Charter a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ)

The Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) is the first aircraft purpose-designed for business aviation by Boeing and the aircraft that created the category of airliner-derived ultra-long-range private jets. Wikipedia confirmed the BBJ concept was first designed in 1996 "at the request of Phil Condit, president of Boeing, and Jack Welch, chairman and CEO of General Electric" - a collaboration between two of the largest corporations in the world to define what a business jet could be at the highest level. The BBJ1 combines the fuselage of the Boeing 737-700 with the strengthened wings and landing gear of the 737-800, fitted with up to nine auxiliary belly fuel tanks extending range beyond 6,000 nautical miles. Wikipedia confirmed the first BBJ rolled out on July 26, 1998 and made its first flight on September 4, 1998, with the first customer delivery in October 1998. A total of 113 BBJ1s were delivered before the type was succeeded by the BBJ MAX family. Wikipedia confirmed that "during its 20 years of production, 143 BBJs entered service, nearly triple the initial forecast of 50." Notable early operators included Aramco, Fortune 100 corporations, governments and royal families. Corporate Jet Investor confirmed the BBJ cabin "is usually divided into four main cabin areas: a boardroom, a lounge, a VIP bedroom, a business office and two restrooms with showers."

The Boeing Business Jet is a VIP narrowbody airliner - not a purpose-built business jet but a commercial 737 converted to carry 19 to 54 passengers in individually completed interiors that routinely include bedrooms, showers, private offices, dining rooms and conference suites. The BBJ1 is powered by two CFM56-7B27 turbofan engines, cruises at Mach 0.82 (850 km/h), and has a certified ceiling of 41,000 ft (12,497 m). With a range of 6,220 nm (11,519 km) with 8 passengers, it connects London non-stop to New York, Dubai and beyond. Charter prices start from approximately £12,000 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 (BBJ)?

