBs (Xtra Wide Bodies) sales, complemented by first deliveries of its ACJ320neo family models.

Last year’s sales included four ACJ350XWBs—the latest addition to ACJ’s VIP widebody family—with the German government buying three and one going to a private customer. The jumbo jet can fly 25 passengers 11,000 nm, or more than 22 hours non-stop, and incorporates a next-generation carbon composite airframe and in-flight wing morphing technology that increases efficiency and performance. While carbon fiber airframes can create challenges for custom interior outfittings, ACJ developed the Easyfit solution for the new widebody, providing hundreds of pre-equipped attachment points and standard system interfaces to simplify completions.

The corporate version of Airbus’s new engine option (neo) line, the ACJ320neo family, began deliveries to Airbus-approved completion facilities last year, the first—an ACJ320neo—was bound for launch customer Acropolis Aviation, a UK-based VIP charter operator. A second ACJ320neo and an ACJ319neo were also handed over, and all remain in completion, ACJ marketing director David Velupillai said. ACJ has notched 16 ACJneo sales in total.

The ACJ320neo can carry 25 passengers 6,000 nm, while the ACJ319neo can tote 19 passengers 6,750 nm, both at double-digit operational cost savings over previous generation ACJ320s.

ACJ (Chalet CD23-35) capped 2019 by partnering with French MRO Sabena Technics (E09) to offer directional infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) self-protection systems for its VIP airliners. DIRCM systems use infrared lasers to protect aircraft against missiles fired from man-portable air defense systems (manpads), today’s most widespread missile threat, according to the French airframer. The new security offering “expands and consolidates the widespread range of modern aircraft and services that ACJ offers,” ACJ president Benoit Defforge said.

Initially available for ACJ320 models, such anti-missile systems are available from several different companies, and Sabena will act as the system integrator. Some in-service ACJs are already equipped with DIRCMs offered through third-party manufacturers.

Meanwhile, ACJ has made it easier for high-end charter customers to book trips aboard its jets, having launched in October the iflyACJ.com website, created to “connect business jet travelers to ACJ operators,” said Defforge. The site provides access to the world’s 12 charter companies operating ACJs. “Just click to book a unique flying experience,” he added. 

ACJ doesn't have an executive airliner on static display in Singapore, and also absent is Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH), which markets corporate versions of the brand’s rotorcraft. ACJ and ACH have been appearing in tandem at recent trade events under the Business Aviation by Airbus banner to underscore the parent company’s message that “ACJ and ACH are part of the only manufacturer to offer both corporate jets and helicopters.”

Since its 2017 launch, ACH has teamed with bespoke design and automotive companies to create co-branded deluxe helicopter interiors, including Hermes and Mercedes-Benz, an approach most recently seen in January’s announcement of the Aston Martin Edition of the seven-passenger, single-engine ACH130.