Boeing just landed its first order for its future $426 million 777-9 private jet. See what the VIP cabin could look like.
Boeing announced the first order for its upcoming BBJ 777-9 business aircraft on Monday.
The planemaker did not disclose the buyer, but said large corporate jets are typically ordered by governments.
German aircraft service company Lufthansa Technik unveiled a VIP cabin design for the upcoming jet.
German company Lufthansa Technik is a leader in maintenance, repair, and overhaul services in the civil aviation market.
One of the company's specialties is cabin design and modification and has developed many projects over the years.
Some of these include a $340 million "superyacht" design on an ACJ330 private jet…
…and a VIP cabin with a private bedroom on an Airbus ACJ320neo corporate plane.
Lufthansa Technik announced its latest cabin design on Monday, which was specifically created for Boeing's future 777-9 business aircraft.
The $426 million plane will be the VIP version of the manufacturer's 777-9 passenger jet and is expected to enter the market in 2025 — which is a later-than-planned arrival due to a series of production delays.
Known for its folding wingtips, 12,700-mile range, and improved operational efficiency, the next-generation BBJ is "capable of connecting any two cities in the world nonstop."
Source: Boeing, The folding wing tips on Boeing's massive new 777X are a first in commercial aviation. Here's why the plane needs them.
And, its record-breaking performance has gotten the attention of a deep-pocket buyer.
Source: Boeing
At the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Switzerland on Monday, Boeing announced an undisclosed customer secured a purchase option for one BBJ 777-9.
Source: Boeing, Boeing's new $400 million 777X private airliner is a flying mansion that can go halfway around the world
While the American planemaker declined to say who the buyer is, it noted orders for large widebody planes like Boeing's new BBJ are typically from governments, FlightGlobal reported.
Source: Boeing, FlightGlobal, The Mexican government just sold its $218 million Boeing 787 private jet its president refused to use — see inside the plane
With 3,229 square feet of cabin space, there is a lot of room for Lufthansa Technik to work with. Take a look at what the interior could look like.
Source: Lufthansa Technik
Described as having "traditional elements of Middle Eastern cultural heritage with a modern twist," the VIP cabin is fit with conference rooms…
Source: Lufthansa Technik
…a reception area…
Source: Lufthansa Technik
…a section in the back of the plane for accompanying officials and delegates…
Source: Lufthansa Technik
…a special window shade that gives "passengers the feeling of being in their personal living room…"
Source: Lufthansa Technik
…and a private bedroom that Lufthansa Technik says will be "expandable" and "highly functional." Concept photos of the design will be published at a later date.
Source: Lufthansa Technik
"We are confident that this cabin design will set a new standard for VIP aviation, and we look forward to bringing it to market," company sales director for VIP & special mission aircraft services, Jan Grube, said.
Source: Lufthansa Technik
The design comes as private aviation continues to hold strong post-pandemic.
Source: FlightGlobal
Speaking at EBACE, Boeing marketing director Alexis Fecteau said European traffic is down compared to 2022, but is still 6% above 2019 levels.
Source: FlightGlobal
"It makes us think that the business jet improvement in numbers is going to be persistent," Fecteau says. "Once you go private, it's really hard to go back."
Source: FlightGlobal
Lufthansa Technik is not the only company to create a BBJ 777-9 design, with a trio of companies — including Greenpoint Technologies, Jet Aviation, and Unique Aircraft Design — announcing concepts in 2018.
The concepts have a plethora of luxury elements, including large lounges and dining rooms...
...as well as master bedrooms and dual-sink bathrooms.
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