The US manufacturer announced at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, which runs from May 23 to 25, that it had received orders for four BBJs. Of particular note is the option for a BBJ 777-9, which is the first for the 777X family. The other aircraft in the announcement comprise two BBJ 787-8s and a BBJ 737-7. The VIP customers for these jets have not been revealed nor have the delivery dates.
Joe Benson, BBJ president said: "With the right combination of comfort, performance and best-in-class operating economics, the BBJ family offers VIP customers all the features they are looking for in a business jet. Designed on the platforms of Boeing's best-selling commercial airframes, customers recognise the value in operating the most reliable and capable jets in world."
The BBJ 787-8 can fly 9,945nm, while Boeing lists a range of 6,600nm for the BBJ 737 MAX and states that the BBJ 777X is the first business jet capable of flying up to 11,025nm.
Since the launch of Boeing Business Jets in 1996 the company has sold more than 260 of these aircraft.Meanwhile, Lufthansa Technik has unveiled its brand-new VIP cabin concept for the BBJ 777-9. The design, which was also revealed at the Geneva show, takes advantage of the vast space available on the next generation widebody.
The German MRO provider says one of the standout features is the VVIP section at the front with a unique private bedroom that is expandable and highly functional. The detailed design will be revealed later this year.
This cabin design is the first of its kind to be developed using native aircraft data as provided by Boeing. This ensures the feasibility of the design, as dimensions and space shown are 100% accurate.
“We are thrilled to unveil first insights into this new VIP cabin design for the BBJ 777-9,” said Jan Grube, sales director in VIP and Special Mission Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik. “Our team’s mission was to create a cabin that is both functional and beautiful, while also meeting the unique needs of our VIP clients in the Middle East. We are confident that this cabin design will set a new standard for VIP aviation, and we look forward to bringing it to market.”
