Basel for Boeing BBJ Workhorse

Jet Aviation Basel has been chosen to complete what Boeing terms "the ultimate office in the sky" -- Boeing's own BBJ Business Jet.

The aircraft was delivered to Jet Aviation in December and will be completed in mid-September 2001 -- in time for this year's NBAA. "This is a relatively short turnaround time for a project and aircraft of this magnitude, but we will deliver this aircraft on time," said Jet Aviation Basel VP and general manager Rainer Albecker.

Among its special accessory items will be an entertainment/communications system with an Internet data port at each seat, connected to a main server with two low-profile phased array antennas for "Connexions by Boeing" telecommunications.

Boeing's own BBJ will also have windows that can be electrically polarized to block UV light while not impeding passengers' views, marking the first airborne use of the technology. It will have two showers that use recycled water.

Donald Thompson Industrial Design of New York, in conjunction with a group of leading U.S. interior designers developed the design concept for the interior outfitting of the jet. The goal of the new design is to simultaneously duplicate "office-on-the-ground" business functionality with "be-at-home" comfort in the airplane.

Jet Aviation has completed three BBJs and delivered them on time, but this is the first where Boeing is itself a customer.

Boeing has selected Jet Aviation Basel and Jet Aviation Geneva as BBJ Authorized Warranty Repair Facilities and BBJ Factory Authorized Service Centers to provide warranty maintenance for the BBJ 1 and BBJ 2 Business Jets.

"This recognition by Boeing Business Jets is a great honor for Jet Aviation and represents an excellent opportunity to extend our brand image," said Heinz Köhli, president and COO of Jet Aviation Europe, Middle and Far East. "Historically, we have maintained a wide variety of Boeing airliner-class corporate jets providing extensive out-of-warranty maintenance, but this represents the first authorized Service Center status given to Jet Aviation by Boeing Business Jets for the company's jetliners.

"Over the years, Jet Aviation has proved that it is qualified to provide service at a level well above what is required for standard airliner maintenance."

Köhli said Jet Aviation is making a major investment in personnel, infrastructure, spare parts and tooling to work on BBJs. "BBJ customers will benefit from our years of experience working on Boeing aircraft," he said.