24 page special: how cutting edge aviation is influencing the yachting industry plus the latest design developments
THE
BUSINESS
OF FLYING
There has never been more choice
in what to buy and how to fly.
John Arlidge weighs up the costs
of private aviation and considers
which plane is right for you>> Visitors to the Museum of Flight in Seattle
last May got a little more than they bargained for.
Yes, they sat in the cockpit of the Blackbird that
cruised at speeds of more than Mach 3. They
admired Concorde, too. But the lucky few also
caught a glimpse of, and even toured, the world’s
first VVIP Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The 223 square metre cabin boasts a master
suite with king sized bed, full size shower and
walk-in wardrobe. There’s a lounge and dining area
with sofas and a 55in flatscreen display, as well as
18 full flat, first class sleeper seats. Those who fly
in it will have plenty of time to enjoy the comforts.
It can travel non-stop for 18hr 30min, giving it
a range of almost 10,000 miles, the equivalent of
New York to Singapore.
The bespoke 787, which is available for charter
for up to 40 passengers at a cost of £50,000
an hour, is one of a number of new jets, big and ›AVIATION65