Boeing sets new BBJ speed record

Boeing Business Jets have set a new world record for “speed over a recognised course,” when a BBJ flew non-stop from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand for installation of an VIP interiors. The BBJ, a 737-700 modified for VIP use, made the 5,658 nautical mile (10,479 km) trip in 13 hours, 7 minutes and 54 seconds.

“When we left Los Angeles with full fuel, we were 21,000 pounds below our Maximum Takeoff Weight. This means that the customer can add a full VIP interior, fill all the seats and still carry full fuel and have remarkable range – something our competitor with the same class business jet simply cannot do non-stop,” said BBJ president, Captain Steve Taylor.

The aircraft had 7,800 pounds of fuel remaining when it landed in Auckland Sunday evening.

The BBJ is owned by Samsung Electronics, is equipped with seven auxiliary fuel tanks, giving it the extended range capability. It also features lower cabin altitude, which differentiates it from its competitor. The option provides a 6,500-foot cabin altitude instead of the standard 8,000-foot cabin, allowing passengers to travel in greater comfort.

The Boeing aircraft was flown to New Zealand for the first interior completion of a new BBJ by Altitude Aerospace Interiors, an Auckland-based company which was launched in 2008.

Boeing delivers the BBJ to the customer “green” (no interior or paint), so it can be customised to suit the specific needs and taste of the customer. The completion centre of the customer’s choosing installs the VIP interiors, which typically takes nine months to a year.

The BBJ is the best selling model of Boeing’s business jet line with 157 sold to date.