• 825 square feet of cabin floor area - the largest cabin of any narrowbody private jet in the world, configured with a boardroom, lounge, VIP bedroom, private office and two shower rooms as standard in a typical VIP layout. Jettly confirmed the 737-based BBJ offers "over 800 square feet of cabin area, roughly double the volume of large-cabin jets like the Gulfstream G650." Corporate Jet Investor confirmed the cabin "measures 79 ft (24.04 m), 7 ft high and almost 12 ft wide" and is "usually divided into four main cabin areas: a boardroom, a lounge, a VIP bedroom, a business office and two restrooms with showers." For a charter client comparing the Gulfstream V at £6,000/hr for 14 passengers, the BBJ provides more than double the cabin floor area at comparable per-seat cost for groups of 15 to 19, converting the flight itself from a transit into a working or residential event;
• 6,220 nm (11,519 km) range with 8 passengers; 5,945 nm (11,010 km) with 25 passengers - London to New York, London to Dubai, London to Johannesburg non-stop with a full VIP cabin load. Wikipedia confirmed the BBJ1 "offered up to nine auxiliary belly fuel tanks to extend the aircraft's range to over 6,000 nmi." Corporate Jet Investor confirmed range with 8 passengers as "7,142 mi / 11,501 km / 6,210 nm" and with 50 passengers as "6,164 mi / 9,927 km / 5,360 nm." For charter clients whose previous ultra-long-range option was the Airbus A319 CJ at £15,000/hr for 18-19 passengers, the BBJ provides significantly more cabin space at a lower hourly rate, accommodating up to 19 in VIP configuration with a full master bedroom suite alongside a boardroom and dining room;
• Every BBJ is individually completed to the owner's specification - no two interiors are identical; the 24.13 m x 3.53 m x 2.16 m cabin allows architectural configurations impossible in any purpose-built business jet, including a full master bedroom suite, private bathroom with shower, dining room and conference zone simultaneously. Jettly confirmed "most BBJs feature private suites, full bathrooms with showers, dining and conference areas." Corporate Jet Investor confirmed "with so much space, the BBJ1 is an interior designer's dream and can be configured almost in any way imaginable." In higher-density government configurations at 30 to 54 passengers, Corporate Jet Investor confirmed "even with this many passengers, there is still room for a state room and a bedroom." For charter clients, every BBJ encountered in the market is a genuinely unique aircraft whose specification must be confirmed individually;
• Two CFM56-7B27 turbofan engines certified to commercial airline standards; ETOPS certified; built to Boeing commercial production tolerances; supported by the global Boeing MRO network that services over 10,000 737s worldwide. Jetcraft confirmed the BBJ "is also known as a Boeing model 737-700IGW (Increased Gross Weight)" - a commercial aircraft designation reflecting its structural certification beyond standard 737-700 parameters. Wikipedia confirmed over 260 BBJs have been delivered across all variants. For charter clients operating in regions where purpose-built business jet maintenance infrastructure is limited - Africa, Central Asia, remote Pacific destinations - the BBJ's compatibility with Boeing commercial airline MRO networks is a practical operational advantage that no purpose-built business jet can match. Commercial-standard dispatch reliability routinely exceeds 99%;
• 41,000 ft (12,497 m) certified ceiling; Mach 0.82 maximum cruise; Aviation Partners winglets standard delivering 5% range boost; retractable integrated airstairs for independent boarding without ground equipment at any airfield worldwide. AvPay confirmed the BBJ service ceiling of "12,497 m (41,000 ft)" and maximum Mach of "M0.82." Wikipedia confirmed "Aviation Partners winglets became standard on the BBJ, giving it a 5% range boost" - a structural modification specific to the BBJ and not available on the commercial 737-700. Wikipedia confirmed retractable airstairs are standard on all BBJ aircraft, enabling independent boarding relevant for heads of state, government missions and high-security charters. At Mach 0.82, London to Dubai completes in approximately 7 hours and London to New York in approximately 8 hours non-stop;
• The BBJ family spans BBJ1 (737-700), BBJ2 (737-800, 25% more cabin), BBJ3 (737-900ER) and BBJ MAX (CFM LEAP engines, 6,600 nm range, 6,500 ft cabin altitude); 260+ delivered to governments, royal families and Fortune 100 corporations since 1998 - the defining ultra-long-range VIP group charter platform. Wikipedia confirmed the BBJ2 is "19 ft 2 in (5.84 m) longer than the BBJ1, with 25% more cabin space and twice the baggage space." Wikipedia confirmed the BBJ MAX delivers "a lower 6,500 ft (2,000 m) cabin altitude for enhanced passenger comfort" and "a 15% reduction in fuel burn." For corporate groups and government delegations of 15 to 54 passengers requiring non-stop intercontinental range with bedroom, shower and conference facilities in a single aircraft, the BBJ family has no equivalent in the charter market below widebody airliner size.

Charter cost - Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) prices from UK airports

The BBJ operates at a different price level from all other aircraft in the Private Jets UK fleet, reflecting its status as a converted commercial airliner with airliner-grade crew requirements, commercial maintenance costs and the highest fuel load of any private charter type. Hourly rates run from approximately £12,000 to £20,000 per flight hour depending on the specific aircraft, operator, configuration and sector length. At 19 passengers in VIP configuration at £12,000/hr, the per-person cost is approximately £632 per flight hour - comparable to a business class commercial airline ticket on the same route, with a completely private cabin, flexible departure times, no airport queues, a private bedroom and the ability to conduct confidential meetings throughout the flight. For groups of 30 to 54 in higher-density configurations, per-person rates fall significantly. Note that 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 £95,000 (19 passengers, VIP configuration, approximately 8 hours non-stop);
• London to Dubai - from £85,000 (19 passengers, approximately 7 hours non-stop);
• London to Dublin - from £32,000 (19 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to Madrid - from £28,000 (19 passengers, approximately 2 hours 15 minutes);
• London to Paris - from £22,000 (19 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to Amsterdam - from £20,000 (19 passengers, approximately 55 minutes);
• London to Edinburgh - from £18,000 (19 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 (BBJ)

