Boeing (NYSE: BA) today announced the first five customers for 747-8 Intercontinental VIP airplanes will have the option to use loaned GEnx-2B engines that will be replaced with the latest production-configuration GEnx engines upon completion of the airplanes’ interiors.

Called the GE Pusher Program, Boeing will use GEnx engines from flight test airplanes or the lease pool to ferry the 747-8 Intercontinental VIPs to the completion center of the customer’s choice.

“At Boeing Business Jets, we work very closely with our customers to ensure we’re providing the products and services that best fit their needs,” said Capt. Steve Taylor, Boeing Business Jets president.

“In the case of the 747-8 Intercontinental VIP, where the interior completion is expected to take 18 to 24 months, our customers asked us to defer installation of the GEnx-2B engines until just prior to putting the airplanes in service. We worked with our partners at GE to develop this great solution for our customers,” said Taylor.

The GE Pusher Program will enable customers to not worry about engine maintenance while the airplane sits in completion. Customers will receive brand new engines that will include any performance improvements that GE has incorporated into the production GEnx-2B engine configuration at the time of engine delivery.

“Customers will save money on the normal engine maintenance costs that they normally need to perform as the interior completion work is performed, and they will receive new GEnx-2B engines that have the latest technology,” said Bill Fitzgerald, vice president and general manager of GE’s GEnx Program.

The engine program is being offered for the first five 747-8 Intercontinental VIPs only. Boeing Business Jets and GE are considering expanding the program to other VIP airplanes in the future. The first of the five 747-8 Intercontinental VIPs is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Boeing press release