More than 15 executives, representing six operators, attended the first Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) operator conference, held in Toulouse on September 14, highlighting the growing use of the aircraft in business aviation. They comprised representatives of Aero Services Executive, DaimlerChrysler and Twinjet, as well as of the Italian and French governments and an undisclosed operator.

“This first ACJ forum,” said a spokesman, “gives operators an opportunity to be updated on new developments, as well as to discuss – both with Airbus and other operators – the challenges that they face in day-to-day operations.”

Added ACJ vice president Richard Gaona: “We invest a lot of effort in helping our customers to get the best out of their ACJs and by providing a forum for shared experiences, with frank and open discussion, we are helping each other to do just that."

Among the subjects discussed at the conference was a proposal to provide greater flexibility between fuel volume and baggage space, thereby capitalising on the ease with which fuel tanks can be fitted and removed from the cargo holds (the ACJ benefits from outward-opening cargo doors). Other topics included extended range twin-engine operations (ETOPS) and the "one call handles all" service.

Ten ACJs have been delivered to date, of which eight are already in service with operators in the Middle East and Europe.