Boeing Business Jets (BBJ): Boeing's Private Jets

What is a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ)?

BBJ (Boeing Business Jets) is Boeing's business-aviation arm. The principle is the same as its European rival's: start with an airliner airframe — 737, 787, 777 — and fit it out as a private cabin. Three ingredients then turn an airliner into an intercontinental business jet: auxiliary fuel tanks in the hold (up to nine on the first BBJ), winglets, and a lowered cabin altitude — 6,500 ft on the BBJ MAX, 6,000 on the widebodies — for comfort. The resulting living volume is unmatched by purpose-built business jets.

Founded in 1916, Boeing is, with Airbus, one of the two giants of civil aviation; it is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. The Boeing Business Jets division was created in 1998 — a programme launched as early as 1996, in partnership with General Electric — and has delivered more than 260 aircraft since.

The BBJ MAX, today's narrowbody

The narrowbody range currently marketed is based on the 737 MAX. Boeing offers it in three sizes (manufacturer figures):

• BBJ MAX 7 (737-7): 6,500 nm (12,000 km) and an 82 m2 cabin. Notably, the aircraft is not yet certified — and its first delivery is expected to go not to an airline, but to a business-aviation customer.
• BBJ MAX 8 (737-8): 6,350 nm (11,800 km), 95 m2 cabin. First of the family delivered.
• BBJ MAX 9 (737-9): 6,320 nm (11,700 km), 104 m2 cabin.

Powered by CFM LEAP engines and fitted with split-tip winglets, they burn far less fuel than the previous generation.

BBJ, BBJ2, BBJ3: the previous generation

Before the MAX, Boeing based the BBJ, BBJ2 and BBJ3 on the 737NG. Out of new production, these aircraft remain very present on the used market and on charter — often the way a traveller first discovers the BBJ world. The very first BBJ could take up to nine auxiliary belly tanks to exceed 6,000 nm: the perfect illustration of the "airliner + tanks + winglets" recipe.

The widebodies: the BBJ 787

For high-volume intercontinental missions, Boeing fits out the 787 Dreamliner (manufacturer figures, 25-passenger reference):

• BBJ 787-8: 9,960 nm (18,445 km), 217 m2 cabin.
• BBJ 787-9: 9,475 nm (17,550 km), 250 m2 cabin.
• BBJ 787-10: 9,025 nm (16,715 km), 279 m2 cabin.

Composite fuselage, among the largest windows on the market and a cabin altitude lowered to 6,000 ft: the 787 is built for long-haul comfort.

The future flagship: the BBJ 777X

Launched in 2018, the BBJ 777X is billed by Boeing as the longest-range business jet ever designed. Offered as the 777-8 and 777-9, it would post up to 11,645 nm (21,570 km) of range and a cabin of up to 343 m2 — the largest in the modern BBJ range. One caveat, though: the base aircraft is not yet certified, and its entry into service is expected from 2027. We devote a dedicated article to it: the BBJ 777X.

And the largest: the BBJ 747-8

Beyond the current range, the BBJ 747-8 remains, historically, the largest private jet ever fitted out: more than 430 m2 of cabin for around 8,875 nm of range. A mere handful of examples, reserved for states and the largest fortunes.

The BBJ range at a glance

BBJ or ACJ?

Boeing and Airbus wage the same duel in business aviation as in airliners. On paper, the future BBJ 777-9 surpasses the Airbus ACJ350 in cabin area (343 versus 308 m2), and the BBJ 777-8 beats it on range. But the nuance is significant: the ACJ330neo and ACJ350 are already in service, whereas the BBJ 777X will only arrive from 2027. Boeing promises bigger and farther; Airbus already delivers today. Conversely, Airbus holds a card with no BBJ equivalent: the ACJ TwoTwenty, more compact, at the entry of the range. As a neutral broker, IBC Aviation guides you to the aircraft — BBJ or ACJ — genuinely suited to your mission.

Chartering a Boeing BBJ with IBC Aviation

For a large-group journey, a delegation or a mission where space and distance come first, the BBJ brings an airliner cabin with private-jet service. IBC Aviation arranges the charter of these aircraft through its network, within the ultra-long-range aircraft category. Our teams guide you to the right engine — BBJ, ACJ or dedicated ultra-long-range — depending on the number of passengers, the distance and the airport. To charter a private jet on a Boeing, to or from any destination, our teams provide a personalised quote within the hour. Available 24/7:

• France: +33 1 41 69 88 88
• Switzerland: +41 22 880 28 88
• Email: contact@ibc-aviation.com

Frequently asked questions

What is a BBJ (Boeing Business Jet)?

A BBJ is a Boeing airliner — 737, 787 or 777 — fitted out as a VIP private jet, with auxiliary tanks and winglets for intercontinental range and an airliner-width cabin.

What is the largest Boeing private jet?

Historically, the BBJ 747-8, with more than 430 m2 of cabin. Within the modern range, the future BBJ 777-9 will offer the largest cabin, up to 343 m2.

Is the BBJ 777X available?

Not yet. The base aircraft is not certified to date; the BBJ 777X is expected to enter service from 2027.

BBJ or ACJ: what's the difference?

They are the two ranges of airliner-derived VIP jets, one from Boeing, the other from Airbus. The choice depends on cabin volume, range and availability: Airbus already delivers its ACJ widebodies, while Boeing promises bigger with the 777X from 2027.

What is the range of a BBJ MAX?

From 6,320 to 6,500 nm depending on the version, about 11,700 to 12,000 km — enough for many transcontinental links non-stop.

Can you charter a Boeing privately?

Yes. IBC Aviation arranges the charter of BBJ aircraft through its network, for missions where cabin space and distance come first, to or from any destination.

How many passengers fit in a BBJ?

In VIP configuration, generally 18 to 25 passengers on a BBJ MAX, more on the 787 and 777X widebodies — far fewer than airline densities.