Airbus Corporate Jet Center (ACJC), a specialist in Airbus Corporate Jet executive cabin completions, recently delivered its 24th aircraft. The project is a strong showcase for the Toulouse-based facility’s capabilities, since it involved the development and integration more than 15 new technologies to meet an unidentified customer’s high requirements in terms of layout design, comfort and systems.
The cabin layout is based on two main major zones with accommodations for up to 19 passengers. A large forward dining and executive lounge allows for as many as 12 passengers and combines a work area of one four-club and a one two-club work areas, as well as a rest area with two large sofas surrounding four mechanically articulated cocktail tables. From there, the configuration departs dramatically from what is typical in an ACJ layout.
The second zone aft provides 10 private “mini-suites,” five on each side of the main aisle. Each is equipped with a large, electrically articulated seat that extends fully flat for berthing, a 32-inch monitor and a local remote to control all aspects of the suite, from in-flight entertainment to lighting and environment. The suites also include substantial storage areas and a mini-bar.
A unique satellite antenna permits not only global in-flight television, but also the GSM global system for mobile voice communication and Ku-band high-speed Internet connectivity.
As to the cabin environment, there are electrically operated window shades, and a starlight array highlights the upholstered ceilings and carpets. New mood lighting uses the brighter and more vivid RGBW technology, emphasizing on-demand lighting scenarios, including a “night” ambiance.
Also part of the interior design is “a large and elegant” aft lavatory, equipped with a full-height shower and a timer system to ensure the same quantity of hot water to every passenger. The lavatory floor is heated, and mirrors are imprinted using a silkscreen process.
Adding to the unique décor are decorative materials used for the panels and partitions of the VIP zones, including wood veneer with metal inlay and metal-deposit 3-D modeling.
“This latest cabin has reached a new step in terms of cabin innovation with new technologies and decorative materials never seen aboard an Airbus Corporate Jet,” said ACJC CEO Benoit Defforge.
At the Dubai Air Show, ACJC is exhibiting an ACJ318 and an ACJ319. As of the end of 2013, there will be 13 Airbus Corporate Jets in service in the Middle East that were outfitted by ACJC. Two more are scheduled for delivery to Middle East clients by the end of 2014.
