Boeing is well known for its cutting-edge products in the defense and space environment, and is even more familiar to most as a maker of commercial airplanes. But there are other strings to this aerospace giant's bow, one of which is the private jet market. Boeing's first foray into the business jet market was in 1998, when the first 737-700 Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) rolled out. Since then, the concept has been expanded to include iterations of its Dreamliner family, its 777 line, and the 747-8.
Naturally, as the 737 was reformed into the longer-range, more efficient 737 MAX, Boeing was keen to add a BBJ line to this new jet. And so, on April 2nd, 2014, Boeing announced the BBJ 737 MAX 8, alongside an initial order from an undisclosed customer. Of course, the plane itself is just step one of shopping for the ultimate private jet. Step two is outfitting your jet with an interior as unique as you are, and for this, plenty of design houses are ready to throw their hat into the ring with jaw-dropping concepts to tempt and inspire new jet buyers.
The Genesis concept
One such concept was produced by Sky-Style, a design studio that focuses on advanced aviation conceptual design. Using the smaller 737 MAX 7 as the base, the firm created what can only be described as the most stunning private jet concept on Earth.
"Stylistically, the BBJ MAX Genesis concept draws inspiration from nature’s tranquility; lenticular clouds hanging over a white sand beach, smooth rolling hills, and a starry night sky. The goal of Genesis is to create an environment where passengers actually want to remain aboard."
The communal spaces are divided up into areas for relaxing, meeting, and working, with a large dining table for boardroom sessions or formal evening meals. Inspired by the starry sky, the ceiling is adorned with thousands of tiny LED lights, adding sparkle and glamour to the jet's interior. Particularly notable are the smooth, organic curves in the design, ridding the cabin of the harsh, angular furniture most commonly seen in aviation.
Arguably the most important space in any private jet is the master suite, and this one does not disappoint. A king size bed is surrounded by LED lights, giving it the impression of almost floating off the floor. We love that they've incorporated cabin windows at the head of the bed, giving occupants an opportunity for some cloud gazing while relaxing in their suite.
Naturally, the bedroom has a huge TV, one that rises up from the sideboard furniture to give smooth lines when not in use. There is storage for clothes and the same starry ceiling as the main cabin.
The pièce de résistance has to be the ensuite bathroom, which incorporates a full-size rainfall shower and a large, sweeping vanity unit. It's neat how they've incorporated the emergency exit into the design, giving passengers a quick escape but without making the room feel industrial.
The concept was originally presented at NBAA 2018, and the visualization was designed by KiPcreating. Max Pardo, the founder of SkyStyle, noted,
"From an aviation designer's perspective, the BBJ MAX is incredibly appealing because there is so much more interior space to realize one's vision. And since the MAX flies ultra-long distances, the owners are looking for a comfortable lounge, multi-function conference area, and a large master suite to ensure the ultimate flight experience."
Who is buying the BBJ MAX series?
At this year's EBACE show, Boeing announced a new President for Boeing Business Jets - Erika Pearson. It also revealed an additional four commitments for BBJ 737 MAXs, booked in the first quarter of 2022. This takes Boeing's orderbook for the type to 25 airplanes.
Around the world, Boeing has ten different certified completion centers. These centers are where beautiful cabins, such as the Genesis concept, will be lovingly crafted and installed. One such center is Jet Aviation, a firm based in Basel, Switzerland, and the first in the world to redeliver a completed VVIP BBJ 737 MAX.
Unfortunately for us, the specifications regarding the interior of this aircraft are kept a closely guarded secret. But we can imagine that if it were even half as beautiful as the Genesis concept, the new owner is a very lucky person indeed.