Boeing just launched a new $400 million 777X private airliner, and it's a flying mansion that can go halfway around the world (BA)

By: Business Insider

December 12, 2018 at 10:58 AM EST

Boeing

Boeing Business Jets launched its new BBJ 777X private jet on Monday at the Middle East Business Aviation Association Show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The BBJ 777X is the private jet version of the next-generation Boeing 777X airliner.
Boeing unveiled the BBJ 777X with a trio of interior design concepts from Greenpoint Technologies, Jet Aviation, and Unique Aircraft Design.
The Boeing 777-8 has a list price of $394.9 million while the larger 777-9 costs $425.8 million.
The list price does not include the cost of the custom interior.
The Boeing 777-9 is expected to enter service in 2020 while the 777-8 is expected to follow soon after.

The upcoming Boeing 777X has some big shoes to fill. The new wide-body is set to be Boeing's next flagship and the replacement for the iconic 747 Jumbo Jet.

And now there's going to be a private jet version of the airliner.

On Monday, Boeing Business Jets launched the BBJ 777X at bi-annual Middle East Business Aviation Association Show (MEBAA) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

"Our most exclusive customers want to travel with the best space and comfort and fly directly to their destination," Greg Laxton, head of Boeing Business Jets, said in a statement. "The new BBJ 777X will be able to do this like no other airplane before it, redefining ultra-long range VIP travel."

Since 1996, BBJ has been turning Boeing's commercial airliners into opulent private jets for the world's wealthy elite.

BBJ doesn't sell many planes with just 261 orders in company history, but the aircraft they do turn out are works of flying art.

In addition to the 777X, BBJ has also developed private jet versions of the 737, 787 Dreamliner, and the 747.

Here's a closer look at the new BBJ 777X:

The BBJ 777X is based on the new Boeing 777X airliner.Boeing

Like the commercial airliner on which it is based, the BBJ 777X will be available in both 777-8 and the larger 777-9 variants.Boeing

The BBJ 777-8 has a range of 13,400 miles while the larger BBJ 777-9 can go up 12,700 miles. That's several thousand miles further than the airliner versions of the planes can fly.Boeing

In fact, the BBJ 777X is the longest range private jet ever made. That means flights from Sydney to London or Seattle to Dubai are possible.Boeing

Power comes from GE's massive GE9X engine that returns 5% lower fuel consumption than rival powerplants while producing 29% lower emissions.Boeing

See the rest of the story at Business Insider