Boeing is to offer VIP and head of state customers a turnkey interior on the BBJ 747-8, using examples of the latest-generation jumbo sourced from airlines.
The airframer launched what it is calling the BBJ 747-8 VIP at the NBAA-BACE show in Las Vegas.
“This is the first time we have offered a concierge-level offering for a post-production aircraft,” says Chris Shindle, Boeing Business Jets’ director of global marketing.
The company was persuaded to launch the offering, Shindle says, following overwhelming feedback from the VIP and head-of-state sector.
“The market reached out to us,” says Shindle. “These are current widebody aircraft owners, particularly of older 747s, who love the design but are looking for a newer airframe, engines and interior for which the -8 is a perfect fit,” says Shindle.
The 747-8 was the last member of the iconic 747 family. It entered service in October 2013 and the last example was delivered in January 2023.
Boeing produced 155 examples – 107 in freighter and 48 in passenger configuration. Of these 12 747-8s were outfitted for VVIP service. “All 48 passenger models could be suitable for our new offering as and when they become available,” says Shindle.
Boeing will provide “a full-spectrum concierge service” to its new owners including sourcing, acquiring, designing, outfitting and delivering the BBJ 747-8 VIP and providing a full, tailored customer support package following service entry.
Describing the 747-8 as the “world’s largest VIP airplane”, Boeing has unveiled a selection of room designs for the 465sq m (5,000sq ft) cabin including a master bedroom suite, lounge, conference and dining room.
Completions, maintenance, repair and overhaul will be outsourced to partner companies including Jet Aviation, Comlux and Lufthansa Technik, although a dedicated Boeing team will retain complete oversight of the project under a single contract.
Boeing says the BBJ 747-8 VIP can fly 75 passengers with a range of 8,500nm (15,575km) providing nonstop connections from New York to Bangkok and Dubai to Los Angeles.
