What makes Boeing’s new US$400 million 777X private airliner a flying work of art?

The upcoming Boeing 777X has big shoes to fill. The new widebody is set to be Boeing’s next flagship and a replacement for the iconic 747 jumbo jet.

Now there will be a private-jet version of the airliner. Boeing Business Jets launched the BBJ 777X at the Middle East Business Aviation Association Show in Dubai on Monday.

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

BBJ has been turning Boeing’s commercial airliners into opulent private jets for the world’s wealthy elite since 1996.

BBJ does not sell many planes, with just 261 orders in company history, but the aircraft it does turn out are works of flying art.

In addition to the 777X, BBJ has developed private-jet versions of the 737, the 787 Dreamliner, and the 747.

Here is a closer look at the new BBJ 777X:

The BBJ 777X is based on the new Boeing 777X airliner.

Like the commercial version, the BBJ 777X will be available in both the 777-8 and the larger 777-9 variants.