Boeing Takes Orders For VIP-Configured 787 Dreamliners And 747s

Last week, AVweb updated you on Boeing’s business jet program (BBJ), noting the debut of the BBJ3, based on the 737-900ER. What we didn’t report is that Boeing also has new orders for VIP-configured versions of its commercial jets. According to the company, Boeing will build one 787-8 Dreamliner, three 787-9 Dreamliners and three 747-8 airplanes specifically for non-airline owners. With the previously announced orders of 12 BBJs and the new widebody orders, the Boeing Business Jets sales team has won a total of 19 new airplane orders within the last 11 months — business valued at $2.25 billion at list prices.

Boeing says its VIP-configured 787-8 offers 2,404 square feet of cabin space and a range of 9,590 nm, while the VIP-configured 787-9 offers 2,762 square feet in the cabin and even more range: 9,950 nm. Using a 787-9, an owner can fly anywhere in the world nonstop while carrying up to 75 passengers. The VIP version of the 747-8 provides an even larger cabin — 4,786 square feet — can carry 100 passengers and fly up to 9,260 nm. “Boeing has a long legacy of providing jets to the VIP market,” said Steven Hill, Boeing Business Jets President. “We are thrilled with the continued success of the original Boeing Business Jets airplane family and the amazing market interest in our widebody jets.” In addition to the 737-based BBJs and the 787 and 747-8 VIP airplanes, Boeing also offers VIP versions of the 767 and 777. Nearly 300 Boeing airplanes are in service in the VIP and business jet market.