VIP demand for Boeing’s 747-8 could help keep program alive, exec says

The head of Boeing Business Jets said Monday that demand from world leaders, militaries and private VIPs with big wallets could keep demand alive for the company’s 747-8 and 737 Next Generation, reports Steven Trimble of Flight Global.

BBJ President David Longridge was speaking at the European Business Aviation Conference &Exhibition in Geneva.

The Chicago-based company said last month that it is studying a cargo and passenger combination of its C-40, a military version of its 737-700.

On Monday, Longridge also said that his division is studying an ultra-long-range version of a business jet 737 MAX, Flight Global reports.

Also on Monday, the company announced two business jet orders: one for a BBJ (which is based on a 737-700) and one for a BBJ 787-8 Dreamliner.

The company didn’t disclose the customers.

“We are pleased to have such a strong start to 2015, and we know that these two customers will love their airplanes and all the capability and flexibility they provide,” Longridge said in a press release from the company.

The division has logged one other order — for a 787 — this year.

The first BBJ 747-8 entered into service earlier this year

Dan Catchpole: 425-339-3454; dcatchpole@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @dcatchpole.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.