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

Boeing Business Jets has been turning Boeing’s commercial airliners into opulent private jets for the world’s wealthy elite since 1996. The new 777X was launched in Dubai on Monday. Photo: Boeing

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.

Photo: Boeing

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

Boeing says the BBJ 777-8 has a range of 13,400 miles, while the BBJ 777-9 can go for up to 12,700 miles. That is several thousand miles farther than the airliner versions of the planes can fly.

Boeing says the BBJ 777X is the longest-range private jet ever made, meaning flights from Sydney to London or Seattle to Dubai are possible.

Power comes from GE’s massive GE9X engine, which it says returns 5 per cent lower fuel consumption than rival power plants while significantly lowering emissions.

Photo: Boeing

The 777X boasts a 236-foot wingspan, along with a cabin that is seven foot nine inches tall and nearly 20 feet wide.

The 777-9 is 33 feet longer than the 777-8. The 777-8 boasts 3,256 square feet of interior space, while the 777-9 has 3,689 square feet, or about as much as a large suburban home – a very luxurious suburban home.

Boeing showed off interior concepts for the 777X from three firms. The first, from Jet Aviation, opens with a stylish entryway.

Photo: Jet Aviation

To the right of the entryway is a massive lounge …

Photo: Jet Aviation

… which borders a stylish dining room …

Photo: Jet Aviation

… and a bar.

At the back of the interior is a large master suite, complete with a master bath and wardrobe.

Photo: Jet Aviation

Next up is the interior concept by Unique Aircraft Design. Here is the entryway.

Photo: Unique Aircraft Design

To the right is an open lounge.

Photo: Unique Aircraft Design

Towards the back of the plane is the dining room, near a compartment of first- and business-class seats.

Photo: Unique Aircraft Design

To the immediate left of the entryway is the office.

Photo: Unique Aircraft Design

Toward the front of the plane is the master bedroom …

Photo: Unique Aircraft Design

… and master bath.

Photo: Unique Aircraft Design

Finally, there is a design from Greenpoint Technologies. Here is the entryway.

Photo: Greenpoint Technologies
Photo: Greenpoint TechnologiesTo the right and left of the entrance are lounge areas.

Each lounge is divided with different furnishings.

Behind the main lounge is a guest bedroom …

Photo: Greenpoint Technologies
Photo: Greenpoint Technologies

The Greenpoint design’s highlight is the master suite at the back of the plane.

Photo: Greenpoint Technologies

Behind the bed is a full walk-in wardrobe.

Photo: Greenpoint Technologies

Behind the wardrobe is the master bath.

Photo: Greenpoint Technologies
Photo: Greenpoint TechnologiesIt features a stand-alone shower and stone floors.
Photo: Greenpoint Technologies

There are separate vanities.

BBJ did not say how much the custom interiors would cost. It’s safe to say it would be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Boeing 777-8 has a list price of US$394.9 million. The larger 777-9 costs US$425.8 million.

The Boeing 777-9 is expected to enter service in 2020, with the 777-8 following soon afterwards.

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This article originally appeared on  Business Insider .

Private-jet versions of the 737, the 787 Dreamliner and the 747 are among Boeing Business Jets’ works of flying art