The “Queen of the Skies” — Boeing’s iconic 747 — is getting the royal treatment again, this time as a fully managed VIP experience from Boeing.
Boeing Business Jets has introduced a turnkey program for its 747-8 VIP aircraft, offering a complete acquisition-to-operation package for clients seeking long-range private travel aboard the world’s largest business jet.
Announced on October 14, 2025, at the NBAA-BACE convention in Las Vegas, the new service provides what Boeing calls a “full-spectrum concierge experience.” It covers every stage of ownership — from purchasing and interior customization to delivery and in-service support — under a single Boeing contract.
The move extends the legacy of the 747 into a new era of ultra-long-range private aviation, combining the size and range of the 747-8 Intercontinental with modern cabin design and dedicated after-sales support.
Largest VIP aircraft ever offered
The 747-8 VIP offers nearly 5,000 square feet of cabin space, enough to accommodate up to 75 passengers. Its range of 8,500 nautical miles enables nonstop connections such as New York to Bangkok or Dubai to Los Angeles.
Each aircraft will be managed by a dedicated Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) team overseeing design, interior completion, and entry into service. Boeing says the program gives customers a single point of accountability, streamlining what is often a complex and multi-vendor process for large-aircraft conversions.
“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. “We’re thrilled to continue this legacy with the Boeing-backed 747-8 VIP — delivering a personalized and exceptional flying experience.”
Although Boeing ended 747 production in 2023, nearly 50 747-8s remain in service globally, including several used for government and business transport. The 747-8 Intercontinental incorporates technology from the 787 Dreamliner family, including advanced aerodynamics, new engines, and systems that reduce fuel burn, noise, and maintenance requirements compared with earlier 747 models.
Pricing, delivery, and positioning
Boeing has not disclosed pricing for the 747-8 VIP turnkey program. However, industry data places the list price of a green (uncompleted) 747-8 Intercontinental at about $367 million, while a full VIP interior typically adds $25-50 million. With Boeing now offering a fully integrated, “concierge”-level package that includes acquisition, design, completion, and global support, the total turnkey cost could range much higher, depending on customization and service scope.
Boeing has not specified delivery timelines for the new program, but industry completion data suggest a typical build and interior process of at least 24 to 36 months. With production of the 747 now ended, Boeing is expected to source from existing airframes in inventory, potentially shortening delivery time for VIP customers.
With this offering, Boeing is positioning the 747-8 VIP as the top tier in its BBJ portfolio, appealing to heads of state, royal families, and high-net-worth individuals who value both range and space. The company has previously offered turnkey interior solutions for smaller jets in its BBJ lineup, but the new package is the first of its kind for the 747 platform.
Boeing emphasized that its global service network will ensure reliable operations for 747-8 VIP aircraft “for decades to come.” The offering includes access to Boeing’s parts inventory, maintenance expertise, and engineering resources worldwide — an advantage few completion centers can match independently.
The 747-8’s four-engine configuration and global support infrastructure make it a rare option for customers seeking both range and payload flexibility at the upper end of the private aviation market.
With this initiative, Boeing joins select completion specialists, such as Greenpoint Technologies and Lufthansa Technik, that have built bespoke interiors for the 747-8. However, the new Boeing-backed program consolidates those steps under the manufacturer’s direct oversight, appealing to clients who prefer an all-in-one experience.
