Summary
- The first BBJs cost $33.8M, now $71M due to luxury focus and new developments.
- BBJs are tailored for different needs – with everything from private offices to en suite bedrooms.
- A new BBJ MAX is more expensive due to its size and can range from $101.5M-$118.5M, exceeding its counterparts.
Boeing is known in the business jet market for its Boeing Business Jets which have been used for government, heads of state and privately owned flights. How has the original BBJ developed and how much does it cost now?
Introduction to the first Boeing Business Jet
The first Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) was designed in 1996 as a partnership project between Boeing and General Electric (GE). They wanted to build a larger business jet to compete with other business jets in the industry. The first BBJ was based on the 737-700 and was first flown in 1998. At the time, the unfurnished 19-seat model cost $33.8 million and furnished between $40 and $45 million. The new price was $71 million.
Today’s BBJs and the importance of design
Today’s BBJs are multi-million dollar business jets and designing the right interior has become essential. Luxury, comfort and the very best amenities are expected by clients, especially in the Middle East, where often price is not the object. It is all about the travel experience and the aircraft is an extension of their homes.
Everything interior can be closely tailored to the client’s needs and wishes. For a business jet, a boardroom and private working offices may be important for maximum privacy and productivity. Whereas a private owner, using it for their own personal travel will prefer a full en-suite bedroom with luxurious bathroom and shower.
Photo: Boeing
Expensive aircraft types
BBJs are more expensive than their counterparts due to their sheer size. Whereas an aircraft like the Gulfstream 650 or the Bombardier Global 7000, may cost around $70 million, a new BBJ MAX will cost upwards of $100 million. If you have deep pockets, the opportunities are endless and the perfectly designed BBJ MAX can be yours to travel in style and luxury.
BBJ 737 design and potential costs
Certainly, for the BBJ 737 MAX family first delivered in 2018, the aircraft are completely customizable based on the clients client’s needs and chosen configuration. Designs will often include spacious living areas, open entrance rooms, private rooms, state rooms and VIP bathrooms.
Boeing also offers the Select series for its BBJ MAX, making the design and the budget much easier to handle. The cabin layouts are pre-designed and there are over 140 layouts to choose from. There are three color palettes to choose from and the lounge can be fitted at the front, rear or mid of the aircraft as suited. This design scheme comes at a fixed price.
Photo: Boeing
Specifications of the BBJ 737 MAX variants
The BBJ 737 MAX has room for 19 passengers and has three times the cabin space of a regular private jet. It can travel up to 15 hours without refueling for 6,600nm or 12,220 km. There are also slight variants for the additional 737-8 (MAX 8) and 737-9 (MAX 9).
|
Variant |
BBJ MAX 7 |
BBJ MAX 8 |
BBJ MAX 9 |
|
Cabin |
884 sq ft / 82.1 m2 |
1,025 sq ft / 95.2 m2 |
1,120 sq ft / 104.1 m2 |
|
Cargo |
274 cu ft / 7.8 m³ |
593 cu ft / 16.8 m³ |
775 cu ft / 21.9 m³ |
|
Length |
116 ft 8 in / 35.6 m |
129 ft 8 in / 39.6 m |
138 ft 2 in / 42.1 m |
|
Span × Height |
117 ft 10 in / 35.9 m × 40 ft 4 in / 12.3 m |
||
|
Fuel capacity |
10,103 US gal (38,244 liters) |
10,381 US gal (39,296 liters) |
10,910 US gal (41,299 liters) |
|
Engines (2×) |
CFM International LEAP |
||
|
Range (8 pax) |
6,600 nmi (12,225 km) |
6,465 nmi (11,975 km) |
6,355 nmi (11,770 km) |
Approximate costs:
According to the Purchase Planning Handbook by the Business and Commercial Jets, 2023 the new price of a new fully equipped aircraft was:
- BBJ MAX 7 = $101.5 million
- BBJ MAX 8 = $110.5 million
- BBJ MAX 9 = $118.5 million
Business Jet Traveler estimates for an original BBJ 737-700/800:
Used cost: $41 million – $71 million
Refurbishment: $2 million -$5 million
Fixed costs: appox. $1,222,257 million
Variable costs: $2,660,719 million
Liberty Jet further shows a sample operating budget of:
|
Cost |
flying 200 hours/year |
flying 400 hours/year |
|---|---|---|
|
Direct Operating Costs (DOC) |
||
|
Fuel Cost @ $7.23/gal Updated to Nat’l Avg Each Week |
$1,164,030 |
$2,328,060 |
|
Maintenance |
$191,600 |
$383,200 |
|
Engine Overhaul |
$140,000 |
$280,000 |
|
Misc Crew/Landing/Handling |
$80,000 |
$160,000 |
|
Miscellaneous Variable |
$30,000 |
$60,000 |
|
Total Direct Operating Costs (DOC) |
$1,605,630 |
$3,211,260 |
|
Fixed Costs |
||
|
Crew |
$349,000 |
$349,000 |
|
Crew Training |
$105,581 |
$105,581 |
|
Hangar |
$149,808 |
$149,808 |
|
Insurance |
$92,581 |
$92,581 |
|
Jet Management |
$78,000 |
$78,000 |
|
Miscellaneous Fixed |
$65,000 |
$65,000 |
|
Total Fixed Costs |
$839,970 |
$839,970 |
|
Total Annual Budget |
$2,445,600 |
$4,051,230 |
Other aircraft variants
The BBJ 787 Dreamliner is a wide-bodied business jet for 25 passengers, based on the commercial Dreamliner. It has a range of 9,960 nm. It has a lower cabin altitude of 6,000ft which allows passengers to arrive at their destination less fatigued. It is 10% more fuel efficient than its counterparts and its clean sheet design makes it an advanced business jet. The BBJ 787 has a composite airframe.
There are two variants of the type, the BBJ 787-8 and 878-9.
The BBJ 787 aircraft is partnered with the BBJ 777X which was announced in 2018. The BBJ 777X can travel halfway around the world without needing to refuel. No aircraft have currently been delivered but it is expected to go into service in 2025. Again, there are two variants within the BBJ 777 type, the BBJ 777-8 and the 777-9.
Out of production
The narrow bodied BBJs were eventually replaced by the MAX. The wide bodied B747-800 with a range of 8,875nm or 16,437km and was the largest type of BBJ ceased production in 2023.
The B777-200LR and B777-300ER with a range of 9,220nm or 17,075km have also been taken out of production.
