Boeing has officially launched its line of Boeing Business Jets (BBJs) based on its 737 Max following an order from an undisclosed customer, according to a media release from the Chicago-based company.
Boeing says an existing BBJ customer ordered the aircraft and that the first Max-based BBJ will be delivered without a finished interior in 2018.
The aircraft will be finished at a completion center chosen by the customer, says Boeing.
737 Max-based BBJs will have CFM International LEAP-1B turbofans and split-tip winglets, giving the aircraft 14% better fuel efficiency that other single-aisle aircraft, says the company.
Boeing.
The BBJ Max 8 will have a range of 6,325nm (11,714km), more than 800nm further than the BBJ2, which is based on the 737-800.
The BBJ MAX 8 also will have a cabin that is 19ft (5.8m) longer than the BBJ and three times more cargo space, says Boeing.
Boeing is also marketing a BBJ Max 9, based on the 737 Max 9, which is expected to have a range up to 6,255nm, and the company is studying plans to develop a BBJ Max 7 based on the 737 Max 7.
First flight of the 737 Max is scheduled for 2016 and deliveries to commercial customer are pegged to begin in 2017, the company says.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
