Charter a Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ2)

The Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ2) is the stretched variant of the original Boeing Business Jet, based on the Boeing 737-800 airframe and offering 25% more cabin space and 100% more baggage capacity than the BBJ1 at the cost of slightly reduced range. Wikipedia confirmed Boeing launched the BBJ2 on October 11, 1999, with the first delivery on February 28, 2001 - a date that coincided with the February 28, 2001 Nisqually earthquake in Seattle, requiring the aircraft to depart Boeing Field on approximately 4,700 ft of available runway before the auxillary tank and winglet installation were completed. Like the BBJ1, the BBJ2 is a product of the 50/50 partnership between Boeing Commercial Airplanes and General Electric that created the Boeing Business Jet programme. Airport Technology confirmed the BBJ2 is powered by "two CFM56-7B27 turbofan engines developed by CFM International, a company jointly formed by General Electric of the USA and Snecma of France" each rated at 27,300 lbf (121.4 kN) thrust. The BBJ2's fuselage is 5.84 m (19 ft 2 in) longer than the BBJ1's, delivering a cabin of approximately 30 m (98.3 ft) in length - the largest cabin of any narrowbody private jet based on the 737 Next Generation platform. Wikipedia confirmed a total of 23 BBJ2s were delivered to customers before production concluded.

The Boeing Business Jet 2 is a VIP narrowbody group charter aircraft accommodating typically 25 to 50 passengers in individually completed interiors that include bedrooms, shower rooms, conference suites, dining rooms and lounge areas. GlobalAir confirmed the BBJ2 cabin "is usually divided into four main cabin areas: a boardroom, a lounge, a VIP bedroom, a business office and two restrooms with showers." Airport Technology confirmed range of 5,500 nm (10,186 km) with maximum auxiliary fuel. The BBJ2 shares the same 41,000 ft (12,497 m) service ceiling as the 737-800 airframe. Charter prices start from approximately £14,000 per flight hour. For context across all aircraft categories, see our private jet price guide or browse the complete fleet.

Why charter the Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ2)?

