VIP Airliner Conversion
Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Boeing Business Jets
Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Boeing BBJ 2, in production from 2001 to 2018, is the stretched 737-800-based VIP airliner conversion that offers 25% more cabin space than the original BBJ 737 (BBJ1). Boeing launched the BBJ2 on October 11, 1999 based on the stretched 737-800 commercial airframe (5.84 m / 19 ft 2 in longer than the BBJ1), offering 25% greater cabin space and 100% more baggage space - though with slightly reduced range due to additional weight. The first BBJ2 was delivered on February 28, 2001. Aviation Partners winglets are standard on this version (vs optional on early BBJ1s). The BBJ2 came about in part because the BBJ1 didn't have much room for baggage in the cargo hold with all those extra belly fuel tanks - the stretched 737-800 fuselage provides substantially more usable space. Powered by twin CFM International CFM56-7B27 turbofan engines (each producing 27,300 lbf / 121.4 kN of thrust), the BBJ2 delivers premium commercial-grade reliability with substantially extended cabin capacity. The aircraft typically accommodates up to 50+ passengers in VIP configurations (with 25-50 in luxurious typical and up to 19 in maximum VIP private suite configuration), and up to 189 in commercial seating. The cabin features 98 ft 4 in length, 7 ft 1 in width, and 11 ft 7 in width (similar to BBJ1), with substantially more total cabin volume. Three to seven auxiliary belly fuel tanks can be installed (vs BBJ1's 3 to 10), providing range to ~5,400-5,800 nm with optimal configuration. Maximum range is reduced vs BBJ1 due to additional aircraft weight, but cabin space gains are substantial. Standard configurations include boardroom, lounge, VIP bedroom, business office, and two bathrooms with showers. 6-screen EFIS Boeing NG advanced two-crew flightdeck with embedded dual GPS, TCAS, enhanced GPWS, and Flight Dynamics HGS 2000 HUD. As of February 2002, 8 BBJ2s had been ordered with 5 delivered. The BBJ2 was succeeded by the BBJ MAX 8 in 2018 (announced 2014, first delivery 2018). Pre-owned market: $25M-$60M depending on year, condition, completion.
For operators wanting the optimal balance of substantially larger cabin (25% more than BBJ1) and acceptable range capability for transcontinental missions, with Aviation Partners winglets standard, Boeing 737 commercial-grade reliability, and substantial cabin customization potential, the BBJ 2 represents the most popular member of the BBJ family for VIP missions where cabin size matters more than maximum range.
Boeing BBJ 2 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | VIP Airliner Conversion |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2018 (succeeded by BBJ MAX 8) |
| Designation | Boeing BBJ 2 / BBJ 737-800 |
| Manufacturer | Boeing Business Jets |
| Program Launch | October 11, 1999 |
| First Delivery | February 28, 2001 |
| Production Years | 2001 to 2018 |
| Base Platform | Boeing 737-800 (stretched commercial airframe) |
| Cabin Stretch vs BBJ1 | +5.84 m (19 ft 2 in) longer |
| Cabin Space vs BBJ1 | +25% greater |
| Baggage Space vs BBJ1 | +100% more |
| Successor | BBJ MAX 8 (2018-Present) |
| Industry Distinction | 25% more cabin space than BBJ1 (foundational extended-capacity BBJ) |
| Aviation Partners Winglets | Standard (vs optional on early BBJ1s) |
| Crew | 2 flight crew minimum (plus cabin crew typical) |
| Passengers (Typical VIP) | 19 to 25 |
| Passengers (Maximum VIP) | 50+ |
| Passengers (Commercial Equivalent) | Up to 189 |
