Acropolis Aviation, one of Europe’s leading luxury air charter companies, 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 today for the newest member of the Airbus family with John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer – Customers, and Benoit Defforge, Managing Director of Airbus Corporate Jets, at the European Business Aviation Convention (Ebace) in Geneva, Switzerland.

“In finalising this order, 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,” says Bousfield.

The new aircraft will have a range of 6,000 nm/11,100 km. 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, Leahy says: "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 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, US and Europe.  With the new aircraft we will gain an improved range of 6,000 nm/11,100 km, which means clients can fly from London (UK) to Los Angeles (US), Johannesburg (South Africa) or Tokyo (Japan) direct and London to Sydney (Australia) with one refuelling stop,” says Bousfield.

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

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,” says Bousfield.  “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 the G-NOAH, which will become available for sale in late 2018.

Acropolis Aviation is a leading provider of luxury charter aviation and turnkey aircraft management services. Acropolis is based at TAG Farnborough Airport, the UK's premier business aviation airport, with a complementary sales office in New York, USA.  Headed by CEO Bousfield, the company employs 28 personnel.  

Its flagship ACJ319 entered service in March 2010 and has gained a reputation for excellent service in the high-end charter market.  The company manages a Falcon 7X on a separate AOC, also available for charter, plus a privately owned Mediterranean-based Challenger 605.  Acropolis holds Wyvern Wingman and Argus Gold-rated safety accreditations.

Its current ACJ319 G-NOAH is regarded in the industry as one of the most luxurious charter aircraft.  Its cabin, designed by Alberto Pinto and outfitted by the Airbus Corporate Jet Centre, features an open-plan forward lounge, intimate rear lounge, separated by a mid-cabin conference and dining room. 

The private master bedroom features a king size bed, luxury en suite bathroom and a large, rectangular shower, the first to be installed in an ACJ.  Seating 19 passengers, the aircraft can accommodate up to 13 on fully lie-flat beds.

Coinciding with today’s announcement, Acropolis also launched its new website - www.acropolis-aviation.com - at the show.

Acropolis is exhibiting at Ebace, which runs until May 21 at the Palexpo centre in Geneva, on the Avinode Stand Q090.

Originally launched in December 2010, the Airbus A320neo will be delivered to first operator Qatar Airways in the fourth quarter of this year.  The aircraft is already the fastest selling single aisle commercial airliner ever, with around 3,800 firm orders from 71 airline customers.  It made its maiden flight in September 2014.

The single aisle Airbus ACJ320neo introduces the Sharklet, a 2.4-m tall wingtip that offers a major step forward in aerodynamics and efficiency. NOx emissions are 50 per cent below the Committee of Aviation Environmental Protection Tier 6 requirements. With significantly reduced external aircraft noise, the A320neo achieves a cumulative 15dB below Chapter 4 requirements.  Take-off distance is 1,980m at MTOW of 79 tonnes.  The two new engine options are the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofan or CFM International’s LEAP-1A.  Both offer a cumulative 7dB reduction in external noise.

Acropolis Aviation’s ACJ320neo is expected to enter service after cabin completion by early 2020.