Boeing gave a roll-out to its first 747-8 Intercontinental earlier this week, with a VIP-configured aircraft flying out of Seattle.
Boeing has kept quiet about the identity of the customer, although it is widely believed to be the Qatari royal family.
The airplane, which was delivered with a minimal interior, will enter service in 2014 after its VIP interior is installed.
The VIP version of the 747-8 Intercontinental has a 4,786 square feet (444.6 square meters) cabin. This version will include Greenpoint Technologies\’ Aeroloft, providing eight private sleeping berths located above the main deck in the aft section of the Boeing 747-8, with a forward entry staircase. This is designed to provide passengers a private rest area above the main deck for additional relaxation and comfort.
The Aeroloft will be installed by Boeing Global Transport & Executive Systems (GTES) in Wichita, Kansas.
With the 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). .
To date, undisclosed customers have ordered nine 747-8 VIP airplanes.
