Mid-East orders total 33% for Boeing's Business Jets

Up to five BBJs will be in the static display.

Boeing Business Jets has a long-standing presence in the Middle East and is a founding member of MEBA. Orders in the Middle East represent the largest total for BBJ and VIP airplanes at 33%, and this region is the principal hub for 747s used by governments, charters and private individuals. All of the current orders for 747-8 VIPs and 70% of orders for the larger, longer range BBJ 2s and BBJ 3s represent Middle East buyers. This trend continues with nearly half of orders for 787 VIPs placed in the region.

Since launching Boeing Business Jets in 1996, sales have reached 197 airplanes. One-hundred twenty-two are in service, and 17 more have been delivered to completion centers for interiors installations service. The Boeing Business Jets backlog includes 58 airplanes worth $8.2bn.

Earlier this year, Boeing Business Jets completed the first two BBJ 3s and delivered them to DeCrane Aircraft. Delaware-based DeCrane is certifying the auxiliary fuel systems and Head-up Displays. Both airplanes will receive custom interiors and enter service in 2009.

BBJ owners may soon place orders for new, lighter-weight carbon brakes for their production airplanes. Deliveries will occur after BBJ certification by regulatory agencies, excepted to take place in 2009. Boeing also expects to have its retrofit program certified and available in 2009. The weight reduction will allow additional interior design flexibility and more payload and range capability.