| Engines | 2× CFM International CFM56-7B27 turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 27,300 lbf (121.4 kN) |
| Total Thrust | 54,600 lbf |
| Engine Family | CFM56 (commercial 737 NG family) |
| Auxiliary Belly Fuel Tanks | 3 to 7 (vs BBJ1's 3 to 10) |
| Forward Airstair | Retractable (autonomous remote airfield operations) |
| Avionics | 6-screen EFIS Boeing NG advanced two-crew flightdeck |
| Avionics Features | Dual FMS, Dual Rockwell Collins Series 900 VHF comm/nav with DME, HF comms, ADF, GPS, MLS, WXR-700X weather radar, Flight Dynamics HGS 2000 HUD (newer models) |
| Connectivity | Custom completion (modern Wi-Fi, satcom, IFE) |
| Max Range | ~5,400-5,800 nm (range reduced vs BBJ1 due to weight, but cabin gains substantial) |
| Max Cruise Speed | Mach 0.82 |
| Long-Range Cruise | Mach 0.785 |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft max |
| Cabin Altitude at FL 410 | 6,500 ft (lowered from 8,000 ft commercial) |
| Cabin Length | 98 ft 4 in |
| Cabin Width | 11 ft 7 in (similar to BBJ1) |
| Cabin Height | 7 ft 1 in (stand-up flat floor) |
| Cabin Volume | Substantially larger than BBJ1 |
| Aircraft Length | 39.47 m (129 ft 6 in) |
| Aircraft Height | 12.55 m (41 ft 2 in) |
| Wing Area | 125.0 m² (1,345.5 sq ft) |
| Total Production Through Feb 2002 | 8 ordered, 5 delivered |
| Modern Total BBJ Family Delivered | 260+ (all variants) |
| Pre-Owned Market (2026) | $25,000,000 to $60,000,000 |
History as the Stretched BBJ Variant
The BBJ 2 represents Boeing's strategic decision to leverage the proven 737-800 commercial stretch for substantial VIP cabin gains.
Platform timeline:
- 1999: BBJ1 (BBJ 737-700) demonstrating market success
- October 11, 1999: BBJ2 launch announcement
- 2000: Aviation Partners winglets certified (standard on BBJ2)
- February 28, 2001: First BBJ2 delivery
- February 2002: 8 BBJ2s ordered, 5 delivered
- 2005: BBJ3 announced (further-stretched 737-900ER-based)
- April 2, 2014: BBJ MAX family announced
- October 15, 2018: First BBJ MAX 8 delivered (BBJ2 successor)
- 2018: BBJ2 production effectively ends
Why the BBJ 2 Was Industry-Defining
The BBJ2 introduced focused improvements over the predecessor BBJ1:
1. 25% Larger Cabin Than BBJ1
The defining BBJ2 improvement:
- 98 ft 4 in cabin length: vs BBJ1's 79.2 ft
- +19 ft 2 in (5.84 m) longer: Substantial stretch
- +25% cabin space: Industry-leading at introduction
- +100% baggage space: vs BBJ1
- Same 7 ft 1 in height: Premium standing
- Same 11 ft 7 in width: Wide-body
2. Aviation Partners Winglets Standard
- Standard on BBJ2 (vs optional/retrofit on BBJ1): Modern certification
- +5% range: Industry-leading
- Operating economics: Premium positioning
- Boeing 737-800 derivative: Validated platform
3. Reduced Belly Tank Requirement
- 3 to 7 auxiliary tanks (vs BBJ1's 3 to 10): Industry-leading
- More baggage room with fewer tanks: Major improvement
- Modern operational flexibility: Premium
- Same engine + wing: Established platform
4. Same Reliable Engines + Systems
- Same CFM56-7B27 engines: Established proven
- 27,300 lbf per engine: Substantial
- Same Boeing NG flight deck: Common cockpit
- Same Aviation Partners winglets: Modern
5. Premium 4-Zone Configuration Standard
- Boardroom: Premium business
- Lounge: Premium social
- VIP Bedroom: Premium private
- Business Office: Premium work
- Two Bathrooms with Showers: Premium amenity
- Industry-leading customization: Premium
6. Same 6,500 ft Cabin Altitude at FL 410
- Industry-leading low for commercial heritage: Premium
- Lowered from 8,000 ft commercial standard: Modern
- Premium passenger comfort: Modern wellness
7. Modern Avionics Updates
- Flight Dynamics HGS 2000 HUD (newer models): Premium
