An Airbus A320neo airliner is being converted into a private jet for a VIP customer complete with its own bedroom and an onboard shower see what it'll look like
Taylor Rains
Lufthansa Technik
- Germany maintenance and development company Lufthansa Technik is designing a new VIP cabin concept.
- The design will be fitted onto an unnamed customer's Airbus ACJ320neo private jet.
Since the coronavirus pandemic, the demand for private aviation has skyrocketed.
Celebrities are being criticized over their private jet usage. JethuynhCan/Getty Images
Private charter operators like NetJets and VistaJet have reported massive increases, with Patrick Gallagher, NetJets' president of sales, marketing, and service, telling Insider demand is up 35-40%.
Bombardier
Meanwhile, VistaJet US president Leona Qi told Insider the US is the fastest-growing market: "In the last quarter alone, 70% of US hours sold were attributable to new VistaJet Program Members."
A VistaJet Bombardier Global 7500 at the Dubai Airshow 2021. Thomas Pallini/Insider
It's no surprise the pandemic pushed people to private aviation. Most business aircraft operate out of fixed-based operators, which offer services like fueling and maintenance.
Atlantic Aviation is one of NetJets' preferred fixed-based operators. NetJets
Although airlines are starting to get back to pre-pandemic capacity and schedules, Gallagher told Insider he does not believe it will be enough for people to jump back to commercial flying.
Photo by Bob Riha/WireImage
Most recently, Lufthansa Technik, which is the company's maintenance and development arm, unveiled a new VIP cabin interior created for a customer's Airbus ACJ320neo.
An Airbus ACJ320neo at the Dubai Airshow 2021. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Source: Airbus
The ACJ bizjet is part of Airbus' family of private planes, which also includes the ACJ TwoTwenty…
ACJ TwoTwenty Business Jet Airbus
Source: Airbus
…the ACJ319neo…
Inside an Airbus Corporate Jet ACJ319 operated by Comlux at the Dubai Airshow 2021. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Source: Airbus
The ACJneos "have three times more space than traditional large business jets, with similar range and operating costs," per Airbus.
An Airbus ACJ320neo at the Dubai Airshow 2021. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Source: Airbus
Moreover, the jet can fly 6,900 miles nonstop and carry up to 25 passengers, who can enjoy comforts like a shower and in-flight theater.
An Airbus ACJ320neo at the Dubai Airshow 2021. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Source: Airbus
Lufthansa Technik's VIP cabin design was made in close collaboration with the undisclosed customer and will begin its retrofit in summer 2023 — here's what it will look like.
An Airbus ACJ320neo at the Dubai Airshow 2021. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Source: AIN Online
Complete with several living areas, the layout is focused on privacy, luxury, and flexibility, allowing the owner to use the jet for family trips or group charters, per the company.
Lufthansa Technik
Inside is a grand entrance behind the cockpit, as well as lounge and office space.
Lufthansa Technik
There are also large seats and TV screens throughout, and travelers can connect their personal entertainment to the displays.
Lufthansa Technik
Towards the back of the jet lies a huge master bedroom, complete with desk space, storage, and beautiful finishings.
Lufthansa Technik
"With its flexible interior and a top-notch entertainment system, this aircraft will set completely new standards for narrowbody VIP cabins," company VP of special aircraft services, Michael von Puttkamer, said.
An Airbus ACJ320neo at the Dubai Airshow 2021. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The specially-designed VIP cabin is not the only grandiose option available for ACJ owners.
Inside an Airbus Corporate Jet ACJ319 operated by Comlux at the Dubai Airshow 2021. Thomas Pallini/Insider
In October 2021, Airbus collaborated with French artist Cyril Kongo to create a colorful ACJ TwoTwenty interior option, which will feature hand-painted furniture.
ACJ TwoTwenty cinema lounge Airbus
Meanwhile, Lufthansa Technik has created a $340 million VIP cabin concept that could be equipped on the ACJ330, which the company chose as the design's demonstrator jet.
The concept has a bedroom, deck, and glass floors. Lufthansa Technik
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