Airbus A318 Elite ACJ

The compact corporate jet built for intercontinental reach

Overview

Airbus France 2003–2013 $56 million (2008)

The Airbus A318 Elite ACJ is the smallest member of the Airbus Corporate Jets family, developed to offer large-cabin comfort in a shorter airframe. Based on the Airbus A318 airliner, it was adapted for private, government, and VIP transport with extended range capability. The aircraft combines airline-grade systems with a bespoke interior tailored for long-distance executive travel.

Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × CFM International CFM56
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 24,000 lbf · 107 kN
Avionics
Thales' D-HUDS Avionics
Wing tips
Split scimitar winglet
Seats
18
Crew
—
Cabin width
12 ft 2 in  ·  3.70 m
Cabin height
7 ft 5 in  ·  2.25 m
Cabin length
70 ft 2 in  ·  21.38 m
Exterior length
103 ft 2 in  ·  31.45 m
Tail height
41 ft 2 in  ·  12.56 m
Fuselage diameter
13 ft 0 in  ·  3.96 m
Wing span
111 ft 11 in  ·  34.10 m
Baggage volume
749 ft³  ·  21.2 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
150,000 lb  ·  68,000 kg
Max landing weight
127,000 lb  ·  57,500 kg
Max payload
26,500 lb  ·  12,000 kg
Fuel capacity
6,400 gal · 24,200 L · 19,400 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
447 kt  ·  514 mph  ·  828 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
130 kt  ·  150 mph  ·  241 km/h
Range
4,200 nm  ·  4,830 mi  ·  7,780 km
Fuel burn
0.59 nm/gal  ·  0.29 km/L
Ceiling
41,000 ft  ·  12,500 m
Rate of climb
1,350 ft/min  ·  7 m/s
Takeoff distance
5,850 ft  ·  1,790 m
Landing distance
4,050 ft  ·  1,230 m
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A318-112 Elite(CJ)

Operational Context

Airbus A318 Elite ACJ — ultra-long-range corporate narrowbody

The Airbus A318 Elite ACJ is derived from the Airbus A318, the shortest variant of the A320 family, which first flew in 2002. Airbus launched the corporate version in the mid-2000s to target high-net-worth individuals and government customers seeking a spacious cabin with intercontinental range. By incorporating additional fuel tanks in the cargo hold and optimizing weight management, the ACJ variant achieved a range of up to approximately 4,000 nautical miles, enabling nonstop connections between major global cities.

Powered by CFM56 or Pratt & Whitney PW6000 turbofan engines, depending on configuration, the A318 Elite ACJ cruises at typical narrowbody airliner speeds of around Mach 0.78. Unlike traditional business jets, the aircraft offers a significantly wider cabin, allowing for multiple living zones, including lounges, private offices, conference areas, and sleeping quarters. Passenger capacity varies widely according to layout, but typical executive configurations accommodate between 14 and 19 passengers in high-comfort arrangements.

Entry into service occurred in the mid-2000s, with deliveries to private owners, charter operators, and state customers. The type’s airline heritage provides robust systems redundancy, advanced fly-by-wire controls, and proven dispatch reliability. At the same time, operating costs are higher than those of purpose-built large business jets, limiting its appeal to customers who specifically value cabin volume and Airbus commonality.

Although later ACJ models based on the A320neo family have offered improved efficiency and range, the A318 Elite ACJ played an important role in establishing Airbus as a serious competitor in the ultra-large corporate aircraft market.