Gore starts work on its first BBJ 787

The VIP version of the Boeing Dreamliner aircraft was one of two that rolled off the Boeing production line earlier this month as the second and third of the type to be delivered as ‘green’ aircraft to completions centres.
A second BBJ 787 is also due to be delivered to Gore later this year.
GDC’s Mohammed Alzeer,(pictured right)  said, “This is an exciting project that ushers a new era at GDC, we are leading the industry in starting engineering work on 787’s modifications. We will design, engineer, fabricate, and install a state-of-the-art VVIP interior that will match the technological advances of the Boeing B787 aircraft.”
GDC announced the two aircraft deal at NBAA in Las Vegas last year (the second 787 is slated to arrive later this year). Since that announcement, the company worked with Boeing to ramp up training on the product and started tooling for the aircraft. On February 4, GDC received FAA approval to work on the aircraft.
GDC was acquired in May 2013 by an investment group led by Saudi Arabia’s MAZ Aviation.
The double-send off was met with glee by Boeing. "It's terrific to see two BBJ 787s deliver within a week," said Capt. Steve Taylor, president, Boeing Business Jets. "The 787's combination of phenomenal range, high cruise speed, low cabin altitude, big windows and ultra-quiet cabin make the 787 ideal for BBJ customers."
The BBJ 787-8 has a range of about 9,260 nautical miles (17,150 km).
"2014 will be a very exciting year for BBJ with many major milestones to celebrate," Taylor said. "In addition to the deliveries of three more BBJ 787-8s, the first BBJ 747-8 we delivered last year will enter into service with its completed custom interior later in the year."
To date, customers around the world have ordered 13 BBJ 787s, with deliveries occurring from 2018.

Pictured: The interior of the BBJ 787 as it leaves Seattle for Gore's completion centre in Texas ready to be fitted for a Middle Eastern customer. (Picture: Boeing)