So Which VIP Bought the Biggest 747?

Posted by: Justin Bachman on October 26, 2011

Boeing delivered its first two new 747-8 cargo planes to Cargolux this month. The passenger version of the stretched 747 goes to Lufthansa for commercial service in the first quarter of 2012. But the very first 747-8 Intercontinental, the moniker for the passenger version, will be delivered to an individual as the so-called 747-8 VIP model. That’s a shift from most new commercial airplanes, which carry “launch customer” rights for the airline that wishes to operate it first. This new flying mansion will have nearly 4,800 square feet of cabin space, including a loft. Of course, Airbus also has sold its even-bigger A380 to individuals, and Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner has private VIP customers. (Hong Kong real estate tycoon Joseph Lau was a 787 customer, according to online media reports.) Naturally, Boeing won’t identify any of its VIP customers, including the first person to own the largest airplane the company has ever produced. So who is it? Let the guessing begin.