• 25% more cabin space than the BBJ1 - a cabin measuring approximately 30 m (98.3 ft) long, 3.53 m (11.7 ft) wide and 2.16 m (7.1 ft) high, giving a total floor area of approximately 1,000 sq ft; the largest cabin of any narrowbody private jet in the charter market. JetAV confirmed the BBJ2 cabin "measures 98.3 feet long, 11.7 feet wide and 7.1 feet tall" with "a total cabin volume of 1,004 cubic feet." Wikipedia confirmed the BBJ2 offers "25% greater cabin space (and 100% more baggage space)" over the BBJ1 by virtue of its 5.84 m (19 ft 2 in) longer fuselage. For a charter client comparing the original BBJ1 at approximately £12,000/hr, the BBJ2 provides the same four-zone residential layout - boardroom, lounge, bedroom, office - with substantially more floor area in each zone, and significantly more baggage capacity for the same typical VIP group of 19 to 25 passengers;
• 5,500 nm (10,186 km) range with maximum auxiliary fuel - London to New York non-stop, London to Dubai non-stop, London to Johannesburg marginal (5,300 nm - requires operator confirmation); intercontinental reach for groups of 25 to 50 passengers. Airport Technology confirmed "with maximum fuel and a lower baggage hold cargo volume of 800 ft3 the range is 5,500 nautical miles." JetAV confirmed "5,750 nautical-mile trips are possible at Mach 0.82." The BBJ2 achieves this range using three to nine auxiliary fuel tanks installed by PATS Inc in Georgetown, Delaware, confirmed by Airport Technology as bringing "the total maximum fuel capacity to 39,531 litres." Airport Technology confirmed the BBJ2 "is capable of 180-minutes ETOPS providing access to faster, more direct and shorter routes, for example over Arctic or Himalayan areas" - extending operational flexibility on polar and oceanic routes to New York and beyond;
• Every BBJ2 is individually completed at a specialist interior centre to the owner's specification; typical configurations include a master bedroom suite with private shower, forward lounge, mid-cabin conference dining zone, business office and rear galley; no two aircraft are identical. GlobalAir confirmed the BBJ2 interior "can be configured almost in any way imaginable, but it is usually divided into four main cabin areas: a boardroom, a lounge, a VIP bedroom, a business office and two restrooms with showers." JetAV confirmed the BBJ2 "can seat sixty passengers in a high-density configuration" but "is optimized for eight passengers, giving them plenty of extra space." The additional 5.84 m of fuselage over the BBJ1 allows the BBJ2 to seat a separate crew rest lounge independently from the passenger cabin - confirmed by JetAV as standard on "long missions" - which is not possible in the BBJ1 without reducing passenger accommodation;
• Two CFM56-7B27 turbofan engines at 27,300 lbf (121.4 kN) each, ETOPS-180 certified, maintained to commercial airline standards; Honeywell digital avionics with triple IRS, dual FMS, dual Rockwell Collins VHF, HF communications, GPS, WXR-700X weather radar and optional Flight Dynamics HGS 2000 HUD. Airport Technology confirmed the engines are "rated at 27,300 lb thrust" and the BBJ2 holds "180-minutes extended-range, twin-engine operations (ETOPS) certification." JetAV confirmed the avionics suite includes "dual Rockwell Collins Series 900 VHF comm/nav with DME, HF comms, ADF, GPS, MLS and WXR-700X weather radar" with "six large screen EFIS LCD displays" and the optional "Flight Dynamics HGS 2000 HUD." For charter clients operating on complex intercontinental itineraries, the BBJ2's avionics suite provides the same flight management capability as mainline commercial operations, with the HUD option giving crew additional situational awareness at demanding low-visibility airports;
• 41,000 ft (12,497 m) certified service ceiling; Mach 0.82 maximum cruise; Aviation Partners blended winglets standard; retractable integrated airstairs; MTOW 79,015 kg (174,200 lb) - structurally reinforced beyond the standard 737-800 baseline. Airliners.net confirmed the BBJ2 MTOW of "79,015 kg (174,200 lb)" - heavier than the standard 737-800 due to reinforced structure and maximum auxiliary fuel capacity. Airport Technology confirmed the CFM56-7B27 engines and Honeywell triple-IRS avionics suite. Aviation Partners winglets are standard, delivering the same 5% range boost confirmed by Wikipedia for the BBJ family. Retractable integrated airstairs are standard on all BBJ aircraft, enabling independent boarding at any airfield without ground equipment - relevant for government charters, military base operations and high-security missions where commercial ground access is restricted;
• 25 to 50 passengers in group charter configuration; 100% more baggage capacity than the BBJ1; the BBJ2 is the largest narrowbody private jet available for corporate group charter and MICE flights requiring intercontinental range and full residential on-board facilities. Wikipedia confirmed the BBJ2 provides "100% more baggage space" than the BBJ1 - a direct consequence of the 737-800's larger cargo hold relative to the 737-700 baseline. At 25 passengers in a mixed VIP and executive configuration, the BBJ2 delivers a per-person cost at £14,000/hr of £560 per flight hour - directly competitive with commercial business class on the same sectors while providing a completely private cabin, flexible departure times and direct boarding from a private terminal. The Avro Business Jet at 40-46 passengers is the fleet's European group specialist; the BBJ2 is the intercontinental group solution.

Charter cost - Boeing Business Jet 2 prices from UK airports

The BBJ2 sits above the BBJ1 in hourly rate, reflecting its larger cabin, greater baggage capacity and slightly higher operating costs from the heavier 79,015 kg MTOW. Hourly rates run from approximately £14,000 to £22,000 per flight hour depending on the specific aircraft, operator, configuration and sector length. At 25 passengers in VIP configuration at £14,000/hr, the per-person cost is £560 per flight hour - comparable to commercial business class on long-haul routes with the benefit of a completely private aircraft, no airport queues, flexible departure times and a private bedroom and shower for each major zone. At 50 passengers in a higher-density configuration, per-person costs fall significantly. On shorter European sectors, quoted prices include positioning fees, handling charges and minimum booking time, so the all-in cost per sector will typically exceed the hourly rate multiplied by block time alone. Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to New York - from £112,000 (25 passengers, VIP configuration, approximately 8 hours non-stop);
• London to Dubai - from £98,000 (25 passengers, approximately 7 hours non-stop);
• London to Dublin - from £38,000 (25 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to Madrid - from £32,000 (25 passengers, approximately 2 hours 15 minutes);
• London to Paris - from £25,000 (25 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to Amsterdam - from £23,000 (25 passengers, approximately 55 minutes);
• London to Edinburgh - from £21,000 (25 passengers, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes).

Empty Leg flights appear on repositioning routes. See our Empty Legs page for current availability.

