Cabot Aviation remarkets Boeing 787-8 that is ready for VVIP conversion

Cabot Aviation, a division of Air Partner plc and a leading aircraft remarketing agent, has expanded its marketing efforts for a Boeing 787-8 it has been appointed to re-market. This follows the successful display of another B787-8 in VVIP configuration at EBACE last week.

This aircraft generated considerable interest at the event, and as a result there are currently a number of leads being actively pursued by Cabot. While at EBACE, the team also held discussions with many principal completion centres, which stated that capacity is available to begin work on the aircraft in early 2017.

The 787-8 being re-marketed by Cabot - serial number 35507 - is due for delivery in November 2016 and is the only one available on the open market. The aircraft is powered by GEnx-1B engines, giving a range approaching 10,000nm (NBAA - 25 PAX) and a service ceiling of 43,000 feet, while enjoying a cabin altitude of just 6,000 ft.

Charley Cleaver, Senior Vice President of Cabot Aviation, is responsible for the sale of the aircraft and commented: “This is a unique opportunity for a buyer to secure the only 787-8 on the market without any delay. We can get the aircraft into work with a number of completion centres early next year, and the new owner will be able to tailor the interior to their own requirements. While this could take up to two years if the interior fit-out is demanding, it does mean that the new owner will not have to compromise.”

There are only two other 787-8 aircraft in VVIP configuration currently in active service, with a small number undergoing completion. Therefore, while the airliner has been in commercial operation for around five years now, this aircraft represents a great opportunity to be among the first to enjoy the ultimate in luxury and some serious ramp presence.

Tim Barber, SVP - Private Jets at Cabot Aviation, added: “This year marks the 20th anniversary of Boeing Business Jets and it’s a fantastic opportunity to have such an incredible aircraft available at this time. We had an encouraging level of interest at EBACE last week, as well as some very promising discussions with the completion centres that were present.”

The 787 displayed at EBACE was completed by Greenpoint Technologies at its Moses Lake facility in Washington State. Bret Neely, Executive Vice President of Greenpoint Technologies, commented: “Our first VVIP 787-8 conversion was a great success and we were delighted to be able to showcase the aircraft at EBACE. We learnt a great deal from the process, which is proving to be very beneficial as we work on our second 787 project. We would gladly welcome the opportunity to put our experience to work for Cabot Aviation and their buyer in the future.”

Associated Air Center’s President, James Colleary, commented: “AAC were the first completion centre to achieve an industry first FAA STC on a VVIP conversion on a 787-8 and delivered the Head of State aircraft in February 2016. The aircraft features three cabin zones as well as a separate office, bathroom, lavatory and bedroom within the Presidential Suite. We overcame significant new engineering challenges during this project and ultimately delivered an aircraft that was 20% lighter than originally envisaged, allowing the customer to carry additional fuel to fly longer, non-stop missions. Clearly subsequent customers will benefit from what has already been learned.”