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An Airbus A320neo airliner is being converted into a private jet for a VIP customer complete with its own bedroom and an onboard shower — see what it'll look likehttps://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/news/an-airbus-a320neo-airliner-is-being-converted-into-a-private-jet-for-a-vip-customer-complete-with-its-own-bedroom-and-an-onboard-shower-ampmdash-see-what-itaposll-look-like/slidelist/96110641.cms2022-12-09T16:45:45+05:30

An Airbus A320neo airliner is being converted into a private jet for a VIP customer complete with its own bedroom and an onboard shower — see what it'll look like

Taylor RainsDec 9, 2022, 16:45 IST

Since the coronavirus pandemic, the demand for private aviation has skyrocketed.

Private charter operators like NetJets and VistaJet have reported massive increases, with Patrick Gallagher, NetJets' president of sales, marketing, and service, telling Insider demand is up 35-40%.

Meanwhile, VistaJet US president Leona Qi told Insider the US is the fastest-growing market: "In the last quarter alone, 70% of US hours sold were attributable to new VistaJet Program Members."

It's no surprise the pandemic pushed people to private aviation. Most business aircraft operate out of fixed-based operators, which offer services like fueling and maintenance.

Although airlines are starting to get back to pre-pandemic capacity and schedules, Gallagher told Insider he does not believe it will be enough for people to jump back to commercial flying.

Most recently, Lufthansa Technik, which is the company's maintenance and development arm, unveiled a new VIP cabin interior created for a customer's Airbus ACJ320neo.

The ACJ bizjet is part of Airbus' family of private planes, which also includes the ACJ TwoTwenty…

…the ACJ319neo…

…the ACJ330neo…

…and the ACJ350.

The ACJneos "have three times more space than traditional large business jets, with similar range and operating costs," per Airbus.

Moreover, the jet can fly 6,900 miles nonstop and carry up to 25 passengers, who can enjoy comforts like a shower and in-flight theater.

Lufthansa Technik's VIP cabin design was made in close collaboration with the undisclosed customer and will begin its retrofit in summer 2023 — here's what it will look like.

Complete with several living areas, the layout is focused on privacy, luxury, and flexibility, allowing the owner to use the jet for family trips or group charters, per the company.

Inside is a grand entrance behind the cockpit, as well as lounge and office space.

There are also large seats and TV screens throughout, and travelers can connect their personal entertainment to the displays.

Towards the back of the jet lies a huge master bedroom, complete with desk space, storage, and beautiful finishings.

"With its flexible interior and a top-notch entertainment system, this aircraft will set completely new standards for narrowbody VIP cabins," company VP of special aircraft services, Michael von Puttkamer, said.

The specially-designed VIP cabin is not the only grandiose option available for ACJ owners.

In October 2021, Airbus collaborated with French artist Cyril Kongo to create a colorful ACJ TwoTwenty interior option, which will feature hand-painted furniture.

Meanwhile, Lufthansa Technik has created a $340 million VIP cabin concept that could be equipped on the ACJ330, which the company chose as the design's demonstrator jet.

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An Airbus A320neo airliner is being converted into a private jet for a VIP customer complete with its own bedroom and an onboard shower &mdash; see what it'll look like