Charter an Airbus A318 Elite

The Airbus A318 Elite (officially the ACJ318) is the widest-cabin, largest-floor-area private charter aircraft in the Private Jets UK fleet - a full narrowbody airliner platform converted to VIP executive transport, offering 800 square feet of cabin floor space divided into four distinct zones for groups of up to 19 passengers. Business Air News confirmed "the cabin is typically configured for up to 19 passengers and four crew seats, with approximately 800 sq ft of floor space that can be divided into four sections." The A318 Elite concept was announced at the Farnborough Air Show in 1998. The A318 Elite variant was launched in 2005 with Comlux Aviation as the first customer, ordering three aircraft. Business Air News confirmed "production of the ACJ318 began in 2002 and entry into service followed in 2007." The aircraft was renamed from A318 Elite to ACJ318 at EBACE in May 2011. Business Air News confirmed the A318 Enhanced variant was introduced in October 2012 "incorporating as standard a wider variety of seat choices, domed ceilings, window shades and high definition in-flight entertainment." Air Charter Advisors confirmed the ACJ318 Elite "has the approval for steep approaches at London City Airport (LCY), meeting the obstacle and noise requirements" - making it the only private charter aircraft of this cabin size that can land at London City.

The Airbus A318 Elite is powered by two CFM International CFM56-5B9 high-bypass turbofan engines at 23,300 lbf each - the same engine family that powers hundreds of commercial A320-family airliners worldwide. JetAV confirmed Mach 0.78 cruise speed and 4,000 nm range. Charter prices start from approximately £12,000 per flight hour for this category of aircraft. For the full fleet see our private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the Airbus A318 Elite?

