Part of complete coverage on
How world leaders travel: Boeing's latest mile-high luxury
By Lauren Said-Moorhouse, for CNN
September 7, 2012 -- Updated 2011 GMT (0411 HKT)
The luxurious upper deck cabin area of Boeing's latest luxury offering, the Aeroloft, comes complete with a changing area to get comfortable before a well-deserved rest.
The Aeroloft sleeping area fitted on VIP BBJ 747-8 aircraft was installed by Boeing Global Transport & Executive Systems (GTES) in Kansas.
The Aeroloft-fitted BBJ aircrafts will have an additional 36.5 meters of cabin space.
Private suites will provide space for a world leader take a quick nap in between state affairs.
Boeing says the modified cabin area will mainly be used by support staff or accompanying passengers of the primary customer.
Artistic rendering of how the Aeroloft cabin fits into the top deck of a Boeing BBJ 747-8.
BBJ President, captain Steve Taylor and BBJ chief pilot, captain Rene Gonzalez in the cockpit.
The first Boeing BBJ with fitted Aeroloft cabin departs Wichita, KS as it heads to Hamburg, Germany for more luxury fittings.
VIP comfort among the clouds
VIP comfort among the clouds
VIP comfort among the clouds
VIP comfort among the clouds
VIP comfort among the clouds
VIP comfort among the clouds
VIP comfort among the clouds
VIP comfort among the clouds
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Boeing take delivery of Aeroloft-fitted Boeing Business Jet
- Modified BBJ 747-8 has eight private sleeping areas
- To date, all purchases made by undisclosed head-of-state customers
Business Traveller is a monthly show about making the most of doing business on the road.
(CNN) -- The business-flying elite will soon be able to cruise the skies in even more comfort as one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers unveils its latest VIP cabin fittings.
Boeing has taken delivery of the first Boeing Business jet (BBJ) fitted with the new Aeroloft. Boeing said of the nine Aeroloft-modified BBJ aircrafts that have been sold to date, all are for destined for undisclosed head-of-state customers.
Designed by Washington-based company Greenpoint Technologies, the Aeroloft provides an additional 36.5 meters of cabin space in a VIP-configured BBJ 787-8. The new cabin design sits above the main deck of the aircraft between the upper deck and tail.
Christine Hadley, manager of sales and marketing at Greenpoint Technologies said: "The Aeroloft was developed to accommodate customer driven requirements for the Boeing 747-8 aircraft. Boeing cleared this 'overhead' area and customers desired a solution for optimal passenger space utilization."
Boeing shows off at Farnborough airshow
Boeing unveils new 787 Dreamliner
Exhausted business leaders can change into less formal attire before recharging their batteries in one of the eight private, luxurious sleeping quarters or sitting back in the adjacent lounge.
BBJ president, captain Steve Taylor said: We're certain all the BBJ 747-8 customers receiving the Aeroloft will be thrilled with this unique and comfortable space."
Taylor and BBJ chief pilot, captain Rene Gonzalez are flying the newly-fitted plane to Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg, Germany where more VIP interior elements are to be added for the first customer.
Boeing is scheduled to deliver another two BBJ 787-8s this year.
But high-flyers of the corporate world shouldn't rejoice just yet. The BBJ 747-8 is a large aircraft and after all the luxurious trimmings have been added, figures released by Boeing show the modified plane will have a price tag of around $500 million.
Part of complete coverage on
June 18, 2013 -- Updated 2115 GMT (0515 HKT)
Imagine a future in which planes run on a mixture of batteries, body heat and cow manure.
June 14, 2013 -- Updated 1119 GMT (1919 HKT)
Africa has the second largest population of any continent but only accounts for 3% of global air traffic.
June 12, 2013 -- Updated 0233 GMT (1033 HKT)
There are few industries that haven't been shaken up by the game-changing potential of 3-D printing, and aviation is no exception.
June 10, 2013 -- Updated 0307 GMT (1107 HKT)
Few hotel features ignite debate quite like the minibar. For some they are luxurious indulgence, for others daylight robbery.
June 5, 2013 -- Updated 1350 GMT (2150 HKT)
Around a quarter of thefts when traveling by air happen on the plane, a new report has found.
June 3, 2013 -- Updated 0319 GMT (1119 HKT)
Frequent flyer programs are meant to breed passenger loyalty, but a new survey suggests otherwise.
May 21, 2013 -- Updated 0654 GMT (1454 HKT)
For a princely sum you can live like a maharaja in some of India's royal palaces.
May 14, 2013 -- Updated 0300 GMT (1100 HKT)
Transportation is on the cusp of being radically transformed by the digital revolution, from self-driving cars to intelligent public transit systems.
May 14, 2013 -- Updated 0831 GMT (1631 HKT)
Airbus has showed off its new A350 XWB, rolling out its first flyable plane on Monday fresh from the paintshop in company livery.
May 13, 2013 -- Updated 1053 GMT (1853 HKT)
The pictures might be NSFW -- at least if you're looking at them over lunch -- but Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson was certainly working it.
May 13, 2013 -- Updated 0323 GMT (1123 HKT)
On the court and on the road all year round, tennis champion Rafael Nadal knows how to enjoy the traveling life.
May 10, 2013 -- Updated 0309 GMT (1109 HKT)
The country's booming economy has been served by airlines that go bust, so is less ego and more business acumen needed?
May 6, 2013 -- Updated 0419 GMT (1219 HKT)
Finding a good red wine at 35,000 feet isn't easy. We meet the men who put their palates to the test to pick the best.
Today's five most popular stories
© 2013 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
|