July 10, 2007

Boeing Business Jet

The Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) is a 50/50 partnership between Boeing Commercial Airplanes and General Electric.

The Boeing Business Jet series are factory conversions of Boeing airliners for the corporate jet market, historically the 737 series airliners. This aircraft usually seats between 25 and 50 passengers within a luxurious configuration. This may include a master bedroom, a washroom with shower(s), a conference/dining area, and a living area in the most common layout.


Boeing Business Jet photo 1

The Boeing Boeing Business Jet is primarily a 737 commercial airframe with various modifications to provide for private jet service. The BBJ1 is based on a 737-700 airframe, with elements from the 737-800 included. The BBJ2 and BBJ3 are based on the 737-800 and 737-900ER series, respectively. All models include certain non-specific changes to the airframe regardless of the Boeing Business Jet series.

Changes from the normal 737 include:

  • Blended winglets for additional fuel economy (5-7% improvement)
  • Self-contained airstairs for landing at airports with limited ground support
  • Additional fuel tanks, for intercontinental range
  • ETOPS-180 certification

Additionally, the BBJ1 contains the following items from the 737-800 (moot on the BBJ2 and BBJ3):
  • Wings
  • Center section
  • Aft section
  • Landing gear

After the launch of the BBJ, Airbus followed suit with the launch of their Airbus ACJ derived from their A319 commercial airframe. More recently, they have also launched the longer range A318 Elite. Even with these competitors, the Boeing BBJ is currently the largest production business jet on the market. Other competitors on the smaller end of the market include the Embraer Lineage, the Bombardier Global Express and the Gulfstream G550.

Smaller models
  • BBJ or less frequently, BBJ1 is based on the 737-700, and formed the basis for the 737-700ER. This was the initial variant. In U.S. Air Force service, this is known as the C-40B Clipper.
  • BBJ2 is based on the 737-800.
  • BBJ3 is based on the 737-900ER.
  • BBJ C is a proposed variant of the BBJ featuring the "quick change" capabilities of the 737-700C. This would allow the aircraft to be used for executive duty during one flight, and to be quickly reconfigured for cargo duty for the next flight. The decision on approval is expected before the end of 2006.

Larger models
  • 747 VIP
    Version of the 747-8 ordered by the Boeing Business Jet division. Currently there are 4 orders for this aircraft. The VIP 747 is delivered by BBJ in a "green" condition, meaning there are no interior furnishings so that the owner can design it to their own preferences.
  • 777 VIP
    Version of the 777 ordered by the Boeing Business Jet division.
  • 787 VIP
    Version of the 787 ordered by the Boeing Business Jet division. Currently there are 7 orders for this aircraft. As with the 747, the VIP 787 is delivered by BBJ in a "green" condition, meaning there are no interior furnishings so that the owner can design it to their own preferences.


Boeing Business Jet photo 2

Source: Wikipedia

No comments: