Farnborough, UK-based Acropolis Aviation will be the launch customer of Airbus' brand new ACJ320neo, which is due to enter service in early 2020.

"In finalising this order today, we are making a commitment to provide our discerning clientele with the newest and ultimate large cabin aircraft well into the next decade," says ceo Jonathan Bousfield. "Our current ACJ319 performs at the top of the spectrum of client expectations with the largest cabin in its class. It is remarkable that the ACJ320neo will improve even further on these high specifications and standards."

The neo will have 150 square feet more cabin volume than in the ACJ319 and capacity for 140 bags. Airbus claims it will have an even quieter cabin than the ACJ319, and will have an average lower cabin altitude of better than 6,400 feet.

Acropolis began operations with the ACJ319 in 2010, and its aircraft G-NOAH has 19 luxury seats and a vvip cabin.

"Our ACJ319 with its 10-hour non-stop range is extremely popular in the high-end charter market, especially in the Middle East, USA and Europe," Bousfield continues. "With the new aircraft we will gain an improved range of 6,000 nm, which means clients can fly from London to Los Angeles, Johannesburg or Tokyo direct and London to Sydney with one refuelling stop.

"Just like our existing ACJ aircraft, our ACJ320neo will have 180-minute ETOPS and Cat 3A low visibility operations approvals. Our pilots and engineers will benefit from crew commonality, enabling a seamless transition from the ACJ319 to the ACJ320neo."

The neo aircraft, like its predecessor, will accommodate up to 19 passengers in a vvip configuration. Its arrival at the end of the decade will replace G-NOAH, which will become available for sale in late 2018.

Charter sales executive Andy West says that the aircraft can position anywhere in the world: "We position wherever the charter originates, but the aircraft is based at TAG Farnborough Airport. Our clientele is a mix. The interior of the aircraft lends itself to private leisure travel but our cabin can easily configure itself to both the business and leisure traveller. For example, areas like our mid-cabin dining table can be a perfect setting for an intimate dinner party or provide adequate space for a conference and meeting space."