Boeing Business Jet (BBJ)
Boeing Business Jets · USA · first flew 1998 · airliner
The Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) is a long-range corporate and VIP transport derived from the Boeing 737, combining an airliner-size cabin with extended range and blended winglets.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 33.63 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- 737-based VIP airframe
- Winglets and extra fuel tanks
- Airline-size cabin for private use
Recognise it as a 737 fitted with tall blended winglets but usually few or no cabin windows in VIP fit. The standard 737 twin-underwing engines and conventional tail confirm the airframe.
Specifications
- The Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) has a length of 33.63 m (110 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 35.79 m (117 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 890 km/h (553 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 flight crew plus cabin crew.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Launched as a joint Boeing and General Electric venture, the original BBJ paired the 737-700 fuselage with the stronger wing of the 737-800 and added auxiliary fuel tanks, first flying in 1998. It created a market for airliner-derived private jets.
Variants
The family grew to include the larger BBJ2 and BBJ3 based on longer 737 models, and later the BBJ MAX series. All feature winglets and additional belly fuel tanks for intercontinental range.
Where you'll see it
In the UK the BBJ is flown as a head-of-state and executive transport by charter operators and private owners, valued for its large cabin. It bridges the gap between purpose-built business jets and full airliners.
Related aircraft
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