Boeing just landed its first order for its future $426 million 777-9 private jet. See what the VIP cabin could look like.
Taylor Rains
Lufthansa Technik BBJ 777-9 concept image.Lufthansa Technik
- 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 company Lufthansa Technik is a leader in maintenance, repair, and overhaul services in the civil aviation market.
A Lufthansa Technik hangar. smolkapressepool/ullstein bild/Getty
One of the company's specialties is cabin design and modification and has developed many projects over the years.
A concept image of an ACJ330neo cabin design. Lufthansa Technik
Some of these include a $340 million "superyacht" design on an ACJ330 private jet…
A concept image of an ACJ330neo cabin design. Lufthansa Technik
…and a VIP cabin with a private bedroom on an Airbus ACJ320neo corporate plane.
A concept image of an ACJ320neo cabin design. Lufthansa Technik
Lufthansa Technik announced its latest cabin design on Monday, which was specifically created for Boeing's future 777-9 business aircraft.
BBJ 777X. Boeing
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.
Boeing 777X passenger planes at Paine Field in Everett, Washington. The price tag doesn't include the VIP cabin. AP Photo/Elaine Thompson
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."
The smaller version is the BBJ 777-8. AP Photo/Ted S. Warren
And, its record-breaking performance has gotten the attention of a deep-pocket buyer.
Boeing 777X Flight Test 1 aircraft at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022. Taylor Rains/Insider
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.
BBJ 777X. Boeing
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.
Mexico's former BBJ Boeing 787. Alejandro Melendez/AFP via Getty Images
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.
BBJ 777X. Boeing
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…
Lufthansa Technik BBJ 777-9 concept image. Lufthansa Technik
Source: Lufthansa Technik
…a reception area…
Lufthansa Technik BBJ 777-9 concept image. Lufthansa Technik
Source: Lufthansa Technik
…a section in the back of the plane for accompanying officials and delegates…
Lufthansa Technik BBJ 777-9 aft section seat map. Lufthansa Technik
Source: Lufthansa Technik
…a special window shade that gives "passengers the feeling of being in their personal living room…"
Lufthansa Technik BBJ 777-9 concept image. Lufthansa
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.
Lufthansa Technik BBJ 777-9 forward section seat map. Lufthansa Technik
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.
Lufthansa Technik's entrance area on the BBJ 777-9 cabin concept. Lufthansa Technik
Source: Lufthansa Technik
The design comes as private aviation continues to hold strong post-pandemic.
A private jet. Laura Schmutzer
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.
An in-production BBJ MAX 8. Boeing
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."
Inside a BBJ 737. Abby Wallace/Insider.
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.
Greenpoint Technologies BBJ 777X concept lounge. Greenpoint Technologies
The concepts have a plethora of luxury elements, including large lounges and dining rooms...
Jet Aviation's BBJ 777X concept lounge. Jet Aviation
...as well as master bedrooms and dual-sink bathrooms.
Unique Aircraft Design's BBJ 777X concept bedroom. Unique Aircraft Design
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