Now not only the President of the United States will be the master of the skies with Air Force I and II following the launch of the VIP versions of the 787 Dreamliner and del 747-8 models.

As we all know, the most recent presidents of our northern neighbor have used a pair of Boeing 747s (known as the Jumbo jet) for the travels around the world, escorted always by well-armed fighter planes to provide maximum security, similar to the one that we could imagine in the movie “Air Force 1”, starring Harrison Ford.

But this launch of the US firm whose head offices are located in Seattle, Washington was no long shot. The firm has already received 7 orders for VIP versions of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the 747-8, which are under construction and will take to the skies in 2008.

Orders have been placed by unknown clients for a 787-8, three 787-9 and three 747-8, specially designed for the VIP market. The average price for each of these models is in the region of US$ 150 million.

 

 

“Boeing has a long tradition of providing jets for the VIP market,” commented Steven Hill, CEO of Boeing Business Jets (BBJ). “Boeing aircraft are renowned for their high levels of reliability, comfort and advanced technology and that reputation extends to the VIP market with the 787 and the 747-8. We are delighted with the continuing success of the original family of Boeing Business Jets and the astonishing interest in the market for our wide-bodied jets.

The 787 models are capable of comfortably transporting 75 passengers all over the world up to distances of 15,000 kilometers with no stopovers. This model is in the process of the construction and will commence its first flights in 2007.

The 747-8, the first model of which started flying more than 20 years ago, can transport 100 passengers in the largest business jet cabin in the world up to a range of 17,000 kilometers at a speed of up to Mach 0.86.

 

 

Details are at client request

The delivery of these 7 Boeing VIP aircraft will be in the so-called “green” condition; in other words, without any interior finish or exterior paint.

The purchasers will meet with designers and finishing centers to install the interiors according to the individual needs of the owners. Special interiors can include cabins with private bathrooms, a dining area, rest or relaxation lounges, a meeting room and private offices. These will obviously be highly luxurious, with fine woods and leathers, with details in the cabins and a well-equipped    galley.

 

 

 

With these BBJ orders and 12 existing orders for wide bodies, the sales of the Boeing Business Jets team amount to 19 aircraft in the last 11 months in a business valued at US$ 2.25 billion at list price.

Besides the BBJ on a 737 platform and the VIP 787 and 747-8 aircraft, Boeing Business Jets also offers VIP versions of the 767 and 777. Almost 300 Boeing aircraft are in service in the VIP business jet market.

Private owners of a BBJ account for 43% of the BBJ client base. 35% are heads of state or governments, 12% are corporate operators and the remaining 10% are charter operators.       

 

 

       

 

Text: Laura Velázquez ± Photo: Boeing.