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Switzerland's Comlux reports strong demand for its 18 passenger A318 Elite the first to be brought into vip charter service in Europe. "There are four more on order to make a total of five to be delivered by 2010," says ceo Ettore Rodaro. "People want to buy more space and time. This has fed through to rising demand for luxury in the long haul sector." Comlux took delivery of the green aircraft from Airbus in November 2006. It took five months to outfit.
Eric Weisskopf, cco and special projects, says: "We are focusing on the long range and this brings into play aircraft such as the A319 ACJ and the A318 Elite. We have laid a solid base with the deliveries in the third quarter of this year of a Global Express XRS to be followed by a second XRS as soon as practicable."
Comlux aims to ensure it provides the greater cabin comfort preferred, particularly for Russian and Middle Eastern clients. It has thought big since launch. It started with a Challenger 604 in 2003 but immediately ascertained a market for larger aircraft and acquired the A319.
Rodaro says: "Many of our clients like space for their children, luggage and staff. But it is more than that. The concept is to have the space and the cabin staff expertise to provide an attentive service that is not intrusive."
The A318 Elite has two first-class seats in a forward compartment that can be used by the crew for rest or meals and refreshment preparation. One of the three lavatories is convenient for crew use.
The main area has two seating sections where a dozen passengers can be accommodated although only ten are used during takeoff and landing. There is a second convenient lavatory. The third is convenient for the aft stateroom.
Rodaro says that judicious use of rugged faux wood furniture, wear-resistant seat fabric and hard wearing carpet will facilitate keeping the aircraft clean and tidy.
"The four A318s on order will arrive on a two-a-year basis. We have plans for showers as well as lavatories to serve the aft stateroom. We will be exacting in the outfitting with six months set aside for completions."
