Onboard bedrooms and luxury low-pressure cabins — inside the private jets at Dubai Airshow

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. showcase / ˈʃoʊˌkeɪs / (v.) – to display something in a special or organized way to show its best qualities
    Example:

    The company showcased its new phone at the technology event.


  2. aviation / ˌeɪ viˈeɪ ʃən / (n.) – the activity of flying aircraft, such as planes or helicopters; everything connected to air travel and the operation of aircraft
    Example:

    Advances in aviation technology have made flights safer and faster.


  3. long-haul / ˈlɑːŋ hɑːl / (adj.) – travelling a very long distance, usually by plane
    Example:

    We took a long-haul flight from London to Tokyo.


  4. airliner / ˈɛərˌlaɪ nər / (n.) – a large airplane that carries many passengers from one place to another
    Example:

    The airliner took more than 150 passengers to New York.


  5. equivalent / ɪˈkwɪv ə lənt / (adj.) – the same in value, amount, or effect, even if it is not exactly the same thing
    Example:

    This meal has an equivalent amount of calories as a sandwich.


Article

Read the text below.

Private jets, commercial aircraft, and military planes were among more than two hundred aircraft showcased at the Dubai Airshow 2025. The event brought together manufacturers, operators, and industry leaders, with a focus on new aircraft design and the push toward more sustainable aviation.


One of the toured planes was a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) operated by Royal Jet. The BBJ is based on the Boeing 737 Max airframe, but unlike commercial versions, it’s fitted with a custom interior designed for long-haul private travel. Inside, the aircraft includes a lounge area, a dining and meeting space, and a private bedroom with an en-suite shower.


Royal Jet pilot Ahmed Suhoul said, “This aircraft can accommodate nineteen guests. It is divided into three different areas: a VIP Majlis sitting room-style area in the front, a dining room or conference room towards the middle, and a full-size bedroom towards the back with a bathroom and a shower.”


While a regular airliner typically maintains a cabin altitude of around 6-8,000 feet, Boeing Business Jets keep the cabin at a lower equivalent altitude. The aim is to make long flights less tiring.


“The BBJ has its unique system where it lowers the cabin pressurization. So, it is not like what is in FlyDubai or any other airline who operates a 737. The cabin altitude on the BBJs are way much less than the normal airliners. Therefore, it reduces the fatigue and jet lag for the passengers so the passengers can fly through the night, sleep on board, arrive at their destination, ready for their next meeting in a few hours.”


A Royal Jet staff said a major appeal of private aviation is the ability to shorten the time spent in terminals. Protocol manager Khalid Al Sebeyi said, “Commercial goes normally through security, immigration, but for us, we finish all of these stake matters faster and then because the VIP does not feel that he is in an airport or somewhere, you know. He feels that it is a seamless journey and there are less touch points.”


The Dubai Airshow 2025 concluded on November 21.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • The article describes the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) with a lounge, dining room, and a private bedroom. Do you think such levels of comfort are a reasonable part of modern air travel, or do you think it’s too much? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • The BBJ includes a meeting room and a private bedroom designed for long trips. If you had the chance to design a “comfortable but fair” airplane cabin for all passengers, what features would you include? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • The Dubai Airshow highlighted new aircraft design with a push toward more sustainable aviation. In your opinion, what should airlines prioritize first: comfort, speed, or environmental sustainability? Why? Would you personally choose a slower but more eco-friendly flight? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Private aviation aims to make passengers feel like they are “not in an airport.” How important is the atmosphere of an airport or travel space to your overall experience? If you could redesign the airport experience for all travelers, what kind of changes would you make? Discuss.