ACJ380

Geneva-based reseller Sparfell & Partners has announced that it has been charged to market four used Airbus A380s as head-of-state aircraft and will unveil at EBACE a Winch Design-provided rendering of the private double-decker.

The announcement revives the concept of the ACJ380 two years after Airbus cancelled the only order ever placed for a VVIP version of the superjumbo, opening a new channel for second-hand A380 sales as the oldest aircraft approach the end of 10- and 12-year leases.

Sparfell & Partners tells FlightGlobal that it anticipates three of its four completion centres will be available to convert the used A380s to a VVIP layout, with options including a full VVIP conversion of both decks or a VVIP conversion of the upper-deck alone, retaining standard airline seating on the lower deck. A full conversion can be performed within 18 months of a signed contract, Sparfell & Partners says.