747-8 VIP

VIP customers, usually from the Middle East, are traditionally coy about whether they even own vast aircraft like a 747, let alone what the interiors may look like.

Today Boeing officially delivered the first non-freighter version of the stretched 747-8 to a VIP customer and, although they’re not confirming it is bound for Qatar, the manufacturer is at least revealing images of what the interior could eventually look like.



First 747-8 VIP for customer delivery takes the runway at Everett (Joe Walker)

It’s unlikely that any shots of the real thing will emerge and even if they do, don’t hold your breath – the completion project will take at least two years from now. First the 747-8 flies to Wichita, Kansas where Boeing Global Transport & Executive Systems will install an Aeroloft – a grand, 393 sq ft version of the upper aft fuselage crew rest modification developed by Greenpoint Technologies.

Then, sometime in April – roughly around the time Lufthansa is expected to take its first passenger version – the VIP model will also fly to Germany for the start of the major completion process at Lufthansa Technik’s Hamburg site. Here’s a selection of interior concepts – some of which could form the basis for the conversion that’s about to transform this 747-8 into a flying palace.


Lufthansa Technik



Lufthansa Technik



Greenpoint Technologies



Lufthansa Technik

...and finally, the staff seating area with (presumably) stair access to the Aeroloft.


Greenpoint Technologies

from Things With Wings by Guy Norris