VIP Airliner
Boeing BBJ2
Range
5,644 NM
Cruise speed
470 kts
Seats
19-78
History
In October 1999, following the success of the first Boeing Business Jet, Boeing launched the BBJ2. It is based on the larger 737-800, and compared with the BBJ1 it has 25 per cent more cabin volume and twice the cargo space. The extra room answered customers who wanted more space inside.
The fuselage is 19 ft 2 in longer than that of the original BBJ, which gives a noticeably roomier cabin while keeping the dependable systems of the 737 Next Generation family. Boeing delivered the first BBJ2 in February 2001, a little more than a year after the programme was launched.
The BBJ2 came out of a joint venture between Boeing and General Electric, set up in July 1996 to compete for VIP airliner orders. It took the proven systems and performance of the 737-800 airliner and adapted them for corporate and government work. Customers flying larger groups over long distances chose it, accepting a little less range than the smaller BBJ1 offered.
Technical Specifications
General information
| Model name | BBJ2 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Aircraft category | VIP airliner |
| ICAO Designator | B738 |
| Start/End of Production | 2001 - 2021 |
| Number of pilot(s) | 2 |
Performances
| Range (with IFR reserves) | 5644 NM (10453 km) |
|---|---|
| Ferry range | 5750 NM (10649 km) |
| Cruise speed | 470 kts (870 km/h) |
| Max Operating Speed – VMO | 340 KIAS |
| Max Mach Operating Speed - MMO | Mach 0.82 |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed - LRC | 454 KTAS |
| Approach Speed | 140 kts |
| Takeoff Distance | 2123 m |
| Average Landing Distance | 1370 m |
| Service Ceiling | 41000 ft |
| Thrust | 27300 lbf |
Aircraft technology
| Engine type | Turbofan |
|---|---|
| Engine(s) | 2 x CFM International CFM56-7B27 / LEAP-1B |
| Avionics | Honeywell EFIS / Rockwell Collins Series 90, HGS-4000, Venue |
Dimensions and capacity
| Aircraft length | 39.5 m |
|---|---|
| Aircraft height | 12.5 m |
| Wing span | 35.8 m |
| Cabin height | 2.20 m (7.25 ft) |
| Cabin length | 29.97 m (99 ft) |
| Cabin width | 3.54 m (11.58 ft) |
| Baggage volume | 45.1 m3 |
| Seats (standard config) | 19-78 |
| Seats (max) | 48-78 |
| Suitcases | 35 |
| Maximum payload | 15649 kg |
| Maximum TakeOff Weight - MTOW | 79016 kg |
| Maximum Landing Weight - MLW | 66361 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 39531 L |
FAQ
Should I choose a BBJ2 or an Airbus ACJ320?
Both are derived from airliners, and they are direct rivals for large group travel. The BBJ2 has the longer cabin and the bigger hold, which helps groups carrying a lot of luggage or wanting several separate rooms. The ACJ320 has a wider fuselage, better suited to open lounges and dining areas. The BBJ2 is rated at 5,644 nm with IFR reserves against 4,300 nm for the ACJ320, and both can fly intercontinental sectors.
What is the BBJ2's range?
Its range with IFR reserves is 5,644 nm (10,453 km), and its ferry range is 5,750 nm. The figure on a given day depends on the passenger load, the weather and the routing. That range takes the fuel stop out of many long intercontinental trips.
What does the BBJ2 add over the first BBJ?
It uses the larger 737-800 airframe, which is about 19 ft longer. That gives around 25 per cent more cabin space and close to double the cargo volume, enough for additional lounges, bedrooms or meeting rooms. Range is broadly similar, although the smaller BBJ1 can fly a little further.
How can a BBJ2 cabin be laid out?
The cabin is 29.97 m long and 3.54 m wide, far larger than a conventional private jet, so layouts can include several lounges, a room for dining or meetings and bedrooms with their own bathrooms and showers. Some aircraft also have full offices, media rooms and galleys big enough for long flights. Each one is fitted out to its owner's specification, so no two are the same.
Gallery
Figures are published manufacturer data, shown for illustration only. Images are generated for this concept and show the BBJ2 type, not a specific aircraft. Boeing and BBJ2 are trademarks of their owner, used only to identify the aircraft.