- 6-screen EFIS Boeing NG: Modern integration
- Dual FMS: Standard
- WXR-700X weather radar: Modern
Cabin Interior
The BBJ 2 cabin features 25% more space than the BBJ1:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 98 ft 4 in (vs BBJ1's 79.2 ft) |
| Cabin Width | 11 ft 7 in |
| Cabin Height | 7 ft 1 in (stand-up flat floor) |
| Cabin Volume | Substantially larger than BBJ1 |
| Cabin Altitude at FL 410 | 6,500 ft |
Standard 4-Zone Configuration
- Boardroom: Premium business / conference
- Lounge: Premium social / entertainment
- VIP Bedroom: Premium private suite
- Business Office: Premium work
- Two Bathrooms with Showers: Premium amenity
- Up to 50+ Passengers Configurable: Premium maximum
- Up to 189 Commercial: Maximum dense (rarely used)
- Crew Rest: Optional
Cabin Features
- 98 ft 4 in cabin length: Industry-leading at introduction
- 11 ft 7 in cabin width: Wide-body
- 7 ft 1 in stand-up cabin: Premium
- 25% more cabin space vs BBJ1: Substantial gain
- 100% more baggage space vs BBJ1: Major improvement
- Premium 4-zone customization: Industry-leading
- Boardroom + Lounge + VIP Bedroom + Business Office: Premium positioning
- Two bathrooms with showers: Premium
- Aviation Partners winglets standard: Modern aerodynamics
- Premium fit + finish: Industry-leading
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed (Mach 0.82) | ~486 ktas |
| Long-Range Cruise | Mach 0.785 |
| Max Range | ~5,400-5,800 nm (reduced vs BBJ1 due to weight) |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft max |
| Cabin Altitude at FL 410 | 6,500 ft |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Takeoff Distance (Sea Level) | ~6,500 to 7,500 ft (heavier than BBJ1) |
| Landing Distance | ~2,500 to 2,800 ft |
| Retractable Forward Airstair | Standard |
Typical Mission Examples
- New York to London (3,000 nm) - non-stop very comfortable
- Los Angeles to Tokyo (4,800 nm) - non-stop achievable
- Coast-to-coast U.S.: Workhorse capability
- London to Riyadh (2,800 nm) - non-stop comfortable
- Dubai to Singapore (3,750 nm) - non-stop achievable
Engines
Two CFM International CFM56-7B27 turbofan engines, each producing 27,300 lbf (121.4 kN) of thrust (54,600 lbf total).
Key features:
- Same CFM56-7B27 as BBJ1: Common platform
- 27,300 lbf per engine: Substantial thrust class
- Modern reliability: Commercial-proven
- 12,000-30,000 hours on wing: Industry-leading
- $240-260 per engine per hour service: Less than Rolls-Royce BR700
- CFM commercial heritage: Premium
Avionics
Boeing 737 NG advanced two-crew flightdeck:
- 6 large LCD EFIS screens: Modern integration
- Dual FMS: Standard
- Dual Rockwell Collins Series 900 VHF comm/nav with DME: Standard
- HF comms: Standard
- ADF: Standard
- GPS: Standard
- MLS: Standard
- WXR-700X weather radar: Modern
- Flight Dynamics HGS 2000 HUD (newer models): Premium
- TCAS, EGPWS: Standard
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~5,200 lb/hr at Mach 0.785) | $4,600 to $5,400 |
| Engine Service Program | $520 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $3,200 |
| Insurance + Hangar | $1,200 |
| Crew | $1,800 |
| Other Variable | $800 |
| Total Direct Operating Cost (approximate) | ~$15,000/hr |
Annual operating budget at 250 hours: $3.75M-$4.5M. Annual operating budget at 800 hours: $12M-$16M.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price |
|---|---|
| 2014 to 2018 BBJ2 (Late Production) | $40,000,000 to $60,000,000 |
| 2008 to 2013 BBJ2 | $30,000,000 to $45,000,000 |
| 2001 to 2007 BBJ2 (Early Production) | $25,000,000 to $35,000,000 |
Pre-owned market $25M-$60M depending on year, condition, completion.
