What is the Airbus A318 Elite Jet?
The A318 Elite is a business jet built on an airliner. Airbus took its shortest A320-family aircraft, the A318, and offered it as a VIP and corporate aircraft. It was the smallest model in the Airbus Corporate Jets family.
Compared with a purpose-built business jet, it offers airliner cabin space with a private layout. Compared with the larger Airbus corporate jets, it is shorter and lighter.
Brief history and design of the Airbus A318 Elite Jet
The A318 itself first flew on January 15, 2002, from Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport, where it was assembled. It entered airline service in July 2003. Airbus received 80 orders for the type, and it is no longer listed for sale.
Airbus announced the A318 Elite on November 10, 2005. It was aimed at the medium-range market, with a choice of two cabin layouts seating up to 18 passengers and power from CFM engines.
The A318 is more than six meters shorter than the A320 and around 3 tonnes (6,600 lb) lighter. To make up for the shorter fuselage, it has a larger vertical stabilizer.
Corporate versions of A320-family aircraft differ from the airline versions in two ways. They have a higher service ceiling, of 41,000 feet, and they can carry a variable number of removable extra fuel tanks.
Cabin and Interior Design
An A318 Elite cabin is fitted out to its owner's layout. What stays the same is the space: the width and length of an airliner fuselage, given over to a small group instead of rows of airline seats.
Airbus offered the type with 14 to 18 passenger seats. That leaves far more room per passenger than the same fuselage carries in airline service.
Performance and Range
Figures for the ACJ318 from Airbus Corporate Jets:
- Range: 4,200 nautical miles (7,800 km)
- Passengers: 14 to 18
- Maximum speed: Mach 0.82
- Service ceiling: 41,000 feet
The range will be shorter with a full cabin or a different fuel configuration, so the real figure depends on the aircraft and the trip.
Steep approach capability
The A318 is the largest commercial aircraft certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency for steep approach operations, behind the Airbus A220. Steep approaches are required at airports such as London City. A special software mode changes the aircraft's control laws when the steep approach function is selected.
Conclusion: Is the Airbus A318 Elite Jet Worth It?
It depends on the trip. The A318 Elite makes sense when a group needs airliner cabin space and the ability to cover medium-range routes in one aircraft. For a small group on a shorter trip, a midsize or super midsize business jet is usually a better fit, and is easier to find on the charter market.
Things to weigh before choosing one:
- Group size. The cabin is built for 14 to 18 passengers.
- Range. Up to 4,200 nautical miles, less with a full load.
- Airports. Its steep approach capability opens airports like London City, but an airliner-size aircraft still needs runways and parking that suit it.
- Availability. Few A318s were built, so charter availability is limited.
Chartering an Airbus A318 Elite with BLADE
BLADE arranges private charters of helicopters, jets and turboprops. You tell BLADE your route, date and group size, and BLADE books a suitable aircraft with a licensed operator. In the United States, BLADE acts as an air charter broker, and all flights are operated by DOT/FAA-licensed carriers.
Large-cabin airliner-based jets are a small part of the charter market. If an A318 Elite is not available for your date, BLADE can suggest other large-cabin options. Prices depend on the route, the aircraft and the timing, so check current options when you book.