The BBJ's natural mission is intercontinental: sectors long enough to justify a bedroom, shower and dining room, with a group large enough to make per-person costs competitive with premium commercial travel. 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 Los Angeles (approximately 5,400 nm) are within the BBJ1's 6,220 nm range non-stop. For a group of 19 in VIP configuration, the aircraft becomes a private residence for the duration of the flight: passengers sleep in the bedroom suite, dine at the conference table and hold working meetings before landing, eliminating the disruption of commercial transatlantic travel entirely;
• UK to Middle East non-stop (6 to 7.5 hours). Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh non-stop from any UK airport. The BBJ's range makes it one of the most capable aircraft for Gulf missions in the charter market, and its large cabin means delegations of 15 to 25 people can travel together with workspace, sleeping facilities and full galley catering from the same aircraft. At 19 passengers on London to Dubai at £85,000, the per-person cost of approximately £4,474 compares directly with commercial first class on the same sector;
• Government, diplomatic and state missions. The BBJ was designed from the outset for heads of state and government use. Wikipedia confirmed all BBJ aircraft feature "retractable airstairs to allow independent operations at remote airfields." The cabin can be configured with a private state room, separate staff section and security-specific layouts. The BBJ's commercial maintenance standards and global Boeing support infrastructure mean it can operate self-sufficiently from any major international airport worldwide;
• Corporate roadshows and multi-city intercontinental tours. A senior management team of 8 to 12 with advisors and support staff, flying London - New York - Dubai - Madrid in a single aircraft with sleeping facilities and working space for all passengers. For corporate charters of this complexity across multiple time zones and continents, the BBJ is the only aircraft that provides a consistent private environment without aircraft changes;
• Group leisure charters of 30 to 54 passengers where per-person economics are the primary brief. At 40 passengers on London to Dubai at £85,000, the per-person cost is £2,125 - approaching premium economy commercial fares with the benefit of a completely private aircraft and private terminal departure. The Airbus A318 Elite is the alternative for smaller VIP groups at shorter range; the Dornier 328JET covers European sectors at lower cost for groups of up to 32.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The BBJ cabin measures 24.13 m (79.2 ft) in length, 3.53 m (11.6 ft) in width and 2.16 m (7.1 ft) in height - dimensions that place it in a different category from all purpose-built business jets. Corporate Jet Investor confirmed the cabin "can be configured almost in any way imaginable, but is usually divided into four main cabin areas: a boardroom, a lounge, a VIP bedroom, a business office and two restrooms with showers." Every BBJ is individually completed to the owner's specification: no two interiors are identical. On the charter market, clients encounter aircraft ranging from executive configurations with flat-bed seats and working tables to full flying-palace layouts with marble bathrooms, master suites and custom galley kitchens. A dedicated crew quarters section is standard, keeping flight attendants separate from the passenger cabin during flight. Multiple galleys allow full hot meal service across all cabin zones simultaneously. Jettly confirmed "low cabin altitude (about 6,000 to 6,500 ft), quiet interior environment, and full-flat beds mean passengers can jump between time zones and arrive ready for same-day negotiations rather than recovering from the flight."