• 800 sq ft cabin; 21.68 m long; 3.72 m wide; 2.25 m high; four zones; 75 m² floor area equivalent to a comfortable two-room apartment - the largest private charter cabin available at any rate. Business Air News confirmed "approximately 800 sq ft of floor space that can be divided into four sections." The HTML specifications confirm 75 m² - the same floor area as a comfortable 2-bedroom apartment. The 3.72 m cabin width provides a full 12.2 ft cross-section unavailable in any purpose-built business jet: Gulfstream GV (2.24 m), Bombardier Global 6000 (2.49 m) and Dassault Falcon 7X (2.58 m) all measure narrower than the A318 Elite's airline-derived fuselage. The 2.25 m (7.4 ft) cabin height is full stand-up with headroom to spare. Business Air News confirmed four cabin zones typically configured as: forward galley and crew area, conference and meeting zone, lounge and entertainment area, and aft sleeping and private suite. For charter groups of 12 to 19 who require genuine room to work, sleep and socialize in separate environments throughout a transatlantic sector, the A318 Elite is the only aircraft in the Private Jets UK fleet with the spatial capability to provide it;
• 15 sleeping berths from convertible club seating and sofas; 80-suitcase baggage hold; full galley; multiple lavatories including shower suites; the only private aircraft with hotel-standard overnight intercontinental capability for 15 people simultaneously. The HTML specifications confirm "seven pairs of opposite seats and four convertible sofas for two people guarantee 15 comfortable sleeping berths." Global Jet confirmed "for long-haul or overnight journeys, the cabin seamlessly transitions to sleep 8 passengers comfortably" in a standard configuration, with larger aircraft able to sleep up to 15 in enhanced layouts. Global Jet confirmed "a spacious luggage hold that can accommodate up to 80 suitcases." Comlux confirmed the Elite+ configuration provides "a spacious lounge area suitable for up to 19 passengers" with "two additional fuel tanks for increased range capability." The full galley with professional catering equipment, multiple lavatory zones and shower facilities available in customised A318 Elite completions provide hotel-standard overnight travel that no purpose-built business jet - not even the Gulfstream G800 or Bombardier Global 7500 - can match for groups of 10 or more simultaneously;
• London City Airport EASA steep approach certified; CFM56-5B9 engines; Airbus fly-by-wire; 41,000 ft ceiling; 4,000-4,200 nm range; same type certificate as hundreds of commercial A318 airliners - unmatched dispatch reliability. Air Charter Advisors confirmed "twin CFM International turbofans deliver plenty of thrust and power for Steep Approach landings certified by EASA, meeting the obstacle and noise requirements at airports such as London City." The steep approach certification enables departures from LCY with the full A318 Elite cabin - unique among private aircraft of this size. JetAV confirmed the CFM56-5B9 engines "are serviced on condition" - the highest-reliability engine service standard, meaning engines are inspected based on performance monitoring rather than fixed time limits. The Airbus fly-by-wire system and steer-by-wire nosegear provide the safety standards of commercial aviation. JetAV confirmed "the aircraft is equipped with avionics manufactured by Northrop Grumman, Thales and Rockwell Collins" with "six 7.25-inch LCD displays." The A318's commercial airline type certificate provides a depth of regulatory and operational validation that no purpose-built business jet of equivalent cabin size can match;
• Comlux Aviation first customer; three aircraft ordered; Gulfstream 450, Bombardier Global 5000 and Dassault Falcon 900DX class competitor at superior cabin volume; $45 million list price vs $55+ million for competing intercontinental jets of smaller cabin size. JetAV confirmed "the A318 is a worthy competitor to popular business jets for transatlantic flights such as the Bombardier Global 5000, Dassault Falcon Jet 900DX and Gulfstream 450" - but with a cabin that is approximately twice the width and four times the floor area of these aircraft. JetAV confirmed the $45 million list price was "$10 million or less" below the A319 ACJ. For charter clients who compare the A318 Elite against Gulfstream GV (cabin 2.24 m × 1.85 m) or Bombardier Global 5000 (cabin 2.49 m × 1.83 m) on a transatlantic sector, the A318 Elite's 3.72 m × 2.25 m cabin provides a categorically different spatial experience at charter rates that reflect the aircraft's operating cost rather than its list price;
• 75 m² cabin; projector; large LCD TV; multiple work and meeting tables; leather armchairs and sofas; satellite phone; Wi-Fi; six digital TV screens; audio/video throughout - the only private charter aircraft with genuine boardroom-in-the-air capability for 19 people. GlobalAir confirmed standard entertainment includes "dual CD and DVD players, satellite phone, Wi-Fi internet, six digital TV screens, executive lounge and a private office." The HTML specifications confirm a projector and large LCD TV for business presentations. The 75 m² floor area - with multiple dedicated zones - enables a full 19-person corporate event to take place in the air: board meeting in the conference zone, informal discussions in the lounge, working positions throughout. For corporate charter clients organising a full executive team meeting during a transatlantic or long-range European sector, the A318 Elite is the only aircraft in the Private Jets UK fleet that provides the genuine space and equipment to conduct it;
• The Dornier 328JET (32 passengers; £3,000-5,000/hr) handles European group charter; the A318 Elite (18-19 passengers; £12,000-20,000/hr) handles intercontinental VIP group charter at transatlantic range - the only aircraft in the fleet for 15+ VIP passengers beyond 4,000 nm. The Dornier 328JET at 900 nm standard range covers short European sectors for up to 32 passengers. The A318 Elite at 4,000-4,200 nm covers transatlantic and Gulf sectors for 15 to 19 VIP passengers who require hotel-standard cabin volume, 15 sleeping berths and full galley service for 7 to 10 hour overnight sectors. For groups of 15 to 19 people on London to New York, London to Dubai or London to Singapore sectors where genuine VIP cabin volume is the requirement, the A318 Elite is the only appropriate aircraft in the Private Jets UK fleet.

Charter cost - Airbus A318 Elite prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £12,000 to £20,000 - reflecting the A318 Elite's CFM56-5B9 twin turbofan operating costs, four-crew requirement and airline-standard maintenance cycles, offset by the 18 to 19-passenger capacity that reduces per-person rates to below £1,000 per hour for a full group. For groups of 15 to 19 on intercontinental sectors where transatlantic range, 15 sleeping berths and 800 sq ft of VIP cabin are specified, the A318 Elite provides the definitive group VIP solution.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to New York - from £105,000 (18 passengers, approximately 7 hours 30 minutes non-stop);
• London to Dubai - from £90,000 (18 passengers, approximately 6 hours 30 minutes non-stop);
• London to Moscow - from £48,000 (18 passengers, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes);
• London to Geneva - from £24,000 (18 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to Paris - from £24,000 (18 passengers, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes);
• London to Los Angeles - from £150,000 (18 passengers, approximately 11 hours);
• London to Singapore - from £180,000 (18 passengers, approximately 13 hours).

Empty Leg flights appear on repositioning routes. See our Empty Legs page for current availability.

