BAA Jet Management of Hong Kong has become the first Asian operator to take delivery of an Airbus A318 Elite corporate/VIP aircraft.
The aircraft, registered in China and based at Shenzen, is being offered for charter. “It offers customers more comfort, space and ease of movement around the cabin than other high-end business jets,” says BAA managing director Ricky Leung. “With seating for 18 passengers, it can carry larger groups than any other corporate aircraft currently available for VIP charter in the region.”
The A318 Elite is the newest Airbus corporate/VIP aircraft. Its affordability is enhanced by a standardised 18-passenger interior supplied by exclusive completions provider Lufthansa Technik. The interior comprises several different seating zones in a large living area, and a private office that converts into a bedroom complete with en suite bathroom.
Airbus’s tally of 150+ orders for corporate/VIP aircraft comprises more than a hundred units from the ACJ family – the A318 Elite, the A319-based ACJ and the A320 Prestige - and around 50 Prestige versions of the A330, A340, A350 and A380. In the year to date the company has recorded contracts for a total of 28 aircraft, including eight A350s and an A340-500.
The DoD has changed its structures and is been increasing efforts to facilitate access to loans by companies interested in working with artificial intelligence, advanced materials and semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum science.
India has approved millions of dollars in new military purchases, most of which will go to public sector companies.
The main obstacles to overcoming risks in the region are a lack of a strong cybersecurity culture and inadequate funds to invest in this domain given a widespread Chinese presence in the region.
MBDA is adapting to supply chain pressures as the Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to increased demand for armaments.
Despite the additional funding promised this week, the UK armed forces still look set to face cutbacks, and maintaining international commitments to AUKUS and GCAP may limit the options for other programmes.
This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat with Professor John Louth.
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