Hamburg-based aviation company Lufthansa Technik has been commissioned to kit out an Airbus ACJ320neo bizliner with the ultimate modern VIP cabin.
As reported by AsianAviation, Lufthansa Technik recently got an order from an unnamed private customer, requiring a custom interior designed for the new bizliner with a completion date falling somewhere around mid-2024.
The bizliner will be available for private travel as well as for charter operations, setting a new standard of VIP interiors for private business jets and narrowbody VIP cabins. And while the world of private business jets is quite niche, seeing Lufthansa Technik’s plans come to fruition is a fascinating look into what’s possible for non-commercial aircraft as a function of the latest in technology.
The entirety of the VIP jet’s inflight entertainment and communications system will be based on the latest generation satellite communication system, opening up the company’s designers to the owner’s very specific requirements that the cabin function much like a modern smart home. This means passengers onboard the bizliner are able to steam any content on numerous retractable displays that have been fitted out across the cabin, which has enough capacity for just 19 passengers.
Other requirements from the customer reportedly include a cabin with a large open entrance and a seamless connection between the lounge and office areas, with a private master bedroom suite at the rear of the aircraft. This will help make the ACJ230neo more viable for both private and commercial flight operations.
“We were able to convince the customer not only with our world-leading design, engineering and cabin completion expertise, but with a complete package of tailor-made services,” said Michael von Puttkamer, vice president of Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik when talking to Business Jet Interiors International.
“We are the only company in the world that can offer such a comprehensive package for VIP aircraft from a single source.”
As above, this specific Airbus ACJ320neo bizliner will not just be for private use by the owner and his family, but also be made available for commercial flight operations after Lufthansa Technik obtains a Supplemental Type Certification for dual use.
This means individual travel groups may be able to charter this jet once it’s delivered – a commercial endeavor made possible by the jet’s four auxiliary fuel tanks and PW1100 geared turbofans, designed to achieve the full range specific by Airbus Corporate Jets for this type and help keep the weight of the cabin interior within narrow limits.
This Airbus ACJ320neo bizliner will be ready for its first flight in mid-2024. Once delivered, will be the ninth ACJ320neo business jet in service.
