Lufthansa Technik Unveils Major ACJ318 Elite Upgrade Program

HAMBURG, GERMANY — Lufthansa Technik (LHT) has officially announced a comprehensive cabin and technical upgrade program for the Airbus ACJ318 Elite, breathing new life into the "smallest" member of the Airbus Corporate Jet family.

Announced at the tail end of 2025, the program targets the 18 active ACJ318 Elite aircraft currently operating across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Originally designed and outfitted by Lufthansa Technik between 2007 and 2015, these aircraft, while renowned for their reliability and spaciousness, are now reaching a technological crossroads. LHT’s new initiative aims to bridge the decade-long gap in cabin technology and material wear, ensuring the platform remains competitive for another decade of service.

The Rebirth of the Elite Cabin

The upgrade program is a multi-tiered approach managed by LHT’s VIP Centre of Excellence in Hamburg. Operators can choose from a menu of "optical" renewals and "structural" technical overhauls designed to bring millennium-era interiors up to 2025 luxury standards.

1. Aesthetic Refinement (Optical Upgrades)

The program focuses on refreshing high-touch and high-visibility areas that have weathered over a decade of use.

Veneer and Woodwork: Replacement of ageing wood veneers with contemporary finishes.

Soft Goods: Complete overhaul of carpets, leather upholstery, and fabric sidewalls.

Lighting: Modernisation of cabin mood lighting systems to enhance the passenger experience.

2. The Technical Leap: Connectivity and IFE

The most significant update is the introduction of the ACJ Connect Link. This state-of-the-art Low Earth Orbit (LEO) SatCom solution, developed in collaboration with Airbus Corporate Jets, leverages the Gogo Galileo full-duplex terminal.

"Even the highest-quality aircraft are not immune to a decade of wear and tear, and certainly not to the fast-paced development of connectivity technology," says Fabian Nagel, VP Sales for VIP & Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik. "We are honoured to revive this program to enhance the value and lifespan of these remarkable jets."

Technical Specifications: The Upgraded ACJ318 Elite

The ACJ318 remains a favourite for regional missions due to its airliner-width cabin and steep-approach capabilities (allowing it to land at airports like London City).

About the ACJ318 Program

The Original Designer: Lufthansa Technik is uniquely qualified for this program because they were the exclusive completion partner for every original A318 Elite delivered by Airbus.

Transatlantic Capability: Despite its small size, the ACJ318 Elite can fly non-stop between London and New York, making the connectivity upgrade vital for business travellers.

Stealth Technology: The new "nice" cabin management system being offered can integrate LHT's "Hidden Touch" technology, where controls disappear into the wood veneer when not in use.

LEO Revolution: By switching to LEO satellites, the ACJ318 will have lower latency than many current wide-body commercial airliners, allowing for seamless video conferencing mid-flight.

Market Value: Industry analysts suggest that a full LHT cabin and tech refresh can increase the resale value of an ACJ318 by as much as 15-20% in the current pre-owned market.

Strategic Significance for 2026

As we move into 2026, the demand for "boutique" narrow-body VIP jets is rising. By offering a certified, factory-backed upgrade path, Lufthansa Technik is effectively preventing these aircraft from entering early retirement. The program is expected to begin its first "head-of-state" conversion in the first quarter of next year.