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LAS VEGAS—Boeing is setting up a “turnkey” service to acquire former passenger 747-8I Intercontinental aircraft and convert them into long-haul business jet and VIP transports with custom designed and built interiors.
Although 747-8 production ended with the delivery of an -8F freighter model in January 2023, the final 747-8I passenger model out of 48 built was delivered to Korea Air in May 2017. Of these, around 31 remain in active passenger service with the bulk–some 19 aircraft–operated by Lufthansa.
Several 747-8Is were also delivered as purpose-built Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) or head-of-state VIP aircraft. The final 747-8 BBJ, a previously owned aircraft, was delivered to Qatar Amiri Flight in 2023. This aircraft was subsequently given to the U.S. for use as an executive airlift support, arriving in Waco, Texas, for modification work in August.
Aside from Qatar, other VIP versions have been delivered to the governments of Brunei, Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
As a VIP aircraft, Boeing says the 747-8 incorporates nearly 5,000 ft.² of cabin space “that can be designed and completed with oversight of a dedicated team under a single Boeing contract.” The company adds the 747-8 VIP can fly 75 passengers with a range of 8,500 nm.
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