5 Things You Didn't Know: Boeing 747-8 VIP
The recent launch of BoeingΆs 787 Dreamliner has received a lot of well-deserved press, but for all its advances in technology and comfort, it remains a commercial airliner. For an extremely privileged few, not even first class will do. For the true elite, a private jumbo jet is the only acceptable answer. A class leader is the Boeing 747-8 VIP, bridging the gap between the venerable 747 and the 787. The 747-8 VIP stands apart, not only as a personal aircraft, but also as the ultimate embodiment of each ownerΆs personal taste and needs.
Whether or not you were even aware of the 747-8 VIPΆs existence, here are five things you didnΆt know about the ultimate personal jet.
1 - It has all the comforts of home
As a matter of fact, the VIP can be outfitted to exceed the luxury of many fine homes with amenities that include spiral staircases, vaulted ceilings, wall-mounted video displays, and wood flooring. In the words of Steven Hill, president of Boeing Business Jets, it “epitomizes incomparable luxury and operational flexibility." Basically, youΆre in charge of how the 4,700-plus square feet of cabin space is configured and appointed. It can follow the design cues of ownersΆ homes or go in completely new directions, and can accommodate distinctly separate areas for work, dining, relaxation, and sleep.
2 - It enters the world naked
To behold pictures of the VIP is probably as close as many of us will ever come to viewing its sophistication. That elegance, however, is also deceiving. When a freshly assembled 747-8 rolls onto the tarmac, itΆs hardly the airborne palace of your dreams and it's decidedly un-VIP -- even by minimalist standards. In the industry, they call it “green” -- a naked aircraft inside and out. It isnΆt painted, it isnΆt appointed. ItΆs fully capable of flight, but thatΆs about all. Prior to a jaunt through the clouds, buyers consult with their design center of choice (including famed firms such as BMWΆs DesignworksUSA and Giugiaro Design) to dream and scheme the interior and exterior's look and feel. The 747-8 is then flown to the ownerΆs selected completion center where it can be cloaked in its VIP trim so the owner can begin enjoying his airborne mansion.
3 - It has a maximum speed of mach 0.86
You wouldnΆt imagine such a large craft could manage much speed, but the 747-8 VIP can reach mach 0.86 -- even with 100 of your closest friends aboard. So letΆs say youΆre in London one evening and you all decide to go clubbing in New York. No problem; you can get the party started on board and quite possibly arrive in the Big Apple without having to adjust your watch. Nifty. Furthermore, the 747-8 wouldnΆt have to refuel before the trip back across the Atlantic. ItΆs an aeronautic camel with a range extending up to 9,260 nautical miles. The ability to land at a wide variety of airports and compatibility with most common ground support equipment further enhances the usefulness of the 747-8.
The price tag of this personalized jumbo jet
4 - Ownership equals anonymity
In case you havenΆt guessed already, the 747-8 is not a casual purchase. Production takes time, and you simply donΆt order one online or phone it in. ItΆs only natural to wonder whoΆs making such sizable investments. Boeing understands the curiosity, but theyΆre still not sharing their customer list, not even for publicity purposes. You would have better luck trying to get the late Colonel Sanders to give up his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices. As of earlier this year, Boeing has confirmed orders for four 747-8s -- and that's about all the information you're going to get out of them.
5 - They start at $270 million
A well-appointed business jet can easily set you back a few million dollars. That's a premium price, but it seems like pocket change against the 747-8Άs $270 - $280 million airfare. Incidentally, that doesnΆt include the cost of exterior paint, interior appointments or the design services of either. That will be a wee bit more -- to the tune of $20 million or so. Yes, thatΆs one-third of a billion dollars by the time your dream jet is completed. Of course, thereΆs also the matter of hiring pilots and crew members, plus all manners of aircraft management and maintenance.
The Boeing 747-8 VIP and other models in Boeing's business jet line are something of a myth to the everyday man. The prospect of owning and outfitting one of these massive, private jets is something most of us will only dream of. However, with the launch of the brand new 787 Dreamliner, Boeing has brought to the public what only a select few ever get to experience -- high-end technology and luxury in the open skies.
Boeing is a company that continually raises the bar when it comes to aerial designs and concepts, and garners plenty of attention for it. Their BBJ (Boeing Business Jets) are a glaring example of their forward-thinking designers, and the simple fact that one can purchase a jumbo jet for personal use is fascinating to the general public.
As long as there's flight, the public is bound to be interested in the latest and greatest in airplane design and technologies. And, of course, the idea of a multi-million dollar private jumbo jet is bound to pique some interest along the way.
ThereΆs been quite a bit of press recently surrounding the debut of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. However, for all the technological advances and comforts it offers, itΆs still a commercial airliner. For those who regard the prospect of commercial air travel as entirely unacceptable, private jets afford the exclusivity and sanctuary they so highly prize. For the very wealthy, a private jet like the Boeing 747-8 VIP is the answer. The $300-million indulgence could otherwise be spent on the purchase of many countries, but a country is hardly mobile, now is it?
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