Airbus' ACJ319 is making its South African airshow debut at AAD* giving visitors from the region their first chance to experience the aircraft's comfort and space at first hand, as well as to compare it with other aircraft on display.

Similar in size externally to competing aircraft, the Airbus ACJ319's distinguishing feature is that 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 on display is operated by Comlux, seats 19 passengers, and is available for VVIP 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.

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.

"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," points out Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy. "For customers that want to carry even more people even farther, we also offer corporate jet versions of our modern widebody family, which have 'nonstop to the world' range," he adds.

Airbus corporate jets brings 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.

Airbus has sold some 170 corporate jets to date, and its aircraft are the only ones flying on every continent, including Antarctica, highlighting their versatility. Customers comprise companies, individuals and governments, in roughly equal measure.

*Africa Aerospace and Defence, September 19th to 23rd at Waterkloof, near Pretoria

Contributed by Airbus S.A.S.