The 5 Largest Private Jets Produced By Boeing Business Jets

admin January 23, 2025

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Boeing offers a range of business jets based on their commercial counterparts. The manufacturer began the Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) journey in the 1990s with its first BBJ based on the 737-700 airframe. Irrespective of the size of the aircraft, these jets are greatly modified to serve the role of business jets. While the company has offered various types and sizes of business jets, including the BBJ 747 and BBJ 777, the company currently only produces three families of business jets: BBJ 737 MAX, BBJ 787 Dreamliner, and BBJ 777X.

Notably, the 777X family is undergoing certification and is expected to enter service next year. This article explores the largest BBJs currently in production.

5

BBJ 787-8

Exterior length: 186 ft 1 inch (56.7 m)

Maximum cabin altitude: 6,000 ft
Operational range with 25 passengers: 9,960 NM (18,445 km)
Cabin length: 138 ft 9 inches (42.3 m)
Cabin area: 2,340 square feet (217.4 square meters)
Cabin volume: 4,397 cubic feet (124.5 cubic meters)
Total (variable) operating cost/hr: $10,320
Wingspan: 197 ft (60 m)
Height: 56 ft (17 m)

The BBJ 787 is based on the iconic 787 Dreamliner commercial family of aircraft. With its composite structure and technologically advanced design, the 787 BBJ offers long-range options for private customers. The BBJ 787-8 is the smallest in the family, with an exterior length of 186 ft. While the passenger version can accommodate approximately 240 passengers, the BBJ 787-8 is generally equipped with 25-50 people, depending on customers needs.

The 787 cabin is equipped with a state-of-the-art air quality system that removes ozone gas using two distinct methods: HEPA filtration and gaseous filtration. HEPA filtration removes 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, and fungi, while gaseous filtration removes odors, irritants, and gaseous contaminants. The 787x smooth ride technology reduces vibrations and turbulence and optimizes the aircraft’s position over a given time.

Photo: Boeing

A dream to experience: Comfort and convenience deliver exceptional passenger experiences
A dream to operate: Aerodynamic efficiency and resilient materials deliver preferred performance
The dream continues: New routes and network expansion opportunities deliver profitability and flexibility for airlines while providing direct flights to passengers’ desired destinations.

The Original Boeing Business Jet: A Look At The BBJ1

The original BBJ variant was rolled out in April 1998.

* 165,000 flight cycles of simulated in-service conditions during rigorous testing phases

* 3.75 times the design service objective, with no findings of composite airframe fatigue

* The highest-cycle 787 in service has accumulated about 16,500 flight cycles since 2012

4

BBJ 787-9

Exterior length: 158 ft 9 inches (48.4 m)

Maximum cabin altitude: 6,000 ft
Operational range with 25 passengers: 9,475 NM (17,550 km)
Cabin area: 2,688 square feet (249.7 square meters)
Cabin volume: 5,452 cubic feet (154.4 cubic meters)
Total (variable) operating cost/hr: $10,910

Two Boieng BBJ 787 aircraft flying above the clouds.

Photo: Boeing

This is the stretched version of the 787 family with an exterior length of nearly 159 ft. It is the most popular passenger variant, offering a unique balance of capacity, range, and fuel economy. Boeing states that the BBJ 787-9 can fly a range of up to 9,475 NM with 25 passengers and an estimated hourly operating cost of nearly $11,000. Notably, the cost does not include the capital cost of the aircraft.

Photo: Boeing

According to Boeing,

“The airplane’s lighter and robust composite structure enables airlines to reduce fuel use and emissions by 25 percent while range flexibility allows carriers to profitably open new routes. With more than 410 new nonstop routes opened, the 787 family has carried over 900 million passengers on more than 4.5 million flights.”

More than 1,100 787s are operating globally. In service, a 787 currently flies about 600 flight cycles per year on average and will operate safely for many decades before retirement.

Close-up shot of a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport TLV shutterstock_1893060085

EASA Increases MTW & MTOW For Boeing 787-9

The maximum weight increases were included in the latest revision of the Boeing 787-9’s type certificate data sheet (TCDS).

