Luxury Airplanes

The Boeing Business Jet was made for elegance and performance and it more than surpasses its expectations. Not for the feint of heart, or feint of pocketbook, the $45 million aircraft cruises at 541 mph, has a range of more than 7,000 miles, and can transport up to 50 passengers. However, the true calling of this aircraft is its ability to perform just as well as a full-scale mobile office or as a luxurious airborne retreat for a privileged few.

Boeing delivers its basic or "green" BBJs to its completion centers models without any avionics or interior features. Here, the transformation from flying tube to mile-high palace begins. Companies outfit the BBJs according to owners' exact specifications, building luxurious eight-passenger VIP configurations or more traditional row-by-row seating. The BBJ can include an executive suite with a queen-size bed and a private bathroom and shower, eliminating any concerns about cramped and sleepless intercontinental flights.

The aircraft can be transformed into a 21st Century office to include fax and videoconferencing capabilities, and the latest in wiring and communications but a business flight aboard a BBJ doesn't have to be all work and no play. The plane can also be wired for for satellite and DirecTV, while the plasma TVs and LCD screens can be placed on bulkheads and in seat backs. "The BBJ is not just a transportation tool," says Deal. "It is a tool to make an executive more productive while in flight."

The Boeing Business Jet series are factory conversions of Boeing airliners for the corporate jet market, initially the 737 series airliners. This aircraft usually seats between 25 and 50 passengers within a luxurious configuration. This may include a master bedroom, a washroom with shower(s), a conference/dining area, and a living area. The Boeing Business Jet is a 50/50 partnership between Boeing Commercial Airplanes and General Electric.

The latest versions of the BBJs include configurations based on the Boeing 777, Boeing 787 and the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental. Some limited details of these models and various configurations are available on the BBJ website.