Summary
- The Boeing 747-8 BBJ is one of the largest private jets globally.
- Designed by Alberto Pinto, its interiors are luxurious & took four years to complete.
- Ultra-fuel efficiency, advanced cabin space, and luxurious interiors make it a landmark in aviation history.
The Boeing 747 version of the Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) is the world’s largest private jet. With only a handful of examples worldwide, it’s a rare bird. The 747-8I (Intercontinental) is already the second-largest passenger jet, with a maximum capacity of over 600 passengers, after the Airbus A380. The private-jet examples of the 747-8 are not only massive, but their interiors are also designed in the most luxurious ways.
One such example is the BBJ 747 interior designed by Alberto Pinto, a lavish labor of love that took the designers four years to complete. This article explores the interior of this massive aircraft and includes some jaw-dropping images.
Alberto Pinto’s 747 BBJ
Parisian design house Alberto Pinto is well known for crafting truly breathtaking business jet concepts. From Global 6000s to Gulfstreams and even 737s, the company is well-versed in creating luxurious designs and compliant with the many rules and regulations governing the aviation workspace.
Photo: Alberto Pinto
In 2015, the firm completed its biggest and arguably most challenging project to date: designing the interior of the gigantic Boeing 747-8 business jet. Commissioned by an undisclosed client, the team took no less than four years to design and build the breathtaking interior.
According to Boeing,
“The Boeing widebody business jet product line includes the BBJ 747-8, representing a new benchmark in fuel efficiency and noise reduction, allowing customers to lower fuel costs and fly into more airports at more times of day. The BBJ 747-8 is 16 percent more fuel-efficient than the Boeing 747-400, and 11 percent more fuel-efficient than the Airbus A380. The BBJ version of the 747-8 Intercontinental provides a cabin with 4,786 square feet (444.6 square meters) of space.”
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Boeing 747-8 BBJ |
Specifications |
|---|---|
|
Cabin |
Ultra-large cabin |
|
Fuel efficiency |
16% more than the Boeing 747-400, 11% more than the Airbus A380 |
|
Cabin space |
4,786 sq ft. |
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It’s one of the world’s largest private aircraft in existence, and for the designers, it was a dream come true. Speaking to Altitudes Magazine, Yves Pickardt, project lead, commented that,
“The owner gave us carte blanche. He wasn’t looking for anything outrageously luxurious, with gold and diamonds. On the contrary he called for some simplicity, which in the end is indeed the true luxury.
“Such a project is a dream come true that happens only once or twice in a designer’s lifetime. In a way, this is a landmark in aviation history.”
With a focus on natural materials and a soft, modern style, the company produced a truly awesome result. Pickardt noted that when Boeing’s team visited the aircraft, they said that it was one of the most beautiful they’d ever seen. Let’s take a look around.
A nose-to-tail tour
Starting at the nose of the jet, underneath the cockpit sits the master bedroom. This location, well away from the hum of the engines, makes for a tranquil and relaxing space.
Photo: Alberto Pinto
Naturally, there’s a full-sized luxury bed, as well as an en suite bathroom. The bed is trimmed in embossed leather with saddle stitch detailing. The bathroom has a large walk-in shower as well as a vanity with a mirror and sink.
Photo: Alberto Pinto
Also within the suite is a lounge area, complete with a sofa for two.
Photo: Alberto Pinto
Aft of the master suite is the main entrance foyer, a grand affair with stunning detailing and a sparkling staircase to the upper deck. According to Pickardt,
“We decided to go with a soft modern style, which is somehow quite classical. One can easily recognise a strong French touch, a tribute to French Art deco and to our most famous saddle makers. We used only noble materials, all of the best quality available of course, such as wood, (African Wakapou and Sycamore), stone, wool and silk fabrics, natural leathers.”
Photo: Alberto Pinto
Upstairs, in the ‘hump’ is a cozy living room with a large screen TV. Everything is luxuriously appointed, with plenty of wood veneer and tasteful décor. Designed as a ‘salon for children,’ there must be some very lucky children to have access to such a stunning play space.
Photo: Alberto Pinto
Downstairs and aft from the entrance foyer is what could be taken as the jewel in the crown of this luxurious aircraft. The main lounge has multiple seating areas, bespoke designer pieces, and a wacapou wood table with a goatskin top.
Within the main lounge, pairs of seats offer a choice of a more intimate conversation or a suitable place for business discussions and work.
Photo: Alberto Pinto
Further aft, a private office doubles as a formal dining area for up to four guests. Look carefully, and you might spot a couple of Joan Miro artworks on the walls.
Photo: Alberto Pinto
Another meeting room serves as a more formal boardroom for business activities.
Photo: Alberto Pinto
Additional guest suites offer comfort and privacy for longer trips.
Photo: Alberto Pinto
The owner can accommodate plenty of extra staff and entourage in the business class-style cabin at the rear of the plane.
Photo: Alberto Pinto
Overall, the jet feels more like a luxury yacht than an airplane, but somehow, it strikes a wonderful balance between luxurious transport and a family home in the sky. The owner must be delighted by the result.
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