The Boeing BBJ: a 737 fitted as a private home

The original Boeing Business Jet is a 737-700 fitted out for private use. Its cabin is 24.18 m long, 3.53 m wide and 2.16 m high, with about 76 m² of floor. That is space for a stateroom, a dining room and a lounge.

BBJ range and the passenger count

Boeing's published figures show how range falls as the party grows. The original BBJ flies 6,235 nm with eight passengers and 5,985 nm with nineteen, under standard reserves.

Extra fuel tanks in the hold give that range, so its cargo volume is only 4.8 m³. Large luggage loads need discussing early.

The BBJ MAX

Boeing now builds the BBJ on the 737 MAX. The BBJ 737-7 is rated at 6,600 nm with eight passengers, and holds a maximum cabin altitude of 6,500 ft. The larger 737-8 and 737-9 add cabin space but lose some range. Ask which model and year a quoted aircraft is.

Which of our routes the BBJ suits

It suits London to Dubai and Lagos to Dubai with a large party. Abuja to London also suits it, for a government or business delegation travelling with staff. It uses main airports with full airliner handling, so plan ground arrangements early.

The BBJ against its class siblings

The ACJ319 has a wider cabin, 3.70 m against 3.53 m, and similar range. The Lineage 1000E is smaller. The BBJ's strength is its large fleet worldwide and long service record. More than a hundred original BBJs were delivered, more than either sibling.