Boeing is betting there’s a market still for the 747-8, but not as part of an airline fleet. Its Business Jets division is planning to upcycle the massive four-engine planes as private transportation for heads of states, sovereigns and the 1% who might not mind burning $23,000 an hour in fuel.
The company announced 747-8 Turnkey as a program to locate and acquire existing commercial 747s which it will then provide a custom interior refurbishment and a complete engine overhaul before delivering them to its wealth customers.
“The 747-8 continues to serve as a premier VIP and head of state aircraft and discerning customers are interested in continuing this tradition of excellence in private air travel,” said Joe Benson, president of Boeing Business Jets, in a statement.
With a cabin area of over 5,000 square feet, the fittings can include anything from full-size bedrooms with showers, spiral staircases, movie theaters and more. About a dozen 747-8s were sold new as business jets.
Oh, and the price, in case you’re still interested: about $367 million for the plane, plus another $25 to $50 million for the custom interiors.
