Middle East was forecast to acquire around 458 business jets by 2018 amid growing demand, with Saudi Arabia alone expected to purchase 154 of them, Frost & Sullivan said recently. Against this background, Al Jaber Aviation (AJA),has announced the delivery of its first all-new Airbus 318 Elite Plus as part of its expansion plan. The new jet will join the Embraer Lineage 1000 that was introduced by AJA in March 2010 and Embraer Legacy 600 introduced in June 2009. The new Airbus 318 Elite Plus seats up to 19 passengers and can fly larger groups than traditional business jets thereby making it ideal for big companies, government delegations, and extended families. The aircraft also offers cargo capability. The Airbus 318 Elite plus is the newest Airbus Corporate Jet, and features a stylish and practical single-aisle cabin created by Lufthansa Technik.. The Airbus ACJ is derived from the popular A319 aircraft and the Airbus Elite is derived from the A318 aircraft. Mohammed Al Jaber, CEO of AJA, said: “The Airbus 318 Elite plus is a valuable addition to our fleet and part of our expansion plan. The state-of-the-art aircraft will offer travel for private aviation catering to families and companies. High-end travelers utilizing aircraft from the Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) family will benefit from separate cabin-zones and freedom of movement.” The addition of the A318 Elite plus to the AJA fleet will further empower the company to tap into the niche market of private aviation across the Middle East. The Airbus 318 Elite plus is the first of the six Airbus aircraft ordered by AJA. With a long haul capability, the A318 Elite plus will be able to cater to requirements from heads of states, rulers, VIPs and those, who wish to fly in comfort to far destinations. The GCAA carried out a thorough AOC Operational Audit of AJA and the new Airbus 318 Elite plus on Aug. 3, 2010 The cabin cross-section is almost twice as wide as that of traditional business jets - making it the new top-of-the-line in high-end travel. The benefits to customers include robust long-lasting airframe and reliable systems and an advanced aerodynamic design powered by modern and efficient engines.
