So, you think you know luxury flying? Think again! There’s flying private, and then there’s flying private in a massive jet that feels more like a flying mansion. Intrigued?
I had the same curious itch when I heard about AeroTime getting a VIP tour of the Qatar Executive A319 ACJ during the 2023 Paris Air Show. And trust me, the reality is even wilder than your wildest dreams!
Both Airbus and Boeing aren’t new to this game. They've been crafting special VIP versions of their famed jets for years. Airbus has their “ACJ” lineup, which stands for “Airbus Corporate Jet”. They've played around with designs for the A330, A350, and the A320 family, including the very A319 ACJ that’s got us talking today. Fun fact: they once had plans for an A380 ACJ, a literal flying palace. Sadly, that dream never took off.
The latest superstar in Airbus’ roster is the A220 airliner, now christened as the “ACJ TwoTwenty”. And Boeing? They have their own luxury series called “BBJ” or “Boeing Business Jet”.
Now, if you’re wondering who actually rides in these airborne palaces, think billionaires, mega-corporations, and the world's elite leaders. They either own these beauties or rent them from pros like Global Jet, Comlux, and in our case, Qatar Executive – the fancy-pants arm of Qatar Airways.
Picture this: the A319 ACJ can pack in 39 passengers, but most choose to enjoy the space with much fewer, sometimes even less than 19! Imagine the elbow room in a space that can typically fit 160 airline seats.
It's all about the luxe life up there. These jets are often kitted out with features you'd expect in 5-star hotels – think plush master bedrooms, opulent bathrooms, and personalized interiors.
The specific A319 ACJ that AeroTime visited, registration A7-HHJ, first flew with Qatar Executive in 2016. It’s got an impressive range, able to fly nonstop routes like Doha to London or London to New York. Recently, in 2019, it got a chic makeover with a private bedroom and seating for 19. Onboarding, you're greeted with a master bedroom boasting a king-size bed and a swanky ensuite bathroom. This is followed by a sleek work and dining space and a seating area with comfy business-class seats that recline into beds.
According to a Qatar Executive insider, this jet is a hit with big families and corporations who want to travel in style and comfort. Oh, and for those who are curious, Qatar Executive’s swanky collection also includes 15 Gulfstream G650s and two Bombardier Global 5000s. They've even placed an order for 10 of the upcoming Gulfstream G700. One of them, already flaunting Qatar Executive's signature look, was showcased at the Paris Air Show, attracting none other than the company's CEO, Akbar Al Baker.
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