Aircraft Interior

Lufthansa Technik partners with Boeing to offer new VVIP cabins for the BBJ 777-9

Spanning over 340 sq. mtrs, the Lufthansa Technik AG CelestialSTAR for Boeing BBJ 777-9 is a crafted fusion of traditional Middle Eastern cultural influences with a contemporary twist.


In a grand reveal, Lufthansa Technik AG, in partnership with Boeing Business Jets (BBJ), has unveiled its latest VVIP cabin concept designed specifically for the Boeing BBJ 777-9. Named CelestialSTAR, this visionary cabin concept goes beyond conventional luxury aviation interiors. Spanning over 340 square meters, CelestialSTAR is a carefully crafted fusion of traditional Middle Eastern cultural influences with a contemporary twist, creating a bespoke flying experience for a new era of VVIP and head-of-state aircraft.

CelestialSTAR is more than an aircraft interior; it’s a testament to the seamless integration of cultural richness and modern design principles. The name itself suggests a connection between the vastness of the sky, a nod to the spacious BBJ 777-9 cabin, and the geometric design patterns inspired by Middle Eastern heritage. It is a design philosophy that not only caters to the discerning tastes of VVIP travelers but also pays homage to the diverse and expansive nature of Middle Eastern philosophy.

“The thoughtful design of the BBJ 777-9 interior created by Lufthansa Technik illustrates the key features of our newest, largest and most capable BBJ on the market,” said Alexis Fecteau, Managing Director of Marketing, Boeing Business Jets. “The elegant interior elements maximize personal comfort for passengers onboard the BBJ 777-9, which is capable of flying over 22 hours and connecting any two cities in the world, non-stop,” he further added.

At the core of CelestialSTAR is an innovative approach to private air travel, where the traditional meets the contemporary in an unprecedented way. The design team at Lufthansa Technik has meticulously curated an environment that prioritizes privacy, luxury, and functionality, setting a new standard for VVIP aviation.

Central to CelestialSTAR is the Private Bed- and Bathroom, a cocoon-like sanctuary where functionality meets indulgence. This multifunctional Private Suite is designed to cater to the specific needs of VVIP travelers. The bathroom and sleeping quarters seamlessly merge, providing an enclosed retreat for utmost privacy. This cocoon design offers the flexibility for the VVIP passengers to enjoy the largest rain and massage shower ever designed for a private jet or luxuriate in a generously sized king-size bed.

What sets this Private Suite apart is its adaptability. Borrowing from Lufthansa Technik’s EXPLORER concept, the suite transforms into an immersive wellness and entertainment space using sophisticated projection technology. Passengers can enjoy a variety of customized digital content, ranging from cinema experiences to virtual travel destinations.

“The BBJ 777-9 is the largest aircraft type newly available on the market and thus simply predestined for its role as successor to the BBJ 747 as the most popular aircraft for heads of state, many of which are among our loyal customers for decades,” said Hassan Gasim, Sales Director Middle East VIP & Special Aircraft Services, Lufthansa Technik. “ Through our close cooperation with Boeing Business Jets and furthermore Lufthansa’s role as launch customer for the new type, we were able to build up extensive technical expertise at an early stage. Therefore, we are pleased to present our valued customers at the Dubai Airshow this once again groundbreaking interior that makes the most of the BBJ 777-9’s size,” he further added.

Adjacent to the Private Suite is the Work&Balance area, utilizing the full width of the cabin to create a multifunctional space. Here, guests can gather around a large VVIP desk for meetings or turn and move their seats to the side divans for more casual conversations. The clever integration of swivel mechanisms allows for the expansion of table surfaces, providing flexibility as needed.

This area is not just about functionality; it’s about creating an environment that adapts to the diverse needs of VVIP travelers. The rotating and sliding seats, combined with the innovative design, offer an engaging space for both work and relaxation.

Connected to the Private Suite is the Celestial Lounge, serving as the entrance lobby to the aircraft. This space makes a grand impression with an elegantly integrated bar and stylish seating arrangements. It acts as the perfect setting for welcoming high-ranking guests or preparing for meetings in the Work&Balance area. The intermediate doors not only add aesthetic appeal but also provide acoustic separation from the outer functional doors, contributing to an ambiance of space and luxury.

The Celestial Lounge seamlessly flows into the Conference & Dining area, designed as a modern-day majlis, echoing the traditional Middle Eastern gathering and meeting room. This multifunctional space features eleven individual seats that can be rotated for dining, conferencing, or casual conversations. State-of-the-art communication and conference technology, including retractable monitors, connect this room and the entire aircraft with the world.

A noteworthy feature in this space is the large window shades with electrochromatic dimming. Integrated seamlessly into the oriental-inspired design of CelestialSTAR, these shades contribute to a generous spatial impression, even when closed and without daylight. The design principles of side walls continue, providing both functional and aesthetic appeal.

Considering its primary audience, CelestialSTAR offers generous accommodations for advisory staff and additional personnel. The Deluxe Suites, Executive Area, and the Entourage Area complete the layout, ensuring that the aircraft can cater to the entourage accompanying VVIP passengers. This bespoke design, targeting royal families and heads of state in the Middle East, reflects an understanding of the unique travel requirements of such distinguished clientele.

The CelestialSTAR cabin design is the first of its kind, directly derived from the BBJ 777-9 design data provided by Boeing Business Jets. This ensures not only the conceptual appeal but also the technical feasibility of the design, using precise dimensions as the foundation.

As CelestialSTAR takes center stage at the Dubai Airshow, it symbolizes Lufthansa Technik’s commitment to delivering avant-garde solutions that transcend conventional luxury aviation. This design not only redefines the flying experience for VVIP travelers but also showcases the potential for aircraft interiors to be cultural masterpieces that resonate with a global audience. CelestialSTAR is more than an interior; it’s a cultural tapestry woven into the very fabric of modern aviation luxury.

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The Lufthansa Technik Group is one of the leading providers of technical aircraft services in the world. Certified internationally as maintenance, production and design organization, the company employs more than 22,000 people in dozens of locations around the globe. Lufthansa Technik offers the full range of services for commercial, VIP and special mission aircraft. The portfolio includes maintenance, repair, overhaul and modification of airframes, engines, components and landing gears, as well as the manufacture of innovative cabin products and digital fleet support.