Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau has ordered a Boeing 787 'Dreamliner' as a private VIP jet in an order worth some 153 million dollars at list prices.
NEW YORK: Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau has ordered a Boeing 787 'Dreamliner' as a private VIP jet in an order worth some 153 million dollars at list prices, the aircraft maker said on Tuesday.
The 787, whose first deliveries are set for next year, normally is configured to carry 250 to 300 passengers.
But Boeing said it has received seven orders, including the latest from Lau, for Dreamliners as so-called VIP aircraft or business jets.
"The 787 VIP is an extremely attractive jet for wealthy and successful entrepreneurs, especially in Asia where business is conducted over long distances," said Boeing Business Jets president Steven Hill.
"The 787 has it all -- long-range capability, advanced technology and a spacious, comfortable cabin -- attributes that are needed to conduct business around the world. We are honored by Mr. Lau's confidence in Boeing jets and his relationship with Boeing Business Jets."
The VIP-configured 787-8 offers 223 square metres of cabin space, according to Boeing.
Self-made tycoon Lau, 55, who holds a majority stake in Chinese Estates Holdings, last year paid the highest amount ever at the time for a work by pop art icon Andy Warhol, with the purchase of a portrait of Mao Zedong for $17.4mn at auction in New York. That amount was recently eclipsed.
Sometimes described as a playboy socialite, Lau has a fortune estimated by Forbes magazine of $2.1bn and is ranked 458th among the world's richest people by the magazine.
Lau spent more than $5.1mn on 20 personalized car licence plates.
Lau also has a philanthropic side, recently donating 20 million dollars for scholarships at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
The Dreamliner is smaller but also less expensive that the 747 jumbo-jet, which can also be configured as a VIP business jet for around 280 million dollars. The future Airbus A380 superjumbo is expected to fetch around 300 million dollars, according to Fortune magazine.
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