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Boeing gives busy billionaires unbothered about bespoke beds a cheaper BizJet
Suggests modular interiors for the frequent flyer in a hurry to take off in their own 737
You know how it goes: you want a private jet, but all the fuss and bother of deciding how to furnish it is just so off-putting. We here at Vulture Central completely sympathize.
Boeing has come to the rescue! The plane-maker has created pre-designed cabin layouts and configurations "to expedite installation, while lowering the total purchase price of the airplane."
The layouts fit inside the BBJ 737-7 – the version of the twin-engine craft that Boeing offers as a business jet.
The commercial cut of the 737-7 is the smallest variant of the workhorse single-aisle airliner. At 35.56 meters length, it's eight meters shorter than the 737-10, so has a maximum capacity of 172 passengers compared to the model 10's ability to endanger the knees of 230 paying punters. In BBJ configuration the plane can fly passengers over 15 hours non-stop.
Boeing suggests the BBJ 737-7 can house guest rooms, private offices, family rooms and VIP passenger seating configurations – to suit "personal, business and head-of-state airplane requirements."
But Boeing has acknowledged that some of its customers "may not have the time or desire to create a fully bespoke interior," so has teamed with aircraft interiors outfits Aloft AeroArchitects and Greenpoint Technologies to offer buyers a menu of modules.
The resulting pre-designed pods allow Boeing "to offer the jet at a very attractive, fixed price."
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Here's a sample of what's on offer, starting with a "Midnight style" suite.
Or perhaps a "Serene style" lounge is more to your taste.
If you want to read The Register in the sky, we suggest the "Earthbound style" office layout.
Aviation news outlets suggest that a 737 will set you back at least $89.1 million.
Just what is "very attractive" about that price eludes The Register – especially as engines are usually a separate purchase and cost another few million apiece. Add in the cost of crew, fuel, maintenance, and landing fees, and "very attractive" becomes even more remote for most of us.
Such costs, of course, hardly trouble the sort of person or entity who contemplates acquiring a business jet. Although The Register is left wondering if those who can afford them got there by overlooking details like bespoke interiors. ®