Lufthansa Technik has launched a major cabin-modernisation programme for the Airbus ACJ318 Elite, aiming to bring the compact VIP aircraft up to current standards of luxury, technology and inflight connectivity.
The scheme, developed by the company’s VIP Centre of Excellence in Hamburg, will offer ACJ318 Elite owners a suite of bespoke upgrades combining cosmetic refurbishment with full technical modernisation.
The ACJ318 Elite — the smallest member of Airbus’s corporate jet family — was originally fitted exclusively by Lufthansa Technik between 2007 and 2015. Its wide fuselage allowed for a spacious VIP layout with dedicated dining, lounge and office zones, plus a private bedroom and bathroom.
Although its 19-seat layout and monuments were largely standardised, customers were offered a broad choice of premium materials and finishes.
However, with cabin technology and passenger expectations evolving rapidly, Lufthansa Technik says many aircraft are now ready for a comprehensive refresh.
Full interior overhaul and next-generation connectivity
The modernisation package includes renewed veneers, carpets and upholstery, as well as the option to replace the entire inflight entertainment and cabin management system. Operators can specify high-definition displays, upgraded audio systems and the latest cabin-control interfaces.
Connectivity will receive the biggest leap forward, with the option to install Airbus Corporate Jets’ new Low Earth Orbit (LEO) SatCom system. Based on Gogo Galileo’s full-duplex terminal, the solution promises significantly faster onboard internet for business and entertainment use.
Chadi Saade, President of Airbus Corporate Jets, said the collaboration ensured ACJ318 Elite operators could “benefit from the most advanced connectivity options”, enhancing the passenger experience.
Fabian Nagel, Lufthansa Technik’s Vice President for VIP and Special Aircraft Services, said even the highest-quality cabins could not escape “a decade of everyday wear and tear”, nor the rapid pace of technological change.
“We are honoured to revive the successful ACJ318 Elite programme,” he said. “Our unmatched expertise in VIP interiors, which went into every A318 Elite from the beginning, will now extend the lifespan and enhance the value of these remarkable aircraft.”
The upgrade programme is expected to appeal to corporate, government and private operators seeking to keep the rare ACJ318 Elite competitive well into the next decade.