Airbus turns the A330 into a luxe VIP jet

There's no pleasing some people. It's not enough that billionaires can fly in private jets – now they want those VIP jets to be bigger on the inside, according to Airbus.

Exhibit A: the Airbus ACJ330 Summit business jet, which turns a regular A330-200 into something a little more exclusive, with a bedroom and ensuite bathroom at the front for the Chosen One.

That's followed by an office, a conference and dining room and a working area, and then airline-style first-class and economy seating at the rear.

Joining the ACJ330 is the ACJ319 Elegance at a starting price of US$80 million, which the aircraft maker says boasts "the widest and tallest cabin of any (single-aisle) business jet."

Similarly, the ACJ319 comes with a lounge areas at the front, a bedroom with ensuite bathroom and shower in the middle, business-class seating in the rear and is certificated for 19 passengers.

"All of the business jet variants launched in recent years feature larger cabins than their predecessors, highlighting the market’s wish for more cabin" Airbus states.

“More space in the cabin is desirable for many reasons other than the greater comfort and freedom of movement that it brings,” explains Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy.

“The larger cabin volume and floor-area of Airbus corporate jets means you can take more people with you when you travel, be more productive along the way, and carry more baggage,” he adds. 

The desire for a large cabin is one of the findings of the Airbus’ Billionaire Study, announced earlier this year, which highlighted the wish of high net-worth individuals to take with them when they travel, those that look after them at work and at home.

Also read: Inside Gulfstream's new $55 million private jets

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David Flynn

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.