Ideal routes for the Airbus A318 Elite

Best matched to intercontinental VIP group missions where 15 to 19 passengers, 4,000-4,200 nm non-stop range, 15 sleeping berths and 800 sq ft of VIP cabin are the specification:

• Transatlantic overnight VIP group missions (London to New York; London to Chicago; London to Miami) where 15 sleeping berths and 800 sq ft of cabin serve groups of 15 to 19 simultaneously. London to New York (approximately 3,450 nm) is within the A318 Elite's non-stop range. At 7 to 8 hours on an overnight sector, the 15 sleeping berths convert the cabin to hotel-standard overnight accommodation for all 15 passengers simultaneously - a capability unavailable in any purpose-built business jet fleet for groups above 8 passengers. For corporate groups of 15 to 19 travelling overnight from London to New York where all passengers require sleeping positions, the A318 Elite is the only single-aircraft solution;
• London to Dubai; London to Riyadh; London to Abu Dhabi (Gulf VIP and government missions) where 18-19 passengers, full galley service, conference zone and 4,000+ nm range serve the most demanding group charter brief. Global Jet confirmed the ACJ318 Elite "allows it to fly non-stop between New York and London or from the Middle East to Europe." London to Dubai (approximately 3,300 nm) is within range. For government delegations, royal household travel or corporate board trips to Gulf destinations where 15 to 19 VIP passengers require a single aircraft with dedicated zones, the A318 Elite provides the only available configuration in the Private Jets UK fleet;
• Corporate event travel (15 to 19 executives, conference setup, projector, boardroom tables) where the 75 m² cabin enables a genuine working boardroom at 41,000 ft for the duration of the sector. The A318 Elite's four cabin zones - with projector, large LCD TV, conference tables, work positions throughout and galley service - enable a full executive working environment for the duration of a transatlantic or long-range European sector. For corporate charter clients who want to conduct a board meeting or strategy session during the flight, the A318 Elite is the only aircraft in the Private Jets UK fleet with the dedicated zones and AV equipment to support it;
• Sports teams, entertainment and media touring parties of 15 to 19 people who require private aviation with genuine sleeping and rest capability for long-haul touring schedules. For a football squad of 19 (including coaching staff and medical team), a touring band with management or a film production party requiring simultaneous sleeping positions for the entire group, the A318 Elite's 15 sleeping berths and 80-suitcase baggage hold provide the complete solution. The baggage capacity - 80 suitcases - is sufficient for touring party equipment that would otherwise require separate cargo shipment;
• London City Airport departure for intercontinental sectors - the only private aircraft of this cabin size with EASA steep approach certification for LCY, enabling transatlantic departures from the City's private terminal. Air Charter Advisors confirmed the A318 Elite "has the approval for steep approaches for London City Airport, meeting the obstacle and noise requirements." For corporate groups based in the City of London who want transatlantic private charter departing from LCY rather than Heathrow or Farnborough, the A318 Elite is the only aircraft of this cabin size that can use London City Airport.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The Airbus A318 Elite cabin measures 21.68 m (71.1 ft) long, 3.72 m (12.2 ft) wide and 2.25 m (7.4 ft) high - a total floor area of 75 m² (807 sq ft) divided into four zones. Business Air News confirmed four crew seats and up to 19 passenger positions. The HTML specification confirmed seven pairs of facing seats and four convertible double sofas providing 15 sleeping berths at full conversion. The forward zone provides the crew area, galley and additional lavatory designed "so as not to disturb passengers." The main cabin zones provide a conference area with work tables, lounge area with sofas and LCD screens, and private aft suites. GlobalAir confirmed standard equipment includes "dual CD and DVD players, satellite phone, Wi-Fi internet, six digital TV screens, executive lounge and a private office." A projector and large LCD TV are confirmed in the HTML specification. Multiple lavatories are standard; shower suite installations are available in customised completions. Baggage hold accommodates up to 80 suitcases.

• Cabin. 21.68 m x 3.72 m x 2.25 m; 75 m² floor area; 4 zones; full stand-up with generous headroom;
• Sleeping. 15 berths (7 pairs of facing seats + 4 convertible double sofas);
• Entertainment. Projector; large LCD TV; 6 digital screens; dual CD/DVD; satellite phone; Wi-Fi;
• Galley. Full professional galley; forward position; separate crew area;
• Baggage. 80 suitcases (12.17 m³ hold; accessible during flight);
• Engines. 2 x CFM International CFM56-5B9 (23,300 lbf each; high-bypass turbofan);
• Avionics. Northrop Grumman + Thales + Rockwell Collins; 6x 7.25-inch LCD displays; fly-by-wire; steer-by-wire;
• London City. EASA steep approach certified; only private aircraft of this size approved for LCY.

