BAA Jet Management is first with A318 Elite in Asia

BAA Jet Management Ltd of Hong Kong has taken delivery of its first managed Airbus aircraft, an A318 Elite, becoming the first to operate the type in the Asian region.

The Airbus A318 Elite - the first to be registered in the People’s Republic of China - is now based at Shenzen and is available for VVIP charter.

“This Airbus A318 Elite is the first in Asia to offer customers something that they cannot get with other high-end business jets - much greater comfort, space and ease of movement around the cabin,” says BAA Managing Director Ricky Leung. “And with seating for 18 passengers in our A318 Elite, we can also carry larger business groups and families than any other corporate jet currently available for VVIP charter in the region today,” he adds.

The Airbus A318 Elite is the newest member of the Airbus ACJ Family and offers the widest and tallest cabin of any business jet in its class, as well as all the benefits of a modern and elegant design.

“Asia has long been an important market for Airbus - it’s where we won our first airliner sale outside Europe - so it’s great to see BAA becoming our first operator in the region for our modern A318 Elite corporate jet,” comments Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy. “The longer you fly, the more important your comfort becomes, so the A318 Elite really does have a lot to offer,” he adds.

The A318 Elite is the most affordable aircraft in the Airbus ACJ Family, and features a cabin created in co-operation with Lufthansa Technik. Its interior comprises several different seating zones in a spaciously large living area, as well as a very practical and private office that converts into a bedroom, complete with ensuite bathroom.

Part of the world’s most modern airliner family, the A318 Elite features a robust airframe and systems, proven in millions of hours of airline service as a member of A320 Family, from which it is derived.

The Airbus ACJ Family has many corporate jet “firsts” to its credit. These include being the first with fly-by-wire controls, the first with centralised maintenance for faster and more efficient trouble-shooting, the first to offer Category 3B autoland, and the first to make extensive use of weight-saving carbonfibre. Airbus ACJ Family has more than 100 firm orders to its credit, and is now flying on every continent, including Antarctica, highlighting its versatility.

BAA is one of the leading aviation companies in Asia, offering a complete range of business jet services, including charter, aircraft management, flight support and aircraft sales and acquisitions. It will also manage three Airbus ACJs and two A350 Prestiges.