3

BBJ 787-10

Exterior length: 176 ft 8 inches (53.9 m)

Maximum cabin altitude: 6,000 ft
Operational range with 25 passengers: 9,025 NM (16,715 km)
Cabin area: 3,022 square feet (278.9 square meters)
Cabin volume: 6,178 cubic feet (175.2 cubic meters)
Total (variable) operating cost/hr: $11,465

This is the longest version of the 787 family, with an exterior length of nearly 177 feet. Boeing states that the BBJ 787-10 can fly a range of up to 9,025 NM with 25 passengers and an estimated hourly operating cost of nearly $11,500. The capital cost of the aircraft, including the lease, is not included in the operating costs. With a cabin area of over 3,000 square feet, the BBJ 787-10 offers a spacious cabin that can be configured in many different ways.

Photo: Boeing

According to Boeing,

“The 787 Dreamliner cabin architecture creates a strong sense of spaciousness with its broad, welcoming entryway, large windows and vaulted ceiling. The 787 cabin is wider than that of the airplanes it replaces, so passengers enjoy more personal space, both physically and visually.”

As of April 2024, the 787 Dreamliner family has safely transported more than 875 million passengers on more than 4.2 million revenue flights.

Will Boeing Get More Orders For The 787-10?

The Boeing 787-10 is the least popular variant of the aircraft type. One of the main reasons is that its competitor, the Airbus A350-900, has a much greater range. Boeing has been looking to redevelop the wing and landing gear of the 787-10 to allow more fuel to be carried, thus increasing the range. This changed aircraft has been nicknamed the 787-10HGW. Will the 787-10HGW change airlines’ minds and cause them to order the 787-10?

Disclaimer: The statement above is shared by one of our readers and does not necessarily reflect the views or ideas of our publication.

2

BBJ 777-8

Exterior length: 229 ft (69.8 m)

Maximum cabin altitude: 6,000 ft
Operational range with 25 passengers: 11,645 NM (21,570 km)
Cabin length: 184 ft (55.9 m)
Cabin area: 3,256 square feet (302.5 square meters)
Cabin volume: 6,012 cubic feet (170.2 cubic meters)
Total (variable) operating cost/hr: $14,760

The BBJ 777-8 is the shortest of the two variants in the BBJ 777X family, having an exterior length of 229 ft and a cabin area of over 3,250 square feet. The aircraft has an enormous operational range of 11,645 nautical miles with 25 passengers. Boeing states that the BBJ 777X range exceeds half the globe’s circumference, giving customers unrestricted flight capability. Routes like Seattle to Dubai, London to Sydney, and Santiago to Beijing can be possible with the advantage of the ultra-long-range business jet.

Photo: Boeing

The Boeing 777X family has the most advanced wing in the industry, allowing for high air efficiency and gate compatibility on the ground. Like the existing Boeing 777 family, the aircraft can fit into category E locations, offering greater flexibility for customers worldwide.

New composite 72-meter span wing
Improved aerodynamics and design
Unconstrained wing design for efficiency
Lower required thrust for the same takeoff weight
Folding wingtips for gate compatibility
Higher initial cruise altitude
Enhanced high hot capacity
Higher lift-to-drag ratio

A Redner of a Boeing 777-8F freighter and 777-9 passenger jet flying above the clouds.

Is The 777-8 A Reasonable Aircraft To Build?

The 777-8 is the smaller variant of the 777X. It is supposed to be the successor to the 777-300ER, but not a single prototype has yet been built, and only one airline (Emirates) has ordered it so far.

Given the perceived lack of interest, would it be reasonable for Boeing to continue investing in this aircraft?

1

BBJ 777-9

Exterior length: 251 ft 9 inches (76.7 m)

Maximum cabin altitude: 6,000 ft
Operational range with 25 passengers: 11,025 NM (20,420 km)
Cabin length: 203 ft (61.8 m)
Cabin area: 3,689 square feet (342.7 square meters)
Cabin volume: 7,707 cubic feet (218.2 cubic meters)
Total (variable) operating cost/hr: $15,070

Photo: Boeing

The BBJ 777-9 is currently the largest business jet produced by Boeing. The aircraft has an exterior length of nearly 252 ft and boasts nearly 3,700 square feet of cabin area. The manufacturer offers the highest luxury in the cabin. From private bedrooms with attached bathrooms and socialization areas to staterooms, dining rooms, and entertainment areas, the cabin offers everything imaginable in terms of in-flight amenities.

According to Boeing,

“Combining the best of the Boeing 777 with technological breakthroughs from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the BBJ 777X is equipped with cutting-edge technology. Explore the advancements that Boeing is bringing to business aviation.”