The first customers for the new variant Boeing Business Jet - based on the 737-700 - will be signed up as early as next month, Boeing says at the Show.
Deposits have been taken and actual signings only await finalisation of the aircraft configuration, due at the end of this month, says Borge Boeskov who is heading up the new programme.
An inquiry by General Electric led to the idea of a spacious, long-range business jet based around the 737-700. GE, a partner in the project, is the launch customer.
With eight passengers and a crew of five, the aircraft can fly 11,500km plus (6,200nm); with 25 people its range is 11,000km; and with 50 passengers it would fly 9,800km.
Boeing is pitching the price of the aircraft - $30.5 million for a "green" copy - to make it a direct competitor with the Gulfstream V and the Bombardier Global Express.
Source: Flight Daily News
