Aviation Link of Saudi Arabia has taken delivery of the first BBJ 777-200LR (long range) to be completed for a private customer in the Middle East. The aircraft was handed over from AMAC's facility in Basel, Switzerland, following 19 months of completion work that required more than 500,000 man hours.

Described as unique, the aircraft features 29,000 kgs of interior cabin weight and various spaces including private hallway, master bedroom, master lavatory, private lounges, majlis, cabanas, guest areas, staff areas and galleys throughout the cabin. In-flight entertainment options are many and varied, including audio video on demand, up to 64" monitors and BluRay players.

"The principal set very high standards for this elegant interior," says Bernd Schramm, AMAC Group coo. "We are extremely pleased we were able to meet the demanding and challenging requirements specified."

Schramm points out that AMAC's relationship and regular communication with Boeing were key to the on-time completion. "AMAC is proud that we were able to re-deliver our first widebody completion project in time and on budget to the highest satisfaction of our customer," he said.

In May this year, the company was approved by Boeing as a warranty service centre. The partnership with the OEM will continue as AMAC begins completion of a BBJ 747-8 at the end of October.

When the aircraft was first delivered back in 2010 it was chosen to meet the customer's requirement for a widebody aircraft capable of connecting virtually any two cities in the world non-stop, while carrying a full cargo load. Aviation Link worked closely with Boeing at the time to ensure the aircraft was built specifically for vip cabin conversion.