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- VIP / Heads of State Operators: Premium positioning
- Operators Valuing Cabin Size Over Range: 25% more than BBJ1
- Corporate Charter Operators: Premium positioning
- Royal / Sovereign Operators: Diplomatic use
- Government Operators: Premium diplomatic
- Step-Up From BBJ1: Substantially more cabin
- Operators Valuing 4-Zone Configurations: Premium customization
- 3,000-5,000 nm Mission Operators: Optimal range for class
Less suited if:
- You need maximum BBJ range (consider BBJ1 with 9 belly tanks)
- You require purpose-built bizjet performance (heavier, slower)
- You require small airport access (substantial runway)
- You want current production aircraft (consider BBJ MAX 8)
- You need lowest acquisition cost (consider Lineage 1000)
Pros and Cons
What the BBJ 2 Does Well
- 25% more cabin space than BBJ1
- 100% more baggage space than BBJ1
- 98 ft 4 in cabin length
- 11 ft 7 in cabin width (wide-body)
- 7 ft 1 in stand-up cabin
- 5,400-5,800 nm range with belly tanks
- Mach 0.82 max cruise
- 41,000 ft service ceiling
- 6,500 ft cabin altitude at FL 410
- CFM56-7B27 engines (27,300 lbf each)
- Aviation Partners winglets standard
- Commercial-grade reliability
- Up to 50+ passengers VIP configurable
- Up to 189 passengers commercial (rarely used)
- Premium 4-zone standard configuration
- Boardroom + Lounge + VIP Bedroom + Business Office
- Two bathrooms with showers
- 6-screen EFIS Boeing NG flightdeck
- Dual FMS standard
- WXR-700X weather radar
- Flight Dynamics HGS 2000 HUD (newer models)
- Retractable forward airstair
- $240-260/engine/hour service program
- Boeing 737 family heritage (60M+ flight hours)
- 75,000-cycle design life
- Modern customization
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Production ended 2018
- Range reduced vs BBJ1 (heavier aircraft)
- $25M-$60M pre-owned substantial
- ~$15,000/hr operating cost substantial
- Twin-pilot mandated
- Heavier than purpose-built bizjets
- Substantial hangar requirements
- 6,500 ft cabin altitude vs purpose-built bizjets' lower altitudes at FL 410
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the BBJ 2 different from the BBJ 1?
The BBJ 2 (announced October 11, 1999, first delivered February 28, 2001) is the stretched 737-800-based successor to the BBJ 1 (737-700-based, 1998). Key differences: BBJ 2 has 25% larger cabin (98 ft 4 in vs BBJ1's 79.2 ft, +5.84 m / 19 ft 2 in stretch), 100% more baggage space, Aviation Partners winglets standard (vs optional on early BBJ1s), 3-7 belly tanks (vs BBJ1's 3-10 belly tanks). The BBJ 2 has reduced range vs BBJ1 due to additional aircraft weight, but substantially more cabin space.
How is the BBJ 2 different from the BBJ 3?
The BBJ 3 (announced 2005) is the further-stretched 737-900ER-based successor to the BBJ 2. Key differences: BBJ 3 has even larger cabin (110+ ft length vs BBJ 2's 98 ft 4 in), more cabin space, longer fuselage. Both have similar range characteristics and same CFM56-7B27 engines.
How is the BBJ 2 different from the BBJ MAX 8?
The BBJ MAX 8 (announced April 2, 2014, first delivery October 2018) replaces and improves upon the BBJ 2. Key improvements: more efficient CFM LEAP-1B engines (vs CFM56-7B27), 15% reduction in fuel burn, lower 6,500 ft cabin altitude, range extended to over 6,500 nm (vs BBJ 2's ~5,400-5,800 nm), improved aerodynamics, modern systems. The BBJ MAX 8 is positioned as the current production successor.
