Jet Manufacturers Target Nigeria as Airbus Launches ACJ319

Aircraft manufacturers and lessors have designated Nigeria as fastest growing business jet market and it is envisaged that in the next five years it would overtake South Africa following a report by Forbes that Nigerian wealthy spent $6.5 billion on business jets within the last five years.

Apparently positioning ahead of that growth, Airbus has launched its business jet, Airbus ACJ319 in Nigeria, targeting the West African market. Built to compete with Bombardier and Boeing business jets, Airbus ACJ319 has distinguishing feature as it has the widest and tallest cabin of any business jet, delivering unequalled comfort, space and freedom of movement – as well as the ability to carry more people.

The Airbus ACJ319 operated by COMLUX crew was received at Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport Abuja by Cita-Triax Aviation Limited last weekend. According to the Sales Director, Americas and Africa Airbus Corporate Jets, Laurent Goutal, the aircraft has seating capacity for 19 passengers and is available for VIP charter.

“ In daytime, the cabin provides tables at which to work, a lounge area for discussions, and the privacy of two offices. At night, many of the seats convert to beds and the offices to bedrooms, making the best practical and productive use of space,” h said.

Goutal explained that like all Airbus corporate jets, the Airbus ACJ319 features intercontinental range, allowing it to fly nonstop throughout Africa – as well as to reach much of the world with a single stop.

He said: “Any corporate jet can save you time and money by making you more productive, but only Airbus corporate jets can do so with more capacity, capability and comfort, making them increasingly the preferred choice of companies, individuals and governments around the world. For customers that want to carry even more people farther, we also offer corporate jet versions of our modern wide body family, which have ‘nonstop to the world’ range.”

Goutal added that Airbus corporate jets have excellent reliability – a tribute to their airliner heritage – as well as being backed by a comprehensive worldwide support network.

“And with more than 470 Airbus customers and operators around the world, Airbus corporate jet clients invariably have access to maintenance facilities in their own country – often a key issue, especially with governments,” he said. He disclosed that Airbus has sold some 170 corporate jets to date, saying that its aircraft are the only ones flying on every continent, including Antarctica, highlighting their versatility. Customers comprise of companies, individuals and governments, in roughly equal measure.

Speaking in the same vein, Chairman of Cita-Triax Aviation, Cliff Ogbede, said, “Airbus Corporate Jet came to Nigeria to demonstrate their trust in the Nigerian market which we are committed to its aviation sector development through provision of desired corporate flying comfort, promotion of safety standards and training/manpower development. We will continue to support Nigeria in their economic growth and transformation by providing aircrafts that suit any operation.”

.........CHINEDU EZE, THIS DAY