Avolar and Airbus have reached an agreement to offer fractional ownership of the Airbus Corporate Jetliner to potential customers in North America, in a deal involving up to 15 aircraft. Separately, Airbus will continue to market the ACJ directly to customers in North America, which will have the option of Avolar managing, operating and maintaining the aircraft for them.

After the recent controversy surrounding Avolar (a United Airlines subsidiary) apparently placing firm orders for 12 Gulfstreams, with options for another 23 and orders and options for 100 Falcon jets, a spokesman stressed: “Under the terms of the agreement, Avolar would acquire these Airbus Corporate Jetliners on behalf of customers, which provide all of the money to purchase them (without the use of funds from Avolar).”

Avolar will fly, maintain and provide passenger service for the joint ownership ACJ customers and the aircraft will be captained by mainline United Airlines pilots. United Services, a division of United Airlines, will provide 24 hour maintenance support. The spokesman announced: “The Airbus Corporate Jet Program will provide the ACJ to corporations, including those with domestic and international executive shuttle requirements, sports teams and individuals in the North American market.” The ACJ can fly 12 executives up to 6,000 nautical miles or 40 passengers up to 4,500 nautical miles.