Latest Boeing Business Jets 777X VIP Cabin Concept Debuts at MEBAA in Dubai

December 11, 2018

William Kucinski

Pulling out all stops, Boeing Business Jets debuted the “Shaheen” BBJ 777X at the 2018 Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The model that can fly more than half way around the world without stopping, farther than any business jet ever built.

Based on Boeing's best-selling 737 MAX airplane, the BBJ MAX offers more than three times the cabin space as most of its competitors, a lower cabin altitude, and the ability to fly 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 kilometers).

“Our most exclusive customers want to travel with the best space and comfort and fly directly to their destination. The new BBJ 777X will be able to do this like no other airplane before it, redefining ultra-long-range VIP travel,” said Greg Laxton, head of Boeing Business Jets, at MEBAA 2018.

Meaning “Royal White Falcon,” the VIP cabin concept – designed by General Dynamics’ Zürich-based subsidiary, Jet Aviation – elegantly blends modern and classic elements and features forward thinking technologies grounded in Jet Aviation’s MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) and Completions Center capabilities and expertise.

The interior, designed to accommodate 43 passengers plus a crew of 11, takes advantage of the BBJ 777X’s wide-body size; featuring lounges, a game and cinema area, an office, private work spaces, three guest bedrooms, and a master suite that includes its own lounge, bedroom, dressing and bathroom area, shower, and hammam (steam bath).

“Like many contemporary homes, our design incorporates modern and traditional elements that are contrasted through the use of colors, materials, and the general design intent,” explains Director of Design at the Jet Aviation Basel Completions Center, Elisabeth Harvey. “This is intensified with extremely detailed, very light ceilings and sidewall treatments with patterns and traditional paneling structures, opposing the darker wood floor which replicates the ceiling pattern with fine marquetry inlays. Light sidewall and bulkhead treatments are balanced by minimalistic but colorful furniture with delicate detailing, such as engraving inlays and floral fabric inserts.”

Read more: Etihad and Eos partner to develop 3D-printed cabin interiors

Head of Boeing Business Jets, Greg Laxton expressed appreciation for Jet Aviation’s commitment to the highest design and completion standards, “Jet Aviation Basel is a very well-known and highly regarded completions center. Their interior concept for our new BBJ 777X is a compelling combination of a beautiful design and the latest technologies.”

“In addition to features such as weight and space optimization through fiber optics and technology-integrated furniture, we incorporated forward-thinking concepts such as intelligent, digital LED lighting throughout the cabin, as well as [organic light-emitting diode] and Smart Glass technology on all the window panels, which allows the windows to be dimmed and virtual curtains or window shades to be displayed,” says Matt Woollaston, VP Completions Sales. “We envision these and many other advances to functionality will be seen in cabins of the future, including gesture- or voice-controlled features to offer an enhanced customer experience.”

Jet Aviation Basel has successfully completed 28 VIP Boeing cabins since 1998. It was the first company to take delivery of a BBJ 787-9 for interior completions and signed its second completions contract for a BBJ 787 earlier this year. Jet Aviation Basel facility has in-house design and engineering departments, along with on-site cabinetry, upholstery, sheet metal, composite and paint shops.

The organization is capable of outfitting jets as large as an Airbus A380 or the Boeing 747-8 series. It has already completed numerous Airbus ACJ319, ACJ320, ACJ330, ACJ340, and Boeing 737, 757, 767, and 747 aircraft, and is equipped for the 777 and 787.

William Kucinski is content editor at SAE International, Aerospace Products Group in Warrendale, Pa. Previously, he worked as a writer at the NASA Safety Center in Cleveland, Ohio and was responsible for writing the agency’s System Failure Case Studies. His interests include literally anything that has to do with space, past and present military aircraft, and propulsion technology.

Contact him regarding any article or collaboration ideas by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..