Ideal routes for the Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ2)

The BBJ2's combination of 5,500 nm range and the largest narrowbody private cabin makes it most competitive on intercontinental sectors where groups of 20 to 50 passengers need both range and residential-quality on-board space. It performs best on:

• UK to North America non-stop (7 to 9 hours). New York (approximately 3,450 nm), Miami (approximately 4,400 nm) and Dallas (approximately 4,700 nm) are within the BBJ2's 5,500 nm range non-stop. For a group of 25 in mixed VIP-executive configuration, the additional cabin length over the BBJ1 means each of the four main zones - lounge, bedroom, conference, office - is genuinely usable simultaneously, rather than requiring conversion between functions. The 100% greater baggage capacity is particularly relevant for transatlantic groups with substantial luggage;
• UK to Middle East non-stop (6 to 7.5 hours). Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh non-stop from any UK departure airport. Government and corporate delegations of 20 to 35 people can travel together with workspace, sleeping facilities and full galley catering across all cabin zones simultaneously. At 25 passengers on London to Dubai at £98,000, the per-person cost of £3,920 compares with commercial first class on the same sector without airport exposure or fixed schedules;
• Government, diplomatic and state missions requiring the largest possible narrowbody private cabin. Wikipedia confirmed the BBJ2's 100% greater baggage space over the BBJ1 and JetAV confirmed "long missions utilize a separate relief crew lounge" - a key operational advantage for head-of-state and diplomatic missions where flight crew must rest during extended flights to remote destinations. The BBJ2's ETOPS-180 certification confirmed by Airport Technology allows polar and extended overwater routing to cut sector times on transatlantic and Asia-Pacific missions;
• Corporate group roadshows of 20 to 35 passengers across multiple continents. A senior management team, investor relations group or product launch delegation flying London - New York - Dubai - Madrid in a single aircraft. The BBJ2's four independently functional cabin zones allow simultaneous sleeping, meeting and dining for different passenger groups throughout the flight - an operational advantage over the BBJ1's shorter layout where zone conversion is required between functions;
• Large leisure group charters of 35 to 50 passengers where per-person cost and intercontinental range are the primary brief. At 50 passengers on London to Dubai at £98,000, the per-person cost is £1,960 - significantly below commercial first class on the same route with a completely private aircraft. The Airbus A318 Elite is the alternative for smaller VIP groups of up to 19 on sectors within 4,000 nm; the BBJ2 is the appropriate choice when the group exceeds 20 or when the sector exceeds 4,200 nm.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The BBJ2 cabin measures approximately 30 m (98.3 ft) in length, 3.53 m (11.7 ft) in width and 2.16 m (7.1 ft) in height, giving a total volume of approximately 1,004 cubic feet confirmed by JetAV. The additional 5.84 m over the BBJ1 allows each of the four standard cabin zones - lounge, boardroom, VIP bedroom and private office - to function independently and simultaneously, rather than requiring conversion between functions. JetAV confirmed a "separate relief crew lounge" is standard on long-mission configurations, keeping the passenger cabin entirely private throughout the flight. GlobalAir confirmed the interior "can be configured almost in any way imaginable" with "a boardroom, a lounge, a VIP bedroom, a business office and two restrooms with showers" as the standard residential layout. The 100% greater baggage capacity confirmed by Wikipedia over the BBJ1 is accommodated in the 737-800's larger cargo hold alongside the auxiliary fuel tanks, giving genuine hold space for large groups with substantial luggage. Every BBJ2 is individually completed at a specialist interior centre - no two aircraft share the same layout or specification.

Technical specifications

Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ2) vs similar aircraft

• BBJ2 vs Boeing BBJ1. The BBJ1 is the smaller original Boeing Business Jet at approximately £12,000/hr, with a cabin of 24.13 m (79.2 ft), range of 6,220 nm (8 pax) and a typical VIP layout of 19 passengers. The BBJ2 counters with 25% more cabin space (30 m vs 24.13 m), 100% more baggage capacity, a separate dedicated crew rest lounge on long missions, and greater simultaneous zone usability for larger groups of 25 to 50 passengers. The BBJ1 counters with 720 nm greater range (6,220 nm vs 5,500 nm), a lower hourly rate (approximately £12,000 vs £14,000/hr) and lower MTOW making it accessible to a slightly wider range of departure airports. For groups of up to 19 on the longest non-stop sectors, the BBJ1 is the better platform; for groups of 20 to 50 on sectors within 5,500 nm, the BBJ2 provides more space and baggage capacity at a modest rate premium;
• BBJ2 vs Airbus A319 CJ. The A319 CJ is the largest Airbus Corporate Jet at £15,000/hr with 6,800 nm range and a typical layout of 18-19 passengers in a cabin of approximately 25 m x 3.76 m. The BBJ2 counters with a longer cabin (30 m vs 25 m), greater passenger capacity (25-50 vs 18-19), 100% more baggage space, and a lower hourly rate (£14,000 vs £15,000/hr). The A319 CJ counters with 1,300 nm greater range (6,800 nm vs 5,500 nm), a slightly wider cabin (3.76 m vs 3.53 m) and the Airbus ACJ global support network. For sectors requiring non-stop range beyond 5,500 nm or for small VIP groups of under 20 where individual space takes priority, the A319 CJ is the superior platform. For groups of 20 to 50 on sectors within 5,500 nm requiring maximum cabin volume, the BBJ2 is unmatched in the narrowbody charter market;
• BBJ2 vs Bombardier Global 7000. The Global 7000 is the largest purpose-built business jet at approximately £22,000/hr with 7,700 nm range and a cabin for 19 passengers across three zones of 56.4 m2. The BBJ2 counters with a substantially larger total cabin volume (1,004 cu ft vs approximately 608 cu ft on the Global 7000), greater passenger capacity (25-50 vs 19), and a lower hourly rate (£14,000 vs £22,000/hr). The Global 7000 counters with 2,200 nm greater range (7,700 nm vs 5,500 nm), a faster cruise (Mach 0.90 vs Mach 0.82), and a more refined purpose-built cabin with superior soundproofing and finishes. For ultra-long-range missions with small VIP groups of under 19, the Global 7000 is the superior dedicated platform. For groups of 20 to 50 requiring intercontinental range and the largest narrowbody private cabin, the BBJ2 offers more total volume at a significantly lower hourly rate.

