Boeing Business Jets announced this week that orders for four new BBJ MAX 8s were placed at the NBAA 2015 . An order for three of the BBJ MAX 8s is for an undisclosed customer based in the Middle East and the other order for an undisclosed customer in Asia.
The BBJ Max is based on the 737 airframe that is expected to use 14% less fuel than BBJ2 due to improved aerodynamics with the use of split-scimitar winglets as well as new LEAP-1B engines and lower overall aircraft weight. Range is also increased an extra 400 nm (740km) to 6,325 nm (11,710 km).
“2015 has been a really strong year for Boeing Business Jets. We have sold seven aircraft and we are not done yet,” said David Longridge, president, Boeing Business Jets. “The BBJ MAX is doing really well with nine orders already on the books for both BBJ MAX 8s and BBJ MAX 9s. The 737 MAX program is on track for first flight scheduled in early 2016. We know the MAX will be a great airplane for our VIP customers.”
In addition to a strong backlog, 2015 has been a successful year for green deliveries and completed aircraft entering into service. Boeing Business Jets will end the year with 11 green aircraft deliveries to completion centers.
Seven completed airplanes entered into service this year; four BBJs and three BBJ 747-8s. Additionally, the first BBJ completed by Sabena Technics, managed by Boeing Business Jets as a turnkey airplane, will enter into service.
“Boeing Business Jets and Sabena technics worked together to develop a great product. As a turnkey airplane, BBJ managed the completion process and worked with Sabena technics directly and the outcome was fantastic. By the end of the year we will deliver the airplane to a very happy customer ahead of schedule, under budget and with a cabin substantially lighter than contracted, allowing better performance and further range of operations,” said Longridge.