The Qatari Royal Family has listed a lavishly-fitted Boeing 747-8i on the market. The aircraft, registered A7-HBJ, is being sold with a mere 1069 total hours. Check out the ultra-luxurious finishings in this plane.
Key Features
- Five galleys (with elevator)
- Two private en-suite bathrooms
- Master bedroom, capable of being repurposed for medical evacuations
- Grand central staircase
- Spacious offices and meeting rooms
- Large business lounge with card tables
- Passenger capacity of just 89 (a standard B747-8i can carry up to 605 passengers)
The aircraft is being sold by AMAC Aerospace in Zurich, where it has been parked since June, according to fleet data. Despite owning an additional two private B747’s, neither the seller nor the Royal Family have provided any clarification as to why the aircraft is being sold. The same family previously sold a similarly-equipped B747-8 to Morocco in 2010.
Technical Specifications
| Serial Number | 37075 |
| Engines | General Electric GEnx-2B67/P |
| Fuel Capacity | 191 tons (382,000 lb) |
| Maximum Take-Off Weight | 447.6 tons (984,929 lb) |
| Cycles (Number of Pressurisations) | 297 |
| Range (B747-8 Intercontinental) | 14,800 km (7,991 nautical miles) |
| Length | 76.25 metres (250 ft) |
| Wingspan | 68.45 metres (224 ft) |
| Height | 19.35 metres (63 feet) |
| Combined Thrust | 66,500 lbf (Pound Force) |
Security
The aircraft’s seller does not detail specific security systems. However, the US Department of Defence gave Northrop Grumman approval to sell missile defence systems for B747-8i aircraft. In the report, published by FlightGlobal in September 2019, Northrop Grumman sought approval for the installation of its LAIRCM system; in which incoming homing missiles are detected and deterred with a strong laser.
This advanced system was purchased by the US Air Force in the months prior to the sale to the Qatari Royal Family. The US aquired the system for $200 million, for an unknown number of aircraft. The LAICRM system is installed on over 1,500 aircraft worldwide.
Cost
AMAC Aerospace has not provided an exact price for the aircraft, likely owing to the high-profile current ownership status. A basic B747-8i will cost $418.4 million, however, this aircraft will likely retail for a significantly higher price.
Editor’s Note: A third-party associated with the aircraft’s broker has since requested all media outlets to remove the original high-resolution photos. We have complied, and apologise for the low resolution and heavily-watermarked photos now appearing in the article.
Article Sources: The Drive and AMAC Aerospace