Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Boeing Business Jets has introduced a new way for customers to own VIP versions of the 747 jumbo jet. On Tuesday at NBAA-BACE 2025, the airframer announced a “turnkey service” option through which it will acquire preowned 747-8s and extensively customize their cabin interiors before delivery, with full support provided when they enter service as BBJ 747-8s.
The 747-8 was the last version of the widebody airliner family and entered commercial service in 2012. For private operations, the BBJ version of the airframe offers almost 5,000 sq ft of cabin space that Boeing is now offering to reconfigure to meet customer specifications under a single contract, avoiding the need to use a separate completions contractor.
According to Boeing, the BBJ 747-8 can fly up to 75 passengers with a range of 8,500 nm. This would allow nonstop trips between city pairs such as New York to Bangkok and Dubai to Los Angeles.
Today, there are nearly fifty 747-8s in service, including several used for business and government transportation. The 747-8 Intercontinental model incorporates technology from Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner aircraft, and so it has a lower noise footprint, as well as reduced fuel consumption and operating costs compared to earlier 747 family members.
Boeing Business Jets is at the NBAA-BACE show promoting what it calls the “Queen of the Skies” 747 legacy. Its turnkey service option ensures that operators have full access to Boeing’s global network of parts and approved engineering and maintenance support.
“The 747-8 continues to serve as a premier VIP and head-of-state aircraft, and discerning customers are interested in continuing this tradition of excellence in private air travel,” said Joe Benson, president of Boeing Business Jets. “We’re thrilled to continue this legacy with the Boeing-backed 747-8 VIP—delivering a personalized and exceptional flying experience.”
Boeing Business Jets also offers BBJ versions of the 737 Max, 787, and 777X. Independent completions companies—including AMAC Aerospace, Comlux, Jet Aviation, Lufthansa Technik, and Greenpoint—also offer VIP conversion packages for 747s.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Boeing Business Jets Offers Turnkey Service for VIP 747 Owners

Package covers aircraft acquisition, conversion, and in-service support 

Boeing Business Jets has introduced a new way for private, business, and government customers to acquire and operate VIP versions of the 747-8 widebody airliner.

Boeing Offers Turnkey Service for VIP 747 Owners

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Kerry Lynch

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

Executives share their experience with system

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

NBAA-BACE 2025

In this article

Boeing 747

Boeing 787

Boeing 737 Series

Boeing 777

Boeing Commercial

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Executives share their experience with system

Australian Regulator Approves Textron Service Centers

Textron operates service centers in Melbourne, Perth, and Gold Coast

C&L Aerospace Tapped for Challenger Flutter Damper Mx

The company was selected by OEM Héroux-Devtek

Avcon Delivers Aerial Weapon in Florida Mosquito Fight

The Kansas-based company specializes in modifying airframes

Duncan Aviation Authorized for Honeywell APU Repairs

MRO’s Lincoln facility expects to bring work online in early 2027

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