Design Trade
Jet Installation Comfort By Sam Martin
European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company N.V. (EADS), wanted to capitalize on the space and comfort advantages the line had over competing bizjets. To accomplish this task, the Airbus Copor- ate Jet Center in Toulouse, France, joined with Lufthansa Technik, a leader in VIP and corporate outfitting, to create an affordable package that would appeal to a wider market while minimizing costs through the commonality of the cabin designs. The venture was so successful that now, only five years after its debut, the aircraft represents one quarter of the 150+ sales for the company’s airline family. This is no small number considering a corporate jet can cost an estimated $62.5 million depending on the engine and interior customizations desired. To begin such an undertaking, the companies had to understand how
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the aircraft would be used. Research showed that customers want to take to the sky with the same comfort and practicality that they have at the home or office. This means lounges for socializing or relaxing, tables at which to work or eat and sleeping quarters. In many cases, several people may be traveling together, so different cabin zones al- low them to do a variety of things simultaneously without disturbing each other. The companies decided that the Airbus A318 Elite would be the per-
fect model because, unlike traditional business jets, it features seating for 18 passengers and can travel approximately 4,100 nautical miles (non-stop London to New York) without refueling. It also boasts 800 square feet of cabin space meaning a wider cabin and plenty of head- room, allowing ample areas with room-like proportions and unlimited freedom of movement. Of course, the standard aircraft constraints still applied, such as ensuring furnishings are as light as possible, minimiz- ing flammability and keeping the center of gravity within limits, while working with the circular shape of the fuselage cross section. Since most of the customers are likely to be in the business sector, whether traveling for business or pleasure, Lufthansa Technik opted for a more business-like interior appearance. The company also chose to build horizontal trim lines into the walls to separate the different parts of the cabin, giving each area a more room-like ambiance and balancing out the circular cross section. The general arrangement of the tastefully modern cabin begins with
a galley equipped with modern appliances and lavish cabinetry with an area for crew or entourage seating and storage just beyond. The main cabin has two seating zones with tables and sofas that convert to full-size beds. Proceeding through a hallway with more storage space
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in the Clouds ith the launch of the A318 Elite, Airbus S.A.S., part of the
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