Boeing will expand its line of 737-based business jets with the BBJ Max 8 and the BBJ Max 9, the company announced at the NBAA Convention in Orlando this week. The Max 8 will use CFM International’s new Leap-1B engines and Boeing’s new two-surface winglet for a 13-percent boost in fuel efficiency. The changes also will increase range by 14 percent, to 6,325 nm. The Max 9 plan is still in the works, but “similar performance improvements are anticipated,” Boeing said.
“We anticipate the BBJ Max 8 will be a very strong seller as a VIP aircraft,” said Steve Taylor, BBJ president. “For VIP customers, extended range and exceptional comfort are equally important. The BBJ Max will ensure our customers get the best of both.”The company also is studying plans for a BBJ Max 7, but is not ready to announce whether it will be added to the line.
