Story ID: 364
BBJ Max is Boeing's Newest Bizliner
By: James Wynbrandt
Caption: Boeing arrives in Dubai fresh from delivering the first of its new-generation BBJs.
Word Count: 602
Boeing Business Jets arrives at MEBAA 2018 fresh from the October delivery of the first BBJ Max—a Max 8—signaling the passing of the airframe’s torch to a new generation of Boeing narrow-body bizliners. 

"We are excited to begin delivering a longer-range and more capable version of the world's most popular business jetliner," said Greg Laxton, head of Boeing Business Jets (Chalet A9/A10), noting the “great market interest and anticipation for the BBJ Max."

The BBJ Max family—based on Boeing's 737 Max airliner—delivers 14 percent improved fuel efficiency (and a 40 percent reduction in noise footprint), thanks to its CFM International Leap-1B engines and improved aerodynamics, which include advanced split-tip winglets and fly-by-wire spoilers. Maxs also feature 787-style large flight deck displays, a 6,500-foot cabin altitude, and thoughtful touches like built-in airstairs for independent field operations.

To commemorate the first delivery, Boeing Business Jets has unveiled a new interior concept by aviation design firm SkyStyle, named Genesis. "BBJ Max interiors have always been a sharp departure from the cramped cabins of smaller business jets, and the Genesis design is yet another example of our exclusive cabin capabilities," said Laxton.

Though developed for the BBJ Max 7, the sleek, curvy Genesis cabin can be adapted for the larger Max 8 and Max 9, which will precede the Max 7’s anticipated 2021 entry into service.

"From an aviation designer's perspective, the BBJ Max is incredibly appealing because there is so much more interior space to realize one's vision," said Max Pardo, co-founder with Lucas Colombo of SkyStyle. Genesis represents the Argentinian company’s debut in BBJ design. Given the long distances BBJs typically fly—the Max 7 has a 7,000 nm range—owners “are looking for a comfortable lounge, multi-function conference area, and a large master suite to ensure the ultimate flight experience," Pardo said. (Ranges for the Max 8 and Max 9 are 6,640 nm and 6,515 nm respectively.)

The Genesis concept draws inspiration from nature's tranquility, such as voluminous clouds hanging over a white sand beach, smooth rolling hills, and a starry night sky, suggested in the cabin by the light color palette and ceiling studded with tiny LEDs. Pushbutton controls command a descending wine rack, bulkhead doors, and a table that quickly switches from an office to dinner-is-served dining mode.

The inaugural Max, after installation of the standard auxiliary tanks at Aloft AeroArchitects, is having its VIP completion done by Comlux Completion in the U.S., Switzerland-based Comlux’s purpose-built VIP airliner completion center. The Max 8’s interior was designed by Peter Marino Architects of New York.

Prior to MEBAA, Boeing had announced 20 BBJ Max orders, the most recent, for a Max 7, inked in July at the Farnborough International Airshow. A first BBJ Max 9 was ordered by an undisclosed European customer at the Paris Airshow last year and is scheduled for delivery in 2019.

BBJ Maxs have a lower total ownership cost compared to other high-end business jets, according to Boeing, with optimized maintenance schedules that make operating costs “nearly the same as smaller, less comfortable competitors.” Meanwhile, as they require only “a fraction of the lengthy and expensive shop visits experienced by other business jets as they age,” BBJs enjoy “comparatively higher residual values.” The result, said Boeing: “The BBJ MAX can save customers millions of dollars in total ownership expenditure over the life of the airplane.”

In addition to the Max family, Boeing Business Jets offers VIP versions of Boeing's wide-body 787 Dreamliner, 777, and 747-8. Since its launch in 1996, Boeing Business Jets has delivered 234 jets out of 260 orders.