Boeing introduces business jet with high-speed digital system
SHANGHAI, 29 March 2012. Boeing (NYSE: BA) Business Jets’ (BBJ’s) latest jet entered service at the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) in Shanghai.
The airplane, a 737-700 with -800 wings and other modifications for longer range, was delivered earlier this month to a private businessman in the United States. It is the second BBJ for this customer.
"Our repeat customers aren't limited to governments and charter companies, but include private individuals who love the comfort and capability of their BBJ so much, they buy another one," says Capt. Steve Taylor, BBJ president.
It is the first BBJ to enter service with Honeywell's Ovation Select digital system allowing the passengers to be just as productive onboard their airplane as they are in the office.
"Ovation Select offers the latest technological advancements to deliver seamless and easy connectivity–whether passengers are connected via their BlackBerry, using their laptops or iPads or conducting a video conference call," says Tony Brancato, vice president for Business and General Aviation Aftermarket at Honeywell Aerospace. "The modular, lightweight, and flexible cabin management system provides component command and control, high-quality, crystal-clear surround sound audio and vivid full high-definition (1080p) video which is stunning to watch on the 42-inch and 46-inch high-definition monitors found in this BBJ."
This BBJ can carry up to 19 passengers and boasts a luxury interior completed by Jet Tech of Spokane, Wash. It has all the amenities of a home including a large personal stateroom with a king-size bed, private lavatory and shower. It also has a smaller guest stateroom with divans that convert into beds enabling the BBJ to sleep up to eight passengers.
The capability of the BBJ is as impressive as its interior. With seven auxiliary fuel tanks, the owner will enjoy more than 5,600 nautical mile range at Mach 0.80 – equivalent to about 12 hours nonstop flight time (plus reserve fuel).
Courtney E. Howard | Chief Editor, Intelligent Aerospace
Courtney enjoys writing about all things high-tech in PennWell’s burgeoning Aerospace and Defense Group, which encompasses Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics. She’s also a self-proclaimed social-media maven, mil-aero nerd, and avid avionics and space geek. Connect with Courtney at [email protected], @coho on Twitter, on LinkedIn, and on Google+.
