BBJ MAX launch: Boeing gains first order

A Boeing Business Jet, known in the indsutry as a BBJ.

Boeing announces the launch of the newest business jet, the BBJ MAX.

A Boeing Business Jet on display at NBAA 2013.

Boeing has announced the launch of the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) MAX family after receiving the first order from an undisclosed customer. The order is for a BBJ MAX 8, which is based on the 737 MAX 8 commercial airliner and is an upgraded version of the BBJ2.

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Captain Steve Taylor, president of Boeing Business Jets, says: “We are honoured that an existing BBJ customer has become the first to select the BBJ MAX.”

“The BBJ MAX provides more room, longer range and emits fewer emissions than its nearest competition, making it an ideal choice for today’s BBJ customers,” adds Taylor.

The BBJ MAX 8 will feature the new CFM LEAP-1B engines and will come fitted with Advanced Technology winglets. The new BBJ MAX 8 will have a range of 6,325 nautical miles (11,713 km), which is an increase of more than 800 nautical miles (1,482 km) on the BBJ2.

Taylor says: “We expect a large demand for the BBJ MAX, particularly for those BBJ owners who want to fly farther and more efficiently and still maintain the exceptional comfort of a BBJ.”

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The first BBJ MAX will be delivered in 2018 to a completion centre selected by the customer, which will install the VIP interior. Most BBJ completions take between 12 and 18 months.

Boeing’s new BBJ Max 8.

Corporate Jet Investor says: Now that the first order for the BBJ Max has been announced, you can expect there to be a steady stream of orders for the latest addition to a successful family of business jets that already includes 108 active aircraft.