Frequently asked questions - Boeing Business Jet 2 charter

How much does it cost to charter a Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ2)?
Charter rates start from approximately £14,000 per flight hour. London to New York non-stop (approximately 8 hours) costs from £112,000 for 25 passengers in VIP configuration - approximately £4,480 per person, comparable to commercial first class on the same route with a completely private aircraft. London to Dubai non-stop (approximately 7 hours) costs from £98,000. At 50 passengers in a higher-density configuration on London to Dubai, the per-person cost falls to approximately £1,960. Contact Private Jets UK for a personalised quote based on your group size, route and configuration.

What is the difference between the BBJ2 and the original BBJ1?
Wikipedia confirmed the BBJ2 is based on the 737-800 airframe, making it "19 ft 2 in (5.84 m) longer than the BBJ" with "25% greater cabin space and 100% more baggage space, but slightly reduced range." The BBJ2's cabin of approximately 30 m (98.3 ft) versus the BBJ1's 24.13 m (79.2 ft) allows all four standard residential zones - lounge, bedroom, boardroom and office - to operate simultaneously and independently, plus a separate dedicated crew rest lounge on long missions. The trade-off is approximately 720 nm less range (5,500 nm vs 6,220 nm) and a slightly higher hourly rate reflecting the heavier 79,015 kg MTOW.

How many passengers can fly on a Boeing BBJ2?
JetAV confirmed the BBJ2 "can seat sixty passengers in a high-density configuration" but is "optimized for eight passengers, giving them plenty of extra space." The typical VIP charter configuration seats 19 to 25 passengers across the four residential zones with maximum space per person. Group charter configurations for corporate shuttles or leisure groups routinely seat 35 to 50 passengers. A separate crew rest lounge is standard on long-mission configurations, confirmed by JetAV, keeping the passenger cabin entirely private from the flight crew throughout intercontinental sectors.

Can a Boeing BBJ2 fly non-stop from London to New York?
Yes. Airport Technology confirmed BBJ2 range of 5,500 nm with maximum auxiliary fuel, and JetAV confirmed "5,750 nautical-mile trips are possible at Mach 0.82." The London to New York sector is approximately 3,450 nm westbound - well within non-stop range with any passenger load up to 50. London to Dubai (approximately 3,000 nm) is also within non-stop range. London to Johannesburg (approximately 5,300 nm) is close to the BBJ2's 5,500 nm limit - non-stop feasibility depends on winds, payload and specific operator fuel planning, and should be confirmed at the time of booking. London to Tokyo (approximately 5,900 nm) exceeds the practical range and requires a fuel stop.

How does the BBJ2's avionics compare to other private jets?
JetAV confirmed the BBJ2 cockpit features "Honeywell's digital avionics system with triple IRS and dual digital air data computers" centred on "six large screen EFIS LCD displays" with "dual FMS, dual Rockwell Collins Series 900 VHF comm/nav with DME, HF comms, ADF, GPS, MLS and WXR-700X weather radar." The optional "Flight Dynamics HGS 2000 HUD" provides the crew with head-up display guidance for demanding low-visibility approaches. Airport Technology confirmed ETOPS-180 certification "providing access to faster, more direct and shorter routes, for example over Arctic or Himalayan areas." This avionics standard matches mainline commercial airline operations, exceeding the capability of most purpose-built business jet types on extended oceanic routes.