Boeing Delivers First 747-8 Intercontinental VIP Airplane

Boeing this week delivered the first 747-8 Intercontinental VIP airplane to an undisclosed customer.

The airplane, which was delivered with a minimal interior, will enter service in 2014 after its VIP interior is installed.

"This is a great day for Boeing," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 747 is the most iconic airplane in the world, and I know customers are going to love what we've done to enhance its performance. The Intercontinental is fast, efficient and quiet, offering real savings and a great flying experience. And I believe it's one of the most beautiful airplanes in the sky."

The VIP version of the 747-8 Intercontinental provides a cabin with 4,786 square feet (444.6 square meters). This 747-8 VIP will include Greenpoint Technologies' Aeroloft, located above the main cabin between the upper deck and tail of the 747-8 VIP, giving the airplane 393 square feet (36.5 square meters) of additional cabin space. The Aeroloft will be installed by Boeing Global Transport & Executive Systems (GTES) in Wichita, Kan.

With Aeroloft, the VIP-configured 747-8 offers a total of 5,179 square feet (481.1 square meters) of cabin space, can carry 100 passengers and has a range of about 8,840 nautical miles (16,372 km). It provides double-digit improvements in fuel burn and emissions over the 747-400, and is 30% quieter.

To date, undisclosed customers have ordered nine 747-8 VIP airplanes.

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