European companies plan to turn Airbus Superjumbo into ultimate executive jet

BRUSSELS, Belgium — The new Airbus 380 "Superjumbo" has just completed its maiden commercial flight and there are already plans to transform the world's largest passenger plane into the pinnacle of private luxury — an executive jet.

Two European companies — Germany's Lufthansa Technik and Switzerland's Jet Aviation — have announced their intention to convert the enormous airliner into a flying mansion replete with private bedrooms, a movie theater, and a gym fitted with saunas and jacuzzis.

Rumors swept the European media in September that Lufthansa Technik, a subsidiary of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, had received an order for a VIP-configured A380 from Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

Abramovich — who in 2005 acquired a specially modified Boeing 767ER — denied the report. "There's no order, there's no Airbus, there's no A380," spokesman John Mann said.

Hamburg-based Lufthansa Technik also dismissed the reports, but an official said they were anticipating a firm order for the A380 from a different private customer.

"There is definitely a market for an executive version of the Airbus 380," said Bernd Habbel, Lufthansa Technik's head of corporate communications.

Purchases of private airliners have hit record highs, with manufacturers set to deliver more than 1,000 planes in 2007, and industry experts predicting sales of about $200 billion over the next decade.

But most of those planes are relatively small, in the short-haul category of a Learjet, Cessna Citation or Gulfstream, and usually costing $2 million to $5 million. The largest corporate jets are usually modified versions of the Airbus 320 or Boeing 737 that sell for about $70 million.

Experts say only national governments and very few of the super wealthy can afford massive price tags that come with the higher category, such as a Boeing 767 that is three times the size of an average executive jet.

The market is also seemingly immune to the financial turbulence that has gripped global markets.

"Limousines or extravagantly tricked-out yachts are frequently fitted with plush custom-made interiors," said Richard Maslen, an editor of Airliner World, a British aviation magazine. "The world of aviation is no different — 'customized' aircraft have long been available for those who can afford them, such as royal families, heads of state or the growing coterie of billionaires," Maslen said.

"Anyone who wants to customize their mode of travel to accommodate lots of friends — or perhaps adapt it to withstand a terrorist attack — will find that there are companies prepared to take on the work," Maslen said.

But the 560-ton A380 is in a size category of its own, dwarfing even the Boeing 747, which serves as Air Force One, the presidential jet.

Lufthansa Technik already has drawn up a general design for a customized luxury A380 interior, although a customer would collaborate on specific details, Habbel said.

A rendering of the layout provides the owner with two spacious private bedrooms on the upper deck, separated from a reception area with plush sofas and a wood and brass bar next to the central stairway.

The private quarters allow for maximum comfort and convenience. A master bedroom includes an office, private dining room, dressing room, a fully fitted bathroom and a gym featuring both a steam bath and exercise machines.

The entourage is accommodated in lounge-type quarters on the lower deck, also equipped with a large dining and conference area. There is a third level, the cargo area below, that can be transformed into yet another passenger space or a cinema if needed.

And what would the price tag be of a custom-fitted Airbus 380?

Lufthansa Technik is reluctant to discuss the cost. But according to Airbus spokeswoman Maggie Bergsma, the list price of an A380 is $320 million. Experts say customized furnishings can rack up an additional $50 million to $150 million, as the degree of luxury depends entirely on the depth of the buyer's pockets.

Basel, Switzerland-based Jet Aviation has already received four letters of intent for the yet-to-be-delivered 787 Dreamliner, Boeing's newest jet.

"We will certainly be one of few players that can do the completions on an A380 for whoever wants to do that," said Heinz Aebi, a company vice president.

Jet Aviation delivered two 747s converted to luxury standard for Dubai Air Wings this year.

"There will always be customers who want such planes that can fly intercontinental ranges without the need to land and refuel," Aebi said.