Buying Long Range Private Business Jet Airliners
| Long range business jet airliners from Boeing and Airbus are the largest private aircraft on the market. Based on the reliable 737 and A320 series they can carry up to 40 passengers in comfort - but can be configured for more seats or constructed with boardrooms and/or bedrooms. |
The following is a list of the Business Jet Airliners based on Boeing and Airbus aircraft which are modified and include extra fuel tanks. "Boeing Business Jet" (BBJ) is a joint venture between Boeing and General Electric. Prices are approximate only - the aircraft can be delivered in "green" condition which means no fittings - or you can custom design the inside to your own needs. So for example, a green BBJ3 can be bought for $65 million, but you could spend $15-20m more on furnishing the aircraft. The economic crisis has seen a drop in aircraft values across the board so you could negotiate a better deal on these list prices.
Boeing
Business Jet BBJ based on Boeing 737-700
Range 6,200 nautical
miles
passengers 25 (up to 50 depending on seat configuration)
Cabin Height
7ft 1 (2.16m)
Speed
540mph
List Price $62 million
Boeing
Business Jet BBJ2 based on Boeing 737-800
Range 5,600 nautical
miles
passengers 25 - 50
Cabin
Height 7ft 1 (2.16m)
Speed
540mph
List Price
$73 million
Boeing
Business Jet BBJ3 based on Boeing 737-900ER
Range 5,500
nautical miles
passengers 25 - 50 (up to 215 possible)
Cabin
Height 7ft 1 (2.16m)
Speed
540mph
List Price $80 million
Airbus
A318 Elite
Range 4,100 miles
passengers 25 (up to 120)
Cabin
Height 7ft 4 (2.22m)
Speed
530mph
List Price $62 million
Airbus
ACJ (Airbus Corporate Jetliner) or "A319CJ"
Range
6,300 miles
passengers 18-40 (up to 130 possible)
Cabin
Height 7ft 4 (2.22m)
Speed
540mph
List Price $77 million
It is possible to buy an even larger plane - Boeing Business Jets sell wide body "VIP" versions of the 747, the 777 and in future the 787. (Although production of the 787 Dreamliner has been delayed). Airbus will also sell you "CJ" versions of their wide body A330 and A340. For the ultimate machine you could spend $320m+ on an Airbus A380 Superjumbo!
One of the advantages of private jet airliners is they can be re-fitted and sold on to commercial scheduled airlines.
Alternatively you could consider leasing an aircraft. The monthly cost to lease a new Boeing 737-800 or Airbus A320 will set you back around $330,000 per month, whilst a 10 year old used 737-300 will cost about $120,000 monthly. Larger aircraft like a used 747 or a new Airbus A330 will range from around $600k-$750K monthly. With the industry under pressure these prices may come down further.
Before purchasing/leasing any private jet you should always talk with a professional aviation consultant.
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