VIP Airliner Charter
The largest cabin among business jets.
Why Charter This Aircraft
One of the largest cabins among business jets, ideal for 10+ passengers with full VIP amenities.
Capable of intercontinental missions with ease.
Robust systems and unique access to major airports.
Lounge, dining, shower, and bedroom zones available.
Development & Background
The ACJ318 is derived from the Airbus A318, a commercial airliner and the shortest member of the Airbus family — its first commercial flights began around 2002, with Frontier Airlines as the first customer. Seeing demand for VIP-airliner configurations in the 2000s, Airbus built the ACJ318 variant, equipped with extra fuel tanks, VIP interior options, and corporate-jet certifications.
In 2012, Airbus introduced the ACJ318 Enhanced, adding LED lighting, domed ceilings, HD entertainment, Sharklet wingtips for improved efficiency, and optional shower or cinema-lounge layouts. The ACJ318 is an excellent option thanks to the reliability and efficiency of the broader Airbus family.
Specifications
| Crew | 2 pilots + 1–2 flight attendants |
| Passenger Capacity | 14–19 (VIP configuration) |
| Engines | 2 × CFM International CFM56-5B9/P |
| Thrust (each engine) | 23,300 lbf |
| Range | Up to 4,200 nm (7,780 km) |
| Maximum Cruise Speed | Mach 0.82 (447 KTAS) |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed | Mach 0.78 (430 KTAS) |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft |
| Takeoff Distance (MTOW) | ~5,870 ft (1,790 m) |
| Landing Distance | ~4,500 ft (1,372 m) |
| Cabin Dimensions (L×W×H) | 70.0 ft × 12.2 ft × 7.4 ft |
| Baggage Volume | ~450 cu ft |
| MTOW | 149,900 lb (68,000 kg) |
Cabin & Interior Experience
Step inside the Airbus ACJ318 and you'll find a spacious cabin that feels more like a private apartment than an aircraft. It stretches about 70 feet long, 12.2 feet wide, and 7.4 feet high — large enough to move around comfortably on long flights. Most layouts seat 14 to 19 passengers, divided into separate zones: a lounge for relaxing, a dining or meeting area, and a private bedroom with a full-size bed, along with a well-equipped galley for full meal service and a generous baggage hold for long trips.
High-end details like custom cabinetry, ambient lighting, external camera views, Wi-Fi, and satellite phone come standard in most VIP completions. The cabin is pressurized for long-haul comfort, reducing fatigue and keeping passengers refreshed on arrival.
Capabilities & Performance
The Airbus ACJ318 combines intercontinental range with the comfort of a large-cabin jet, carrying up to 19 passengers in a customizable layout. Powered by two CFM56-5B9/P engines, it offers a range of about 4,200 nautical miles and a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.82. With a service ceiling of 41,000 ft and a takeoff distance around 5,800 ft, the ACJ318 delivers reliable performance and efficiency for regional and long-haul missions.
Pilots use the Airbus A320-family flight deck with dual EFIS, FMS, and FADEC controls, plus an optional HUD/HGS — an excellent setup for situational awareness and reduced pilot workload.
Charter Pricing
| Direct Operating Cost | ~$10,000/hr |
| Charter Rate | $16,000 – $19,000/hr |
| Fuel Burn | ~600 GPH |
| Maintenance Programs | Airbus Corporate Care, JSSI, SmartParts |
| Average Used Value (2025) | $22M – $27M |
Estimates only — actual pricing varies by operator availability, seasonality, and routing. Request a quote for an exact rate.
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