How far can a BBJ 2 fly?
The BBJ 2 has a maximum range of approximately 5,400-5,800 nautical miles with appropriate auxiliary belly fuel tanks installed (3-7 tanks). Range is reduced vs the BBJ 1 (which can do 6,141 nm) due to the BBJ 2's additional aircraft weight from the longer fuselage. Routes like London to New York, Los Angeles to Tokyo, or Dubai to Singapore are non-stop achievable.
What engines power the BBJ 2?
Two CFM International CFM56-7B27 turbofan engines, each producing 27,300 lbf (121.4 kN) of thrust. Same engines as the BBJ 1. The CFM56 family is the commercial Boeing 737 NG engine, providing 12,000-30,000 hours on wing with $240-260 per engine per hour service program.
Is the BBJ 2 still in production?
No. The BBJ 2 production ended in 2018. The BBJ MAX 8 succeeded it (announced 2014, first delivery October 15, 2018). The BBJ MAX 8 offers more efficient CFM LEAP-1B engines and approximately 15% fuel burn reduction.
How many BBJ 2s were built?
Specific BBJ 2 production numbers are not publicly disclosed, but by February 2002, 8 BBJ 2s had been ordered (with 5 delivered). The total BBJ family (BBJ 1, 2, 3, MAX 7/8/9, plus BBJ 747, 777, 787) exceeded 260 deliveries through 2019.
Who flies BBJ 2 aircraft?
BBJ 2 operators include VIPs, heads of state, royal families, sovereign wealth funds, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, corporate flight departments, charter operators, and government agencies worldwide. The BBJ 2 has been popular for diplomatic and presidential missions where larger cabin matters more than maximum range.
The Bottom Line
The Boeing BBJ 2 represents Boeing's strategic stretched 737-800-based VIP airliner conversion - delivering 25% more cabin space than the original BBJ 1 while retaining the same proven commercial Boeing 737 family heritage and CFM International CFM56-7B27 engines. With substantial industry-leading capabilities (98 ft 4 in cabin length - 5.84 m / 19 ft 2 in longer than BBJ 1, 11 ft 7 in cabin width, 7 ft 1 in stand-up height, 100% more baggage space than BBJ 1, premium 4-zone standard configuration including boardroom + lounge + VIP bedroom + business office with two bathrooms featuring showers, up to 50+ passengers configurable, Aviation Partners winglets standard, 3-7 auxiliary belly fuel tanks for ~5,400-5,800 nm range), the BBJ 2 delivered the optimal balance of substantially larger cabin and acceptable range capability. Twin CFM International CFM56-7B27 turbofan engines (27,300 lbf each) provide commercial-grade reliability with 12,000-30,000 hours on wing and $240-260 per engine per hour service program. The 6-screen EFIS Boeing NG advanced two-crew flightdeck features dual FMS, dual Rockwell Collins Series 900 VHF comm/nav with DME, HF comms, ADF, GPS, MLS, WXR-700X weather radar, and Flight Dynamics HGS 2000 HUD (newer models). Cabin altitude can be lowered to 6,500 ft at FL 410 for premium passenger comfort. The BBJ 2 came about partly because the BBJ 1 lacked baggage room with all those extra belly fuel tanks - the stretched 737-800 fuselage provides substantially more usable space with fewer tanks required. Production was succeeded by the BBJ MAX 8 in 2018, which offers more efficient CFM LEAP-1B engines and approximately 15% fuel burn reduction. Pre-owned market: $25M-$60M depending on year, condition, completion. Boeing worldwide service network continues to support the BBJ 2 platform globally.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for BBJ 2 market intelligence and pre-buy diligence.
