VIP and executive jet operators to benefit from the ACJ family’s commonality

National Air Services’ acquisition of 10 A318 Elite aircraft confirms the attractiveness of this newest Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) family member for VIP operations, and further consolidates Airbus’ position in the international marketplace for high-end executive and private jets.

In an order announced at this week’s Dubai air show, Jeddah-based National Air Services made a firm commitment to purchase five A318 Elites and has taken an option for five additional aircraft. Deliveries will begin in the final quarter of 2006.

National Air Services joins Switzerland’s Comlux AG as a launch customer for the A318 Elite, which is based on the A318 – the smallest member of Airbus’ popular A320 Family of fly-by-wire jetliners.

As with an increasing number airline operators worldwide, both National Air Services and Comlux have decided to acquire multiple versions of the ACJ/A320 product line, allowing them to fully benefit from the aircraft family’s commonality and operational flexibility.

National Air Services currently operates two Airbus A319 Executives on scheduled all-premium class services between regional destinations and for ad-hoc charters, and it also utilizes two VIP A320s and one ACJ for private clients.

For Comlux, its three newly-ordered A318 Elite aircraft will be received in early 2007, joining an A319 Airbus Corporate Jetliner purchased by the company for delivery in late June 2006.