The world's biggest executive jet has been launched by a Sussex charter airline.

Air Partner has turned a Boeing 747, which usually carries more than 400 people, into a 106-seater luxury aircraft.

In view of recent reports that inactivity on long-haul flights can lead to deep-vein thrombosis, the aircraft could even prove to be a lifesaver.

The Gatwick-based airline says there is so much space on the aircraft, there is room for all the passengers to get up and walk round the cabin at the same time. For those who like such statistics, 15 times round the cabin equals one mile.

The plane has a flying range of 12 to 13 hours, can cover distances like London to Los Angeles non-stop, and is available only through Air Partner.

Group managing director David Savile said it was no accident that the aircraft's seats took up 68 inches, eight inches more than most first-class seats, although the seats themselves are in fact business class.

He said: "A great deal of thought went into the redesign and complete refurbishment of the Boeing 747 Executive.

"The product is primarily designed for daytime flights, providing a comfortable, spac-ious and relaxing environment rather than one designed for sleeping."

The aircraft has a dedicated crew of 14, with one attendant for every eight passengers.

There are two lounge areas with a cocktail bar in the nose section and a quieter reading lounge, which can be converted into a bedroom, on the upper deck. The bar service can be tailored to individual requests and all meals are five-star quality.

Inflight entertainment is provided through individual DVD players, music CDs, cards and board games. Unwelcome inflight instructions and interruptions, orders and requests are kept to a minimum.

Baggage allowance is 100kg per passenger.

The plane was specially developed by Air Partner in response to a call from an exclusive tour operator which had sold a round-the-world programme but needed an aircraft to replace Concorde following its grounding last summer.

Even with the possibility of Concorde taking to the skies again this year, the company is confident its superjet will still fill a niche. Air Partner has exclusive world wide marketing rights on the new jet for at least three years.

It is expected to appeal to major corporations, govern-ments and other sectors of high-profile business and to conference, event, incentive travel and group organisers covering a variety of markets, including the sports and entertainment industries and VIP travel.

Heads of state are among those expected to be attracted by the ultra-luxury of the new jet.

The project has been developed in partnership with Air Atlanta Icelandic. Although it was kept under wraps, the new jet has already attracted attention and bookings are now being taken for this year and next.