The ACJ319neo has successfully completed its first flight, lasting one hour and 55 minutes on 24 April 2019.
The test flight marks the beginning of a short flight-test program to verify its corporate jet features – such as the extra fuel tanks in its cargo-hold, which enable intercontinental range.
Built for business jet operator K5 Aviation of Germany, the aircraft will be outfitted with a VVIP cabin by Holland-based Fokker Techniek .
The ACJ319neo is derived from the A320neo family of aircraft and features new engines and wingtip-mounted Sharklets.
The aircraft can be powered by either CFM’s Leap-1A or the PW1100G engine – K5 Aviation’s will be powered by the Leap-1A. The aircraft is also fitted with five additional centre tanks (ACTs) in its cargo-hold, and includes improvements such as a lower cabin-altitude for greater passenger comfort.
Corporate jet orders and commitments for ACJ320neo Family-derived aircraft now total 14.
Airbus’ A320 family shares features that have become standard in most new-generation business jets, such as enhanced-protection fly-by-wire controls, cost-saving centralised maintenance and the use of weight-saving carbonfibre in its construction.
Airbus says that is has around 200 corporate jets in service worldwide.
