A Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) Convertible is on static display at this year’s National Business Aviation Association convention being held 20 - 22 October 2009 in Orlando, Florida. This is the first time the new model has been on display.

During the show, the airplane is in passenger configuration with an interior designed for both utility and comfort. The BBJ C can change to an all-freighter configuration in less than eight hours.

Boeing delivered the airplane to Peregrine Point LLC, a Part 125 charter operator, in October 2007 before formally announcing availability of the BBJ C last May.

Also highlighted on the airplane is an SAS Scandinavian Airlines medical evacuation installation.

The BBJ C comes standard with six auxiliary fuel tanks and has a range of more than 5,400 nmi (10,000 km) in the all-passenger configuration. It can carry more than 18.3 tons (16.6 tonnes) of cargo up to over 3,000 nmi (5,555 km) or 10 tons (9.1 tonnes) nearly 5,000 nmi (9,260 km) while in the all-freighter configuration.

The 140-inch-wide (3.56-m) by 96.5-inch high (2.45-m) side cargo door makes it possible to load and transport tools, parts and machinery as well as food and medical supplies, allowing it to be used in an efficient multi-purpose role.

 “The payload and range capability of the BBJ C far exceeds current and proposed single-aisle cargo or convertible airplanes,” said Taylor. “And we’ve timed the BBJ C perfectly to replace many of the single-aisle freighters and convertibles that are approaching 30 years in service.”

Boeing Business Jets has delivered one “green” (lacking interior finishing and paint) 767 VIP and a mix of four green BBJs to date. The program expects to deliver four more BBJ before year’s end.

Current orders stand at 196 for combined widebody VIP and narrowbody BBJ models, of which 147 are BBJs.

(Source: Asiatraveltip)