A Big Mockup for a Big Business Plane

The mockup of the Boeing Business Jet ordered by Executive Jet this week is likely the largest ever exhibited at NBAA. Mounted on two trailers, and open to invited guests during the show, the mockup was completed by Raytheon Systems of Waco, Texas, which already has contracts to complete 11 BBJs, in addition to all the NetJets aircraft for Executive Jet.

The 19-passenger configuration includes a large forward crew rest compartment, crew lavatory and galley. Moving aft, the main compartment includes a lounge and a six-seat dining table. Aft of that is a second lavatory equipped with a shower and an office with a berthable sofa. The last compartment is a stateroom with a queen-size bed and a second full lavatory with shower.

Following the show, the mockup will begin a six-month, 12 city tour with stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York City, Teterboro, White Plains, West Palm Beach, Washington, DC, Columbus, Dallas and Houston.

The BBJ is slated for FAA certification on November 2. The aircraft on display in the static area, which first flew last month and has since accumulated 57 flight test hours, is the first BBJ, and is the test article for the certification flight test program. Boeing has already certificated both the 737-700 and the 737-800 on which the BBJ is based.

The aircraft here is fitted with Aviation Partners winglets. BBJ officials said they have now decided that the BBJ will be equipped with the winglets, although flight test activity for the installation will come after initial certification.

Executive Jet will take first delivery of a Boeing BBJ in January, 2000, and plans to add approximately five of the corporate airliners to its Netjets fractional ownership program each year for five years under plans detailed here Sunday. Executive Jet disclosed firm orders for nine BBJs and options for another 16.

The order, plus two others from unnamed customers, brings the BBJ sales total to 46 not including options.

Executive Jet's BBJ order likely will increase to 25 over five years and, ultimately, grow to 50 BBJs, said Executive Jet chairman and CEO Richard Santulli.

Five of the first six BBJs delivered will be owned by Executive Jet and will make up the core fleet the company says is necessary to ensure availability of BBJs to shareholders in the Netjets fractional ownership program.

One-quarter shares in the BBJs have been priced at $11.2 million, entitling owners to 200 hours of travel per year. The monthly management fee for a quarter share is $64,000, and the flight hour cost is $3,400. The company will sell shares in one-eighth increments.

By Paul Proctor