Boeing is bringing forward plans to launch the stretched Boeing Business Jet (BBJ 2), following strong customer interest which could lead to as many as five new sales by the end of this year.
Although Boeing outlined plans for a larger BBJ based on the stretched 737-800 late last year, it was not expected to give the go-ahead until next year. Boeing Business Jets president Borge Boeskov says: "I didn't think we would be going for this so early, but we are offering the BBJ 2 today and we expect to put the first one out late next year or early 2001."
Boeskov says the move is being made because "customers wanted a little more floor space". The BBJ 2 will have 25% more of this and 50% more cargo volume, than the current model, which is a hybrid of the 737-700 fuselage and -800 wing. "We get 20ft³ [0.56m³] of extra belly space, which is really what we are selling," he adds.
With the existing long-range fuel tank system, the BBJ 2 will have a range of around 11,470km (6,200nm), or roughly 740km less than the standard BBJ. The price for the "green" BBJ 2, before completion, is $43 million, versus the original 1995 price of $30.5 million for the BBJ. The completed price is estimated at $49-55 million.
Sales of the BBJ, meanwhile, have climbed to 56, with 28 delivered to completion centres, and five in, or about to enter, service. Displaying the third BBJ to enter service at NBAA, the owner, Atlas Airlines chairman Michael Chowdry, says the flying office will be used on expanded long-range business missions, encompassing more visits to more companies per trip. Chowdry's BBJ arrived in Atlanta newly completed by Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg.
Meanwhile, Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) executives are negotiating with Airbus Industrie for extra production slots to prepare for an expected growth in business beyond 2001. Airbus holds 18 commitments for the ACJ, a corporate version of the A319, but hopes to sign "a couple of commitments soon". ACJs are on order or in service with the Italian air force, DaimlerChrysler, Air Harrods and the Kuwait Government.
"We hope to convince management to raise the allocation [for ACJs] to between six and eight per year, though we think the maximum could be 12 aircraft per year," says the company, which aims for 50% of a market it estimates at around 24 a year.
Source: Flight International
