This Ultimate Flying Yacht Will Be Nicer Than Your House
by ANN Associate Editor James Aronovsky
It has more than twice the floor space of my condo, (2,400+
square feet), and one airborne seat costs more than the value of
all the furniture in my house combined, but it sure is dreamy to
imagine living in the new 787 Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) -- aptly
named the "Dreamliner".
Lufthansa Technik (LT), a Hamburg, Germany - based completion
firm, has been tasked with creating the first 787 version of the
Boeing Business Jet, though perhaps "Boeing Pleasure Jet" would be
a better title. LT introduced the design at the recently concluded
NBAA show in Orlando.
Lufthansa Technik is no stranger to converting large airliners
into executive transports. They've completed a number of BBJ's,
ACJs (Airbus Corporate Jetliner), smaller regional airliners, and
even two 747s. Their reputation for converting these aircraft into
pleasure craft came about five years ago when world-renowned
designer Andrew Winch came to them with a small challenge.
Already famous for designing interiors for the world's most
expensive yachts, Winch had been working on the
interior of the largest yacht on the planet when the
owner asked him to change course. He wanted to convert a Boeing
Business Jet 2 into a flying version of his yacht and wanted it
right away. When Winch came to LT for help, a perfect synergy
occurred and Winch and Lufthansa Technik have been collaborators
ever since.
Though it is believed no hot tubs have been installed -- yet--
the interiors of Winch-designed jets are as opulent and luxurious
as any yacht found floating off the coast of the Riviera. His
design for the first Dreamliner is also one that is highly unlikely
to match my home.
The design includes 32 lie-flat seats or beds, including nine
double beds. Of course, we're not counting the master stateroom in
the stern which will sport a king-size bed.
- My house: one king-size bed (score!), one fold-out couch, and
an air mattress.
This master stateroom has a sitting room complete with a 42 inch
plasma screen, a private office to the side with full library and
communications capabilities, and a chaise lounge if you need to
relax after a hard day at your office. It also sports a large
circular shower and his and her basins.
- My bedroom: 21 inch tube-type TV, an antique rocking chair of
my wife's, and a regular telephone. Regulation-size tub and shower
in the bathroom with normal sink.
Next is the movie theater cabin complete with 50 inch plasma
screen and room for a half dozen of your buddies to watch the
latest flick. They can grab a cold one from the fully stocked wet
bar on the port side.
- My living room: 27 inch TV and a beer-filled refrigerator in
the kitchen.
Following forward up the keel are the combination
dining/conference room for ten persons and of course your option
for a number of multi-function spaces in the remaining cabin. If
there's anything about the design that doesn't agree with you, feel
free to dream up your own flying mansion. They will only be too
delighted to accommodate your every wish.
- My dining room: a lovely six person kitchen table which
multi-functions as my home office.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is also being designated an "iPod
compatible" aircraft with its extensive high-tech composite
structure. Andrew Winch Designs is using that Apple product as the
centerpiece of the elaborate surround-sound audio system available
at every station.
- My audio entertainment center: an OK stereo system with two
gigantic college-era wooden speakers my wife hates.
Additionally, the lighter, quieter plane allows for an increased
range so you can visit more of your earth-based
ground mansions more often. Of course, why would you want to
stay in a home that just sits there in the same place? The 787
Dreamliner becomes the perfect platform for an aircraft you may
never want to deplane.
Winch said that based on his ocean-going yacht experience,
larger FBOs are becoming the new marinas for the jet set and he
expects that more business aircraft will double as pleasure planes.
After the first 787 is delivered to Lufthansa Technik, each design
will take about three to six months, and the work completed about a
year later.
The cost? If you have to ask, you not only can't afford it, you
probably have a house more like mine than the one they're building
between the wings of the 787.
But one can dream...