VIP Airliner
Airbus ACJ318
Range
4,200 NM
Cruise speed
470 kts
Seats
19
History
In 1997 Airbus started its own corporate jet line, prompted by the success of Boeing's Business Jet. It began with the ACJ319 and added the smaller ACJ318 in 2004. Based on the A318 airliner, the ACJ318 is the most compact aircraft in the Airbus corporate range, and it was produced from 2007 to 2013.
Although its fuselage is shorter, the cabin keeps the full 3.69 m width and 2.26 m height of the larger ACJs, which gives far more interior space than a conventional business jet, and it is usually divided into four separate zones. Extra fuel tanks provide intercontinental range, and the aircraft uses fly-by-wire controls with CFM International or Pratt & Whitney PW6000 engines.
The ACJ318 is also certified for steep approaches, and few aircraft of its size have that clearance for demanding airports such as London City. Combined with its airliner cabin, that gives VIP groups access to city-centre airports that many business aircraft cannot use. Airbus ended production in 2013 to concentrate on the ACJneo family.
Technical Specifications
General information
| Model name | ACJ318 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| Aircraft category | VIP airliner |
| ICAO Designator | A318 |
| Start/End of Production | 2007 - 2013 |
| Number of pilot(s) | 2 |
Performances
| Range (with IFR reserves) | 4200 NM (7778 km) |
|---|---|
| Ferry range | 4300 NM (7964 km) |
| Cruise speed | 470 kts (870 km/h) |
| Max Operating Speed – VMO | 350 KIAS |
| Max Mach Operating Speed - MMO | Mach 0.82 |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed - LRC | 444 KTAS |
| Approach Speed | 130 kts |
| Takeoff Distance | 1790 m |
| Average Landing Distance | 1235 m |
| Rate of Climb | 1350 ft/min |
| Service Ceiling | 41000 ft |
| Thrust | 22705 lbf |
Aircraft technology
| Engine type | Turbofan |
|---|---|
| Engine(s) | CFM International CFM56-5B or PW6000 |
| Avionics | Digital remote control system, LCD displays |
Dimensions and capacity
| Aircraft length | 31.46 m |
|---|---|
| Aircraft height | 12.53 m |
| Wing span | 34.08 m |
| Cabin height | 2.26 m (7.4 ft) |
| Cabin length | 21.4 m (70.2 ft) |
| Cabin width | 3.69 m (12.1 ft) |
| Baggage volume | 12.2 m3 |
| Seats (standard config) | 19 |
| Seats (max) | 132 |
| Suitcases | 18 |
| Carry-on luggage | 18 |
| Maximum payload | 15000 kg |
| Maximum TakeOff Weight - MTOW | 68000 kg |
| Maximum Landing Weight - MLW | 57500 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 24210 L |
FAQ
Is the ACJ318 more expensive to run than a large business jet?
Per flight hour, usually yes. Because it comes from an airline platform, the ACJ318 costs more to operate than large-cabin jets like the Dassault Falcon 8X, Bombardier Global 7500 or Gulfstream G650. With 19 seats in a wide, tall cabin, though, the cost per passenger can compare well when the aircraft flies close to full. Our advisors price each trip individually, taking in the route, dates, aircraft positioning and operator.
Can the ACJ318 cabin include a bedroom, lounge or office?
Yes. The cabin is large enough for a private bedroom, a lounge or an office, and a dining area is a common addition. Heads of state, companies and families often pick the aircraft for intercontinental trips for that reason.
How does the ACJ318 differ from the ACJ319 and ACJ320?
Of the Airbus corporate jets, the ACJ318 is the most compact. Its fuselage is as wide as those of the ACJ319 and ACJ320 but shorter and lighter overall, so it costs less to operate and still seats 19 in a standard layout. It also holds steep-approach approval, so it can operate into London City, which is closed to the larger ACJs.
Which routes can the ACJ318 fly non-stop?
With IFR reserves the ACJ318 is rated for 4,200 nm (7,778 km). That is enough for London to New York or Paris to Dubai without a stop, depending on the passenger load and winds. Longer sectors call for a larger ACJ or a long-range business jet.
Gallery
Figures are published manufacturer data, shown for illustration only. Images are generated for this concept and show the ACJ318 type, not a specific aircraft. Airbus and ACJ318 are trademarks of their owner, used only to identify the aircraft.