First-class seats ideal for work and conferences, toilets, a bathroom, a crew compartment, bright colors with blue accents – all this and more can be seen in the VIP plane used by monarch William Alexander. And not just as a passenger.
BBJ, or rather Boeing Business Jets, is a brand that offers high-end VIP aircraft. It offers a wide range of Boeing customizable aircraft for the private, business and government sectors. Each model has a very spacious cabin and is equipped with many amenities personalized for the user. Great emphasis is placed on quality, comfort and mobility.
Moreover, it is not only the interior that impresses, but also a number of performance enhancements, such as a larger fuel tank and ETOPS-180 certification, which guarantees that the aircraft remains in the air for at least three hours with one engine running.
The custom-built Boeing 737 BBJ was delivered to the Dutch royal couple, replacing the Fokker 70 which had been in service for almost 25 years. The new aircraft is 34 metres long and has the same wingspan. Although its commercial counterparts could accommodate up to 150 passengers, this one can only board 24.
It’s worth noting that William Alexander not only uses it as a passenger, but also sits at the helm, or more precisely, in the right seat, as first officer. The king not only has a pilot’s license, but also actively uses it (he once served as a soldier in the air force). He even pilots the plane during his official trips abroad. The same was true of the then Fokker 70. What’s more, for the past 20 years he has happened to be at the controls of the national airline KLM, a fact that few people knew.
The Boeing 737 BBJ is divided into three zones. One would think that since it is used by King William Alexander and his wife, there would be private cabins and a bedroom. Nothing could be further from the truth. These rooms have been replaced by conference areas
However, if someone wants to take a nap during a night flight, then they can use the reclining seats – very comfortable, in first class standard. In addition, there are twelve Business Class seats further down the aisle.
Passengers also have restrooms and even a fully equipped bathroom with a shower, sink, mirror and cabinets.
The plane also has a special lockable compartment where the crew can rest in comfort. The cockpit itself, however, is no different from the passenger version
The Royal Boeing 737 BBJ is an aircraft that was designed with class and an extraordinary sense of style. The interior is elegant, yet simple and understated. Light colors dominate here, with elements of dark wood and leather appearing not only on the walls, tables and armchairs, but also in the aforementioned bathroom.
The whole is complemented by accessories in various shades of blue. We can see them, among others, on the carpet, pillows and porcelain, which undoubtedly refers to the Dutch culture and art.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that the Boeing is equipped with its own gangway, which is a retractable staircase that allows passengers to enter or exit the aircraft. Additionally, the fuselage is decorated with a coat of arms and a Dutch inscription in blue, of course, which translates as “Kingdom of the Netherlands”
