Boeing launches newest line of business jets that allows travellers to fly longest distance on Earth. The BBJ 777X planes will have a range of 11,645 nautical miles (21,570 km), offering the longest commercial flight in the world.
Singapore Airlines 17-hour flights between London and Singapore on Airbus A350-900 ULR (Ultra-Long Range) jets covered a distance of mere 9,000 nautical miles (16,700 kms).
This gives Boeing BBJ 777X an edge over Airbus A350-900 ULR.
In a statement the company said that the planes can fly more than halfway around the world non-stop, – farther than any business jet ever built.
There are two versions of the jets the BBJ 777-8 and 777-9. The latter offers a slightly shorter range of 11,000 nautical miles (20,370 kms) but features a larger cabin.
Planes are yet to be sold. The jets could be used to connect New York City with Perth in Western Australia, a journey which currently requires a connection and takes more than a day to make.
Since forming in 1996, Boeing Business Jets has delivered 234 jets on 261 orders.
The longest commercial flight in the world would surely send ripples in the world of travel and tour.
Greg Laxton, head of Boeing Business Jets said at the Middle East Business Aviation Association Show (MEBAA): “Our most exclusive customers want to travel with the best space and comfort and fly directly to their destination. The new BBJ 777X will be able to do this like no other airplane before it, redefining ultra-long range VIP travel.”
