One day after the start of final assembly of the first 787, Boeing on Tuesday gave the media a tour of its facility near Boeing Field where engineers are testing the many new systems that will be used on the Dreamliner.

One of those systems will produce a smoother ride for passengers when the 787 encounters turbulence. To get a feel for how well this new system works, I rode in a full-motion simulator in one of the Boeing system testing labs. Read my report.

Also see my previous report on the new nitrogen inerting system that will be on the 787 to reduce the risk of a possible fuel tank explosion.

Meanwhile, in Switzerland, Boeing Business Jets Tuesday unveiled the luxurious design concepts for the 747-8 VIP airplane.

It's worth a look.

747-8 VIP interior concept. Boeing photo.

Boeing, Airbus and other airplane makers are touting their VIP and business jet products this week at the European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition in Geneva.

The 747-8 VIP plane includes features such as vaulted ceilings, spiral staircases and video wall displays.

Below is part of the Boeing news release about the 747-8 VIP plane.

"With more than 5,000 square feet of cabin space, the new 747-8 VIP jet epitomizes incomparable luxury and operational flexibility," said Steven Hill, president of Boeing Business Jets. "The 747-8 VIP builds on the proud legacy of the 747 and incorporates the advanced technology of the 787 Dreamliner. It is a proven design with the operational flexibility to fly into most airports throughout the world."

The VIP version of the 747-8 Intercontinental provides a cabin with 444.6 square meters (4,786 square feet). The new SkyLoft area, which is located above the main cabin between the upper deck and tail of the 747-8 VIP, provides a potential of 81.8 additional square meters (881 square feet) of cabin space and gives owners the opportunity to create unique personal suites, private offices and recreational spaces.

With SkyLoft, the VIP-configured 747-8 offers a total of 526.5 square meters (5,667 square feet) of cabin space and can carry 100 passengers and fly up to 9,260 nautical miles (17,150 km). The airplane also is the fastest large-cabin business jet, capable of cruising at Mach 0.86.

Boeing does not design or install interiors in VIP airplanes. Boeing delivers VIP airplanes "green," meaning the airplane does not have interior furnishings or exterior paint. Customers then work with certified designers and interior completion centers to develop personalized interiors.

There are currently 22 747s in VIP use today.

To date, undisclosed customers have ordered four 747-8 VIP airplanes. The first commercial version of the 747-8 is scheduled to enter service in 2010.

747-8 VIP interior concept. Boeing photo.