US completions company Greenpoint Technologies has delivered a VIP-configured Boeing 777-200LR to luxury tour operator Crystal Cruises.
The customised aircraft, called Crystal Skye, was handed over on 1 August, a year after Greenpoint began work on the widebody at its Moses Lake, Washington facility.
Greenpoint Technologies
The 777 (P4-XTL) was previously in commercial service with French carrier Air Austral, and is described by Crystal “as the world’s largest privately owned tour aircraft” with the ability to fly journeys of more than 19h non-stop.
Crystal Skye will be available for charter from September and will be managed by Swiss business aviation services provider Comlux Aviation under an Aruban aircraft operator's certificate.
Greenpoint executive vice-president Bret Neely says the goal of the refurbishment project was to create a luxurious and functional interior in the style of Crystal’s cruise ships.
Greenpoint Technologies
The 777 is designed for 88 passengers, each with a luxury full-flat seat. A separate lounge area features a bar, sofas, dining tables and other premium details, says Greenpoint.
The Zodiac Aerospace subsidiary has, meanwhile, secured a contract for a BBJ 787-8 modification from an undisclosed customer.
The aircraft will be delivered in early 2018, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, says Greenpoint. The deal brings to six the total number of VIP Dreamliner conversion contracts awarded to Greenpoint – five -8s and a -9. The company handed over the world’s first VVIP-configured -8 to its private owner in 2016 and says it is currently working on four more aircraft.
Boeing records sales of 10 BBJ 787s to date – eight -8s and a pair of -9s – of which it has delivered seven.
Source: Flight International
