Airbus Corporate Jets has won the first A321neo long-range order for two aircraft from Lufthansa Technik, which will be used by the German Air Force (Luftwaffe). The jets will have the capacity to perform a broad range of missions, including MEDEVAC and troop transport.
“We are thrilled Lufthansa Technik has become the launch customer for the ACJ long-range version of the world’s best-selling A321neo… it [provides] the greatest passenger comfort and intercontinental range,”
Benoit Defforge, President, Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ)
Luftwaffe A321LR Specifications
| Passenger Capacity (Seated) | 163 |
| Medical Patient Capacity | 6 (intensive care), 12 (medium care) |
| Range | 7800 km (4200 nm) |
| Endurance | Up to 9.5 hours |
The ACJ A321LR features the widest cabin of any single-aisle aircraft in the world, which undoubtedly makes the aircraft suitable for difficult missions in a variety of configurations.
In its standard airline configuration, the A321LR has a slightly smaller range of 7,400km (8000nm) and a passenger capacity of 206. This makes it an ideal aircraft for transatlantic operations, but with greater fuel efficiency than traditional wide-body aircraft.
No exact price has been specified, but a basic Airbus A321 costs $114.9 million. As a frequent customer, it is likely that Lufthansa Technik will pay somewhat less for the aircraft.
Boeing Business Jets received an order cancellation for a single modified 737 MAX aircraft in July, but the customer remains unknown.
In addition to the A321LR jets, Lufthansa Technik has ordered three ACJ350-900 aircraft on behalf of the Luftwaffe. These heavily-modified Airbus A350 aircraft boast incredible fuel efficiency and serve as a platform for diverse applications.
Approximately 200 Airbus corporate jets are in service on every continent, including Antarctica.
I kind of think there was no other option