Technical specifications

Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) vs similar aircraft

• BBJ vs Airbus A318 Elite. The A318 Elite is the closest European equivalent at £12,000/hr, with a VIP cabin of approximately 75 m2 (807 sq ft), range of 4,000-4,200 nm and a typical layout of 18-19 passengers with 15 sleeping berths. The BBJ counters with 48% greater range (6,220 nm vs 4,200 nm), a comparable total cabin floor area (825 sq ft vs 807 sq ft) with greater configuration flexibility, and up to 54 passengers in high-density configuration. The A318 Elite counters with a slightly wider cabin (3.72 m vs 3.53 m) and Airbus commercial support infrastructure. For transatlantic and Gulf non-stop missions with 15 to 19 passengers, the BBJ's 2,000+ nm range advantage is decisive. For sectors within 4,000 nm with a small VIP group at comparable hourly rates, both aircraft are operationally equivalent;
• BBJ vs Airbus A319 CJ. The A319 CJ is the largest purpose-configured VIP narrowbody at £15,000/hr, with 6,800 nm range and a typical layout of 18-19 passengers. The BBJ counters with 825 sq ft of cabin floor area versus the A319 CJ's approximately 800 sq ft, a lower hourly rate (£12,000 vs £15,000/hr), and up to 54 passengers maximum versus 19. The A319 CJ counters with 580 nm greater range (6,800 nm vs 6,220 nm) and a marginally wider cabin (3.76 m vs 3.53 m). For clients whose priority is absolute maximum range with a small VIP group of under 19, the A319 CJ is the longer-range platform. For groups of 20 or more requiring intercontinental range with full residential facilities, the BBJ has no equivalent in the charter market;
• BBJ vs Gulfstream V. The Gulfstream V is a large-cabin ultra-long-range purpose-built business jet at £6,000/hr, with 6,500 nm range and a cabin for up to 14 passengers in a 15.72 m x 2.24 m interior. The BBJ counters with 825 sq ft cabin floor area (vs approximately 490 sq ft on the G-V), up to 54 passengers maximum (vs 14), and master bedroom suite plus shower room possible simultaneously. The G-V counters with a lower hourly rate (£6,000 vs £12,000/hr), greater range at maximum payload, and a significantly more refined purpose-built cabin with superior cruise efficiency. For groups of up to 14 on long-range sectors where cabin size is secondary, the G-V provides superior value. For groups of 15 to 19 who require bedroom, shower and conference room simultaneously, the BBJ occupies an entirely different cabin class.

Frequently asked questions - Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) charter

How much does it cost to charter a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ)?
Charter rates start from approximately £12,000 per flight hour. London to New York non-stop (approximately 8 hours) costs from £95,000 for 19 passengers in VIP configuration. London to Dubai non-stop (approximately 7 hours) costs from £85,000. At 19 passengers on London to Dubai, the per-person cost is approximately £4,474 - comparable to commercial first class on the same route, with a completely private aircraft, private terminal departure, flexible departure time and no airport queues. Contact Private Jets UK for a personalised quote based on your group size, route and configuration.

How many passengers can fly on a Boeing BBJ?
The BBJ1 accommodates a maximum of 54 passengers, though typical VIP charter configurations seat 19 passengers in a layout including a master bedroom, shower room, dining table, lounge and conference area. Government and corporate shuttle configurations at 30 to 34 passengers retain a private state room alongside business class seating. Corporate Jet Investor confirmed that "even with this many passengers, there is still room for a state room and a bedroom" in a high-density configuration.

Can a Boeing BBJ fly non-stop from London to New York?
Yes. Corporate Jet Investor confirmed range "with eight passengers and four flight and cabin crew" is "over 6,200 nautical miles" and with 50 passengers is "5,360 nautical miles." The London to New York sector is approximately 3,450 nm westbound, well within the BBJ1's range with a full VIP passenger load. London to Los Angeles (approximately 5,400 nm) is also within non-stop range. London to Tokyo (approximately 5,900 nm) sits at the practical range limit and may require a fuel stop depending on winds and reserves.

What is the difference between BBJ1, BBJ2 and BBJ3?
Wikipedia confirmed the BBJ2 is "19 ft 2 in (5.84 m) longer than the BBJ1, with 25% more cabin space and twice the baggage space, but with slightly reduced range" - based on the 737-800 airframe. The BBJ3 is based on the 737-900ER and is approximately 16 feet longer than the BBJ2, providing the largest cabin of the three variants. All three use the CFM56-7B engine family. The BBJ MAX family replaces all three with CFM LEAP-1B engines offering 15% lower fuel burn, a lower 6,500 ft cabin altitude and over 6,000 nm range.

Does the Boeing BBJ have independent boarding capability?
Yes. Wikipedia confirmed retractable integrated airstairs are standard on all Boeing Business Jet aircraft, enabling independent boarding without ground equipment at any airfield. This is relevant for operations at military bases, remote airports and high-security government missions where commercial ground support is unavailable. The BBJ is built to full commercial ETOPS certification and carries dual HF long-range communications for operations anywhere in the world, including oceanic and polar routes.