The diversity of Airbus’ jetliner product line is
being highlighted at the Singapore Airshow with the presence of two very
different aircraft in the static display area: an ACJ318 corporate jet
for VIP travel; and the A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) for
military aerial refueling and airlift duties.
Both the ACJ318 and A330 MRTT landed at Singapore’s
Changi International Airport today, and taxied to the adjacent
exhibition centre to join other aircraft participating in the biennial
airshow.
The ACJ318 on display is operated by Abu Dhabi-based
Al Jaber Aviation, and features comfortable and spacious seating found
in well-appointed offices and homes – with a capacity for business or
family groups of up to 19 passengers. Included in the widest and
tallest cabin of any corporate/business jet is a private office that
converts to a bedroom.
As the newest – and smallest – member of Airbus’
corporate jet family, the ACJ318 has the broadest market appeal. It is
complemented by the longer-fuselage ACJ319, ACJ320 and A321, which
typically offer seating for 19 to 50-plus passengers, depending on
customer requirements.
The A330 MRTT brought to Singapore for display is
outfitted in the UK Royal Air Force’s FSTA (Future Strategic Tanker
Aircraft) configuration, with deployable aerial refueling hoses in the
aft fuselage and under each wing. In addition to its capability of
“topping off” military aircraft while in flight, the FSTA can transport
up to 290 personnel in the main cabin.
A total of 14 A330 MRTTs will be supplied by Airbus
Military to the AirTanker company, which is to support operations of the
aircraft in service with the Royal Air Force.
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