Designed to transfer passengers vertically from the runway to the main deck of a Boeing 747-8, the Aerolift could be the latest ‘must have’ for any private jumbo owner.
Greenpoint Technologies, a VIP completions centre for Boeing Business Jets, has won its first US patent for its fully-enclosed carriage elevator.
The 2.24 metre high capsule descends from the main fuselage to scoop up passengers who may have arrived in style on the tarmac, according to Bloomberg Businessweek.
“The Aerolift elegantly and securely transports passengers from the ground to the aircraft’s main deck, eliminating reliance on traditional ground-based boarding and deplaning methods,” said Scott Goodey, president and CEO of Greenpoint Technologies.
The ethos is that if you can already afford a $357 million aircraft, then perhaps you would prefer not to break a sweat climbing the staircase.
There is space enough for four passengers at any one time, or one wheelchair passenger and an attendant. As well as providing convenience, the elevator further protects the privacy of the passenger, which is likely to be a head-of-state based on the aircraft’s $356.9 million price tag (does not include completions costs).
Stephen Taylor, president of Boeing Business Jets, added: “Greenpoint is respected by the industry for technologically advanced innovation. Greenpoint is one of the original completion centers recognized by The Boeing Company and they consistently deliver novel solutions for technically challenging projects.”
The Aerolift is targetted at customers willing to spend up to $250 million to gentrify one of the humpbacked, four-engine aircraft with wood paneling, bedroom suites, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems.
The elevators are designed solely for the latest 747-8 models, and are not yet planned for the rival A380 superjumbo from Airbus.
Greenpoint has one buyer thus far - but said it needs another customer to make a elevator launch feasible.