Boeing is known in the business jet market for its which have been used for government, heads of state and privately owned flights. How has the original BBJ developed and how much does it cost now? The first
Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) was designed in 1996 as a partnership project between Boeing and General Electric (GE). They wanted to build a larger to compete with other business jets in the industry. The first BBJ was based on the 737-700 and was first flown in 1998. At the time, the unfurnished 19-seat model cost $33.8 million and furnished between $40 and $45 million. The new price was $71 million. Today's BBJs are multi-million dollar business jets and designing the right interior has become essential. Luxury, comfort and the very best amenities are expected by clients, especially in the
Middle East, where often price is not the object. It is all about the travel experience and the aircraft is an extension of their homes. Everything interior can be closely tailored to the client's needs and wishes. For a business jet, a boardroom and private working offices may be important for maximum privacy and productivity. Whereas a private owner, using it for their own personal travel will prefer a full en-suite bedroom with luxurious bathroom and shower. BBJs are more expensive than their counterparts due to their sheer size. Whereas an aircraft like the Gulfstream 650 or the Bombardier Global 7000, may cost around $70 million, a new BBJ MAX will cost upwards of $100 million. If you have deep pockets, the opportunities are endless and the perfectly designed BBJ MAX can be yours to travel in style and luxury. Certainly, for the BBJ 737 MAX family first delivered in 2018, the aircraft are completely customizable based on the clients client's needs and chosen configuration. Designs will often include spacious living areas, open entrance rooms, private rooms, state rooms and VIP bathrooms. Boeing also offers the Select series for its BBJ MAX, making the design and the budget much easier to handle. The cabin layouts are pre-designed and there are over 140 layouts to choose from. There are three color palettes to choose from and the lounge can be fitted at the front, rear or mid of the aircraft as suited. This design scheme comes at a fixed price. The BBJ 737 MAX has room for 19 passengers and has three times the cabin space of a regular private jet. It can travel up to 15 hours without refueling for 6,600nm or 12,220 km. There are also slight variants for the additional 737-8 (MAX 8) and 737-9 (MAX 9). 884 sq ft / 82.1 m2 1,025 sq ft / 95.2 m2 1,120 sq ft / 104.1 m2 274 cu ft / 7.8 m³ 593 cu ft / 16.8 m³ 775 cu ft / 21.9 m³ 116 ft 8 in / 35.6 m 129 ft 8 in / 39.6 m 138 ft 2 in / 42.1 m 117 ft 10 in / 35.9 m × 40 ft 4 in / 12.3 m 10,103 US gal (38,244 liters) 10,381 US gal (39,296 liters) 10,910 US gal (41,299 liters) CFM International LEAP 6,600 nmi (12,225 km) 6,465 nmi (11,975 km) 6,355 nmi (11,770 km) According to the by the Business and Commercial Jets, 2023 the new price of a new fully equipped aircraft was: estimates for an original BBJ 737-700/800: Used cost: $41 million - $71 million Refurbishment: $2 million -$5 million Fixed costs: appox. $1,222,257 million Variable costs: $2,660,719 million further shows a sample operating budget of: Cost flying 200 hours/year flying 400 hours/year Direct Operating Costs (DOC) Fuel Cost @ $7.23/gal Updated to Nat'l Avg Each Week $1,164,030 $2,328,060 Maintenance $191,600 $383,200 Engine Overhaul $140,000 $280,000 Misc Crew/Landing/Handling $80,000 $160,000 Miscellaneous Variable $30,000 $60,000 Total Direct Operating Costs (DOC) $1,605,630 $3,211,260 Fixed Costs Crew $349,000 $349,000 Crew Training $105,581 $105,581 Hangar $149,808 $149,808 Insurance $92,581 $92,581 Jet Management $78,000 $78,000 Miscellaneous Fixed $65,000 $65,000 Total Fixed Costs $839,970 $839,970 Total Annual Budget $2,445,600 $4,051,230 The BBJ 787 Dreamliner is a wide-bodied business jet for 25 passengers, based on the commercial Dreamliner. It has a range of 9,960 nm. It has a lower cabin altitude of 6,000ft which allows passengers to arrive at their destination less fatigued. It is 10% more fuel efficient than its counterparts and its clean sheet design makes it an advanced business jet. The BBJ 787 has a composite airframe. There are two variants of the type, the BBJ 787-8 and 878-9. The BBJ 787 aircraft is partnered with the BBJ 777X which was announced in 2018. The BBJ 777X can travel halfway around the world without needing to refuel. No aircraft have currently been delivered but it is expected to go into service in 2025. Again, there are two variants within the BBJ 777 type, the BBJ 777-8 and the 777-9. The narrow bodied BBJs were eventually replaced by the MAX. The wide bodied B747-800 with a range of 8,875nm or 16,437km and was ceased production in 2023. The B777-200LR and B777-300ER with a range of 9,220nm or 17,075km have also been taken out of production.