Aviation

Lufthansa Technik pre-launches state-of-the-art VIP cabin design for the BBJ 777-9

At the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Lufthansa Technik is presenting a pre-launch of a brand new VIP cabin concept for the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) 777-9.

The cabin design takes full advantage of the vast space available on the BBJ 777-9, formerly referred to as the BBJ 777X aircraft, and prioritizes versatility and multi-functionality. The design showcases an impressive array of stunning features. It furthermore maximizes space and comfort and incorporates traditional elements of Middle Eastern cultural heritage with a modern twist.

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We are thrilled to unveil our exclusive VIP cabin concept for @Boeing's BBJ 777-9 at #EBACE2023! Stay tuned for the full reveal later this year!https://t.co/pJWW580y1a #keepyouflying pic.twitter.com/rKH2TgTJRN
— Lufthansa Technik (@LHTechnik) May 22, 2023

One of the standout features is the VVIP section at the front with a unique private bedroom that is expandable and highly functional. The detailed design will be revealed later this year. A spacious office and reception area divide the private section from the remaining areas of the aircraft. The cabin also boasts a large majlis, with a design that seamlessly flows throughout the entire cabin. Additionally, the back of the cabin has been designed to transport entourage delegations in style and convenience to cater to the needs of official missions. A special light and window shade concept has been implemented throughout the cabin, giving passengers the feeling of being in their personal living room rather than on a plane at 30,000 feet, particularly important for an ultra-long-range aircraft.

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This cabin design is the first of its kind to be developed using native aircraft data as provided by Boeing. This ensures the feasibility of the design, as the dimensions and space shown are 100 percent accurate.

“We are thrilled to unveil the first insights into this new VIP cabin design for the BBJ 777-9,” said Jan Grube, Sales Director in VIP & Special Mission Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik. “Our team’s mission was to create a cabin that is both functional and beautiful, while also meeting the unique needs of our VIP clients in the Middle East. We are confident that this cabin design will set a new standard for VIP aviation, and we look forward to bringing it to market.”

Throughout the year, gradually more areas of the concept will be presented. An animated film and first visual material will be on display by Lufthansa Technik at booth #H72 at this year’s EBACE.

Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

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The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

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China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.