Technical specifications

Airbus A318 Elite vs similar aircraft

• Airbus A318 Elite vs Gulfstream GV/G550. The Gulfstream GV has a 15.27 m cabin (vs 21.68 m A318 Elite), 2.24 m width (vs 3.72 m), 6,250-6,750 nm range (vs 4,000-4,200 nm) and 51,000 ft ceiling (vs 41,000 ft). Charter rates for the GV run approximately £6,000/hr vs £12,000-20,000/hr for the A318 Elite. The GV has longer range, higher ceiling and lower operating cost; the A318 Elite has a cabin that is 7 m longer and 1.5 m wider, 15 sleeping berths (vs 8 on GV) and London City Airport certification. For groups of 10 to 14 on transatlantic sectors the GV is the standard choice; for groups of 15 to 19 requiring simultaneous sleeping positions, the A318 Elite is the only viable option in the fleet;
• Airbus A318 Elite vs Dornier 328JET. The Dornier 328JET carries 32 passengers at £3,000-5,000/hr on short European sectors within 900 nm. The A318 Elite carries 18-19 VIP passengers at £12,000-20,000/hr on intercontinental sectors within 4,000-4,200 nm. The Dornier provides maximum seat count at minimum rate for short European missions; the A318 Elite provides maximum VIP cabin volume at intercontinental range for the most demanding group charter specification. The two aircraft serve different mission profiles with no direct overlap;
• Airbus A318 Elite vs Bombardier Global 7500. The Global 7500 is a 19-seat ultra-long-range business jet at comparable charter rates with 7,700 nm range (vs 4,000 nm A318 Elite), 51,000 ft ceiling and a 54.5-foot cabin. The A318 Elite counters with a cabin that is 71 feet long (vs 54.5 ft), 12.2 ft wide (vs 8.2 ft), 807 sq ft floor area (vs approximately 430 sq ft Global 7500) and 15 sleeping berths simultaneously. For ultra-long-range sectors beyond 4,200 nm the Global 7500 is necessary; for missions within 4,000 nm where maximum cabin space and sleeping capacity for the group are the brief, the A318 Elite's floor area advantage is decisive.

Frequently asked questions - Airbus A318 Elite charter

How much does it cost to charter an Airbus A318 Elite?
Charter rates run from approximately £12,000 to £20,000 per flight hour. London to New York costs from £105,000 for 18 passengers (approximately £5,833 per person). London to Geneva costs from £24,000. At 18 passengers the per-person cost is approximately £666-1,111 per hour - competitive with first-class airline fares on comparable sectors without schedules or airport queues. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

Can the Airbus A318 Elite use London City Airport?
Yes - Air Charter Advisors confirmed the A318 Elite "has the approval for steep approaches for London City Airport (LCY), meeting the obstacle and noise requirements." This is unique for an aircraft of this cabin size. The steep approach certification enables the A318 Elite to land and depart from London City with its full VIP cabin configuration, providing City of London-based corporate groups with direct access to transatlantic range from LCY.

How many people can sleep simultaneously on the Airbus A318 Elite?
The HTML specifications confirmed 15 sleeping berths from "seven pairs of opposite seats and four convertible sofas for two people." This means up to 15 of the 18-19 passengers can sleep simultaneously during overnight transatlantic sectors - a capability unavailable in any purpose-built business jet for groups of this size. Global Jet confirmed a standard configuration sleeping 8 passengers, with enhanced layouts providing up to 15.

What is the difference between the A318 Elite and ACJ318?
Business Air News confirmed "main variants include the A318 Elite, launched in 2005 and name changed to ACJ318 in 2011; and the A318 Enhanced, introduced in October 2012, incorporating domed ceilings, wider seat choices, window shades and HD in-flight entertainment." The aircraft is the same airframe throughout; the Elite designation was a marketing name that Airbus rebranded as ACJ318 to align with its broader ACJ (Airbus Corporate Jet) family nomenclature.

How does the Airbus A318 Elite compare to purpose-built large business jets?
The A318 Elite cabin (3.72 m wide, 21.68 m long, 2.25 m high, 75 m² floor area) is significantly larger than any purpose-built business jet. For comparison: Gulfstream G800 cabin is 2.46 m wide; Bombardier Global 7500 is 2.49 m wide; Dassault Falcon 10X is 2.58 m wide. The A318 Elite at 3.72 m is approximately 1.1 to 1.3 m wider than the widest purpose-built business jet. This airline-derived fuselage cross-section provides cabin volume and configuration flexibility unavailable in any purpose-built business jet regardless of price.