Saudi Arabia’s Alpha Star has become the first to announce a commitment for an Airbus ACJ319neo, consolidating its role as one of the largest VVIP charter operators in the Middle East.

Delivery of the Riyadh-based operator’s ACJ319neo is planned for the second quarter of 2019. Selection of engines and cabin definition will follow later.

Airbus’ new ACJneo (new engine option) family features new, more efficient, engines, wingtip-mounted ‘Sharklets’, improved cabin-comfort and upgraded fuel and baggage capacity.

“Middle East customers already recognise and appreciate the greater comfort, capacity and capability of Airbus corporate jets, so new and improved versions are a natural next step when it comes to investing for the future,” says Alpha Star CEO Salem Al Muzaini. 

“Being first in the region with the Airbus ACJneo family will also help us to maintain our lead in VVIP charters,” he adds.

Alpha Star currently owns, manages and operates a fleet of Airbus corporate jets, comprising ACJ318s, ACJ319s, ACJ320s, an ACJ330, an ACJ340, and other aircraft types.

“Airbus corporate jets already have the best cabins, so the greater range of the ACJneo Family will allow Alpha Star’s customers to take their lifestyles even farther,” points out Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy. “The ACJ family’s modern features, such as fly-by-wire, centralised maintenance and carbonfibre, will also carry it farther into the future.”

The ACJneo family currently comprises an ACJ319neo, which can fly eight passengers up to 6,750 nm/12,500 km, or more than 15 hours, and an A320neo that can transport 25 passengers up to 6,000 nm/11,200 km, or more than 13 hours.

Airbus corporate jets’ airliner heritage means that they offer the widest and tallest cabins of any business jet, while being similar in size externally, according to the plane maker. It also means that they can carry the larger groups that companies, individuals and governments often want to fly, it says. 

The corporate jets are supported by a worldwide network serving the needs of more than 8,000 aircraft and over 500 customers and operators.

More than 170 corporate jets have been sold to date.