[CTA Button: Talk to a Quantum Jets Broker]
Book a Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800) on the Quantum Jets App by AVIA Technologies
The Quantum Jets mobile app, built by AVIA Technologies, is the private jet charter marketplace app for the Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800) and the rest of the Quantum Jets catalog. The Quantum Jets app is available as an iOS app on the Apple App Store and as an Android app on Google Play. Whether the goal is a one-off jet charter, recurring private jet rental, a private jet card program, or a deeper engagement spanning aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, aircraft leasing, or aircraft sales, the Quantum Jets app surfaces live Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800) availability and routes the booking through the Quantum Jets brokerage team.
AVIA Technologies is the technology platform behind the Quantum Jets mobile app. The AVIA Technologies app powers the private jet charter marketplace experience: search the catalog, compare a Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800) against alternatives in the same tier, pull live pricing, request a charter quote, schedule aircraft maintenance, list a Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800) for jet sales, manage a fleet under aircraft management or private jet management, and execute a private jet card purchase, all from one private jet app. The Quantum Jets app and the AVIA Technologies app share the same backend so client data, trip history, and aircraft preferences carry across both surfaces.
Download the Quantum Jets app on the Apple App Store (iOS app) or Google Play (Android app), then search the Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800) to start booking. The Quantum Jets mobile app is the fastest path from research to booking for any private jet, jet charter, private jet rental, or private jet charter marketplace transaction in the Quantum Jets catalog. AVIA Technologies maintains the private jet charter marketplace app on a continuous deployment schedule with new aircraft, new operators, and refined private jet management tooling shipping every release.
Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800) Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800) operators and prospective owners across the full lifecycle of private jet ownership. Whether the goal is jet charter for a one-off trip, a private jet rental for a busy season, or a private jet charter program tied to a recurring travel pattern, our team builds the right structure around the Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800) for the mission.
For buyers, our aircraft purchase and jet purchase advisory walks through inspection, valuation, financing, and closing. Jet sales and aircraft sales clients work with our team to position the Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800) for the strongest possible exit, with market intelligence on every comparable transaction. A private jet card program through Quantum Jets is a lower-commitment way to access Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800)-class lift without a full aircraft purchase, and is structured to credit toward a future jet purchase when the time is right.
Once an aircraft is in hand, aircraft management and jet management at Quantum Jets cover crew, scheduling, regulatory compliance, charter revenue programs, and detailed reporting. Private jet management is structured to keep the Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800) flying safely and profitably with minimum owner overhead. Aircraft maintenance is coordinated through manufacturer-authorized service centers, and aircraft refurbishment programs (interior, paint, avionics, connectivity) are managed end-to-end so the Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800) retains residual value over its operating life.
Fractional jet programs are available for Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800)-class travelers who want guaranteed access without sole ownership. Aircraft lease and aircraft leasing arrangements (operating, finance, dry, wet) are structured to match the operator's hours, geography, and balance sheet. The Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800) fits naturally into all of these structures, and Quantum Jets handles the structuring, documentation, and lifecycle service so the owner can focus on flying.
If you are evaluating a Boeing BBJ 2 (737-800) for purchase, charter, lease, fractional access, management, refurbishment, or sale, talk to a Quantum Jets broker for a custom market scan and pre-buy diligence.
Related Aircraft Guides:
- Boeing BBJ 1: Foundational Sibling (737-700-based, 1998-2018)
- Boeing BBJ 3: Further-Stretched Sibling (737-900ER-based, 2005-2018)
- Boeing BBJ MAX 8: Direct Successor (737 MAX 8-derived, 2018-Present)
- Boeing BBJ MAX 7: Smaller MAX Sibling (737 MAX 7-derived)
- Boeing BBJ MAX 9: Largest MAX Sibling (737 MAX 9-derived)
- Boeing BBJ 787: Larger Long-Range VIP (Dreamliner-derived)
- Airbus ACJ319: Direct Twin-Engine Competitor
- Embraer Lineage 1000E: Smaller VIP Airliner Competitor
Production of the Boeing BBJ 2 ended 2018, replaced by BBJ MAX family. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Boeing provides worldwide parts/support. Specifications accurate as of 2026.