First US order for Airbus A318 Elite

From Shephard Group's Inflight On-line...

Investment company Petters Group Worldwide (PGW) has become the first US customer to order an Airbus A318 Elite corporate jet. The contract brings Elite orders for the year to three aircraft, and the Airbus corporate jet tally to nine.

Minneapolis-based PGW plans to use the aircraft for flights to Asia and Europe as well as within the USA. "The Elite is a great size for our travel needs, giving us the most working space and the greatest cabin comfort of any corporate jet," says PGW chief executive Tom Petters. "Our company is a long-time user of corporate jets, and we are really looking forward to stepping up in comfort."

The A318, also known as the "Mini-Airbus" or "baby 'bus", is the smallest member of the A320 family. The Airbus A318 Elite is aimed at the medium-range market for flights of up to 4,000 nm range, with a choice of two cabin layouts seating up to 14 and 18 passengers, and will be powered by CFM engines. (Source: Wikipedia A320)

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