World’s first Airbus ACJ320neo delivered following VVIP refit

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by Yves Le Marquand

March 3, 2020

Acropolis Aviation has announced the delivery of its Airbus ACJ320neo, G-KELT, following a 13-month cabin outfitting by Basle-based AMAC aerospace. The aircraft touched down at Acropolis’s Farnborough Airport home on February 27th sporting its new interior overseen by designer, Yves Pickhardt, of Alberto Pinto.

The Airbus ACJ 320neo was the first aircraft of this type delivered by Airbus Corporate Jets for VVIP configuration in early 2019. Acropolis Aviation is the launch customer, enhancing its aviation services with the addition of this VVIP aircraft. Building on the success of its existing Airbus ACJ319, the ACJ320neo will provide additional range via new high-efficiency engines and the addition of drag-reducing wingtip sharklet devices.

Acropolis Aviation’s CEO, Jonathan Bousfield, told Corporate Jet Investor: “Acropolis has been an Airbus Corporate Jets customer since the introduction of G-NOAH, its first ACJ. Acropolis signed a contract for the Neo at EBACE 2015, choosing the aircraft for its strong passenger acceptance and building on its strong relationship with the manufacturer. The aircraft took just over a year from start to finish. A number of new enhancements were introduced, and Acropolis and designer Yves Pickardt were involved throughout the process. Acropolis is proud to be a dedicated ACJ operator and is looking forward to introducing G-KELT to the charter market.”

Capable of flying for over 12 hours, G-KELT has accommodation for 19 passengers, including a private master bedroom leading to a luxury ensuite bathroom, the largest ever to be installed in an Airbus single-aisle aircraft. It features a full-sized kitchen galley for food preparation and an induction oven, enabling preparation of fresh, quality food, without fumes or odours. With an average cabin altitude of 6,400 ft, G-KELT has been fitted with an aircraft cabin air humidifier to improve passenger comfort.

Collins Aerospace’s cabin-management system, Venue, along with its inflight entertainment system, Stage, allows viewing on 19 individual iPads and four large TV screens throughout the cabin. Collins is also providing its Viu LED mood interior-lighting system. The aircraft is also fitted with superfast wireless Wi-Fi via Ka-Band internet connection.

“We have executed this completion project with Acropolis Aviation, as one of the world’s leading private aviation operators,” said Mr. Bernd Schramm, group chief operating officer of AMAC Aerospace. “This unique mission adds to the excellent reputation that AMAC has gained in the market which we continuously demonstrated over the last 20 VIP/ 25+ VVIP and refurbishment/modification projects at AMAC Aerospace.”

Bousfield told Corporate Jet Investor that Acropolis is planning to showcase the ACJ320neo at EBACE: “We are delighted with G-KELT and are confident this is going to be a very popular VVIP charter aircraft – especially in Europe, Middle East and the USA. We are also looking forward to showcasing the aircraft on the static display at EBACE. We are in discussion with Airbus Corporate Jets to finalise that right now.”

A look inside: