Boeing celebrates delivery of first Aeroloft installed on a BBJ 747-8

Boeing (NYSE: BA) today celebrated the delivery of the first Aeroloft™ installed on a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) 747-8.

The Aeroloft™, designed and built by Greenpoint Technologies of Kirkland, Wash., provides 393 square feet (36.5 square meters) of additional cabin space bringing the VIP-configured 747-8 to a total 5,179 square feet (481.2 square meters) of cabin space. It was installed by Boeing Global Transport & Executive Systems (GTES) in Wichita, Kansas.

Developed specifically for the BBJ 747-8, the Aeroloft™ is located above the main cabin between the upper deck and tail of the airplane. It boasts eight private sleeping berths and a changing room providing a comfortable rest area during flight.

Boeing and Greenpoint have worked together for more than a decade developing VIP interior solutions for private and Head-of-State customers. Capt. Steve Taylor, BBJ President, said this project is a special one.

"The Aeroloft is one of the more innovative and exciting projects on which we've collaborated with Greenpoint," said Taylor. "We're certain all the BBJ 747-8 customers receiving the Aeroloft will be thrilled with this unique and comfortable space."

Two additional BBJ 747-8s with Greenpoint's Aeroloft™ are scheduled to deliver in 2012.

After a small ceremony in Wichita with the airplane's undisclosed customer, the BBJ 747-8 was flown by Capt. Taylor and BBJ chief pilot, Capt. Rene Gonzales, to Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg, Germany for completion of its VIP interior. It's scheduled to enter service in 2014.

To date, nine BBJ 747-8s have been sold to Head-of-State customers.