Step on board the world’s only VVIP 787 private jet

By Sam Chui | 12 April 2018 | Travel, Wealth,

Tempus takes to the skies in the converted Boeing 787 – for £50,000 per hour

* The commercial Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft is dubbed the globe’s biggest party pane and feels like you’re in a luxury hotel room

The commercial Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft can usually carry between 240 and 335 passengers, but the purpose of this model – dubbed the globe’s biggest party plane – is a little bit different. The world’s most luxurious private jet comes complete with high-tech amenities, a master bedroom, and enough room for 40 people, and cost a estimated £230 million to produce. With the tongue-in-cheek registration code ‘2-DEER’, the aircraft has been gutted and fully renovated to include market-leading technological innovations, including remote- controlled blinds and furniture, dimmable lighting, and an extra spacious shower.

I was greeted on the steps of the plane by the jet’s cabin crew, who are handpicked from parent company Hainan Airlines Group’s (HNA) elite staff members. Once on board the aircraft, I was asked to take a seat so that they could swap my shoes for a pair of fluffy slippers. It was unlike anything I’ve seen before.

I started off down a narrow passage which leads to a dark wood-panelled corridor into the main lobby lounge. This space is huge and spans the whole width of the Boeing 787. It also has no overhead bins, making for extra headroom. The lounge has capacity for 16 travellers, who can relax in a selection of lazy boy armchairs, chaise longues, sofas, and even a bean bag.

* The main lounge also features two large dining tables which can be laid for early evening drinks, afternoon tea, or an entire feast rustled up by the onboard private chef

The main lounge also features two large dining tables which can be laid for early evening drinks, afternoon tea, or an entire feast rustled up by the onboard private chef. Top of the range tableware – including hand- cut glass decanters, exquisite vases and bone china – are ready for any occasion. There are also three wide-screen TVs in the lounge and dining area. The main sofa can be electronically controlled to split apart or join together, depending on your needs.

Peeling off from the lobby towards the front of the plane, you’ll find a fully enclosed, totally private master bedroom featuring a superking bed. At first glance, it feels like you’re in a luxury hotel room. The only giveaway is the plane windows on the side. Candles line shelves along the walls, while pillows, deep-pile carpets, and throws make for a comfortable movie den where you can unwind in front of the 42-inch TV. The master bedroom even has its own stone- clad ‘master washroom’, featuring a spacious shower and dual-sink vanity.

The crew told me that the shower holds 210 gallons of water supply. In the rear, the Dreamliner has 18 business class seats with their own amenities and plenty of leg room. Useful if you travel with a lot of staff. So, I’m sold. How much does it cost to hire the world’s only VVIP 787? Around $70,000 (£52,000) per hour. Form an orderly queue, please.