Boeing launches ‘longest range’ 777X business jet in Dubai

US plane manufacturer Boeing on Monday launched a business jet version of its 777X aircraft model at the Middle East Business Aviation Association Show (MEBAA) in Dubai.

The company said the BBJ 777X could fly half way around the world without stopping, further than any previous business jet ever built.

The aircraft comes in two models with the 777-8 offering the longest range of 11,645 nautical miles and a 3,256sqft cabin.

The BBJ 777-9 has a shorter range of 11,000 nautical miles but a larger 3,689sqft cabin.

“Our most exclusive customers want to travel with the best space and comfort and fly directly to their destination,” said Boeing Business Jets head Greg Laxton
“The new BBJ 777X will be able to do this like no other aeroplane before it, redefining ultra-long range VIP travel.”
Boeing unveiled interior design concepts from Greenpoint Technologies, Jet Aviation, and Unique Aircraft Design at the show to display different options for VIP customers.

The firm has received 21 orders for its BBJ Max family to date, following a recent addition from an unidentified customer.

Comment: Demand expected from ‘heads of state and VVIPs’

Boeing has nailed its colours to the wide-body mast, unveiling the Boeing Business Jet 777X at today’s Middle East Business Aviation Association exhibition at Dubai World Central, writes Business Traveller Middle East editor Dominic Ellis.

It clearly foresees demand for a more spacious, luxurious on-board experience for Heads of State and VVIPs – and perhaps just as importantly, in an aircraft which can fly halfway round the world without stopping.

Putting down is a pain for anyone, not least for HNWIs and government officials for whom time is money and vice versa.

The big question is demand. Is there still a place for vast cabins exceeding 3,200sq ft amid times of precarious global economic forecasts?

More than half of BBJ orders are in the Middle East and Boeing will be hoping for more of the same. Boeing’s Greg Laxton said the market “ebbs and flows” and remains optimistic as overall GDP levels continue to grow globally.

Interestingly competitor Airbus is concentrating more on its narrow-bodies and pushing its new A319/A320neo ACJ aircraft, though it is displaying its 787 business jet at this week’s show – complete with shower, vast lounge, 16 business class seats and it even has squeezed in a treadmill.

When it comes to private jet customers, the sky is indeed the limit.