Airbus ACJ318
Although the ACJ318 is the smallest of the Airbus corporate jet family, it doesn't lack space. In fact, it is only the fuselage's length that has been shortened and the cabin maintains the impressive 3.7 m width and 2.25 m height of the larger ACJ319, 320 and 321. The benefits of this are countless, as, combined with such a spacious cabin, are the capacity to land at airports inaccessible to longer aircraft, London City for example, for which the ACJ318 is certified. The ACJ318's luxurious interior easily accommodates 19 passengers and the cabin is divided into 4 different sections, including lounge areas and a private room that doubles as an office and a comfortable bedroom. The extra fuel tanks on the aircraft extend its range to nearly 8,000 km, making it fully capable of intercontinental journeys. Launched in 2005 as the A318, before its rebranding in 2011, the ACJ318 is also the youngest of the Airbus corporate jet range and features the best of modern aviation technology.
VIP Airliner
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| Category | VIP Airliner |
| Range* | 7778 km 4200 NM |
| Cruise speed | 870 km/h 470 kts |
| Seats** | 19 |
| Suitcases | 18 |
* with IFR reserves
** in standard configuration
Aircraft Pictures
History
Airbus launched its Corporate Jet programme in 1997, responding to Boeing's success with the Business Jet series. The company started with the ACJ319 before introducing the smaller ACJ318 variant in 2004.
Based on the commercial A318 airliner, the ACJ318 became the smallest member of the Airbus corporate jet family. Despite its reduced fuselage length, the aircraft retained the full 3.7-metre cabin width and 2.25-metre height of its larger siblings, providing generous interior space compared to traditional business jets.
The ACJ318 received certification for steep approach operations, making it one of the few aircraft in its class cleared to operate at challenging airports like London City Airport. This capability, combined with its VIP airliner status, opened access to city-centre airports unavailable to many business aircraft.
Airbus configured the ACJ318 for between 14 and 18 passengers, with the cabin typically divided into four separate zones. The aircraft featured additional fuel tanks for intercontinental range, CFM International engines, and advanced fly-by-wire controls. Production continued until 2013, when Airbus focused resources on the next-generation ACJneo family.
Technical Specifications
General information
| Model name | ACJ318 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| Aircraft category | VIP airliner |
| ICAO Designator | A318 |
| Start/End of Production | 2007 - 2013 |
| Number of pilot(s) | 2 |
Performances
| Range (with IFR reserves) | 4200 NM (7778 km) |
|---|---|
| Ferry range | 4300 NM (7964 km) |
| Cruise speed | 470 kts (870 km/h) |
| Max Operating Speed – VMO | 350 KIAS |
| Max Mach Operating Speed - MMO | Mach 0.82 |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed - LRC | 444 KTAS |
| Approach Speed | 130 kts |
| Takeoff Distance | 1790 m |
| Average Landing Distance | 1235 m |
| Rate of Climb | 1350 ft/min |
| Service Ceiling | 41000 ft |
| Thrust | 22705 lbf |
Aircraft technology
| Engine type | Turbofan |
|---|---|
| Engine(s) | CFM International CFM56-5B or PW6000 |
| Avionics | Digital remote control system, LCD displays |
Dimensions and capacity
| Aircraft length | 31.46 m |
|---|---|
| Aircraft height | 12.53 m |
| Wing span | 34.08 m |
| Cabin height | 2.26 m (7.4 ft) |
| Cabin length | 21.4 m (70.2 ft) |
| Cabin width | 3.69 m (12.1 ft) |
| Baggage volume | 12.2 m3 |
| Passengers (standard config) | 19 |
| Passengers (max) | 132 |
| Suitcases | 18 |
| Carry-on luggage | 18 |
| Maximum payload | 15000 kg |
| Maximum TakeOff Weight - MTOW | 68000 kg |
| Maximum Landing Weight - MLW | 57500 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 24210 L |
FAQ
How does the ACJ318’s operating cost compare to traditional business jets?
The Airbus ACJ318 generally has higher hourly operating costs than large-cabin business jets such as the Gulfstream G650, Bombardier Global 7500, or Dassault Falcon 8X, since it is derived from an airline platform. Its advantage is cabin volume and seating: with capacity for 19 passengers in a wide, tall cabin, the cost per traveller can be competitive when flown near capacity.
Can the ACJ318 be configured with a bedroom, lounge, or office space for long-haul travel?
Yes. The ACJ318 cabin is large enough to include a private bedroom, lounge, or office, and many layouts add a dining area as well. This adaptability explains why the aircraft is often chosen for head-of-state, corporate, or family travel on intercontinental routes.
What makes the Airbus ACJ318 different from larger ACJ models like the ACJ319 or ACJ320?
The ACJ318 is the smallest member of the Airbus Corporate Jet family. It shares the same wide fuselage as the ACJ319 and ACJ320 but on a shorter, lighter frame. This makes it less costly to operate while still seating 19 passengers (standard configuration). It also carries steep-approach approval, which permits use of airports such as London City that are off-limits to larger ACJs.
What is the maximum range of the ACJ318, and which city pairs can it typically connect nonstop?
The Airbus ACJ318 has an NBAA IFR range of 7,778 km (4,200 nm). This distance is enough for nonstop flights such as London–New York or Paris–Dubai, depending on passenger load and winds.
