China's oldest business jet operator, Deer Jet, has become the first in the world to take possession of a Boeing BBJ787. With more than 90 aircraft in its fleet, Deer Jet is already the largest jet operator in the Asia-Pacific region; it is also owned by HNA Group, which holds a 25 per cent stake in Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
The transformation itself was no small undertaking. Designer Pierre Jean spent more than two years perfecting the conversion of what is usually a 220-person commercial airliner into a 214-square-metre dream jet built for just 40 people. For passengers wanting to sleep, there are 18 flat beds, along with a king in the master bedroom, which comes with an adjoining marble-lined bathroom.
That master suite was designed with extensive soundproofing to keep noise levels below 44 decibels during cruise — the ambient equivalent of a library. The aircraft also offers a huge range, which means you can fly all the way from Dubai to Nadi International Airport in Fiji without a single stop.
The one drawback of this fine jet is the rental price, which comes in at 70,000 US dollars per hour. That means the aforementioned trip to Fiji would set you back around one million dollars.
