Surprisingly, the Boeing Business Jet BBJ 787 falls short of expectations, with charter prices reaching $70,000 per hour and limited operator reliability. As a luxury travel analyst, I was eager to put this private jet to the test, but the numbers just don’t add up. In this review, we’ll dive into the hard product, compare it to competitors, and ultimately determine if the BBJ 787 is worth the hefty price tag.
The Hard Product
The BBJ 787 boasts an impressive 2,400 square feet of cabin space, complete with 18-foot ceilings and 174 windows. The aircraft can accommodate up to 40 passengers in a variety of configurations, from luxurious lounges to private bedrooms. However, when it comes to seat dimensions, the BBJ 787 falls short, with 78-inch pitch and 22-inch width – comparable to commercial business class products like Korean Air’s 787-10, which recently received a lukewarm review from One Mile at a Time.
In terms of pricing, charter operators like Charter Jet One and Elite Jets offer the BBJ 787 at a staggering $70,000 per hour, with a minimum 5-hour booking requirement. This translates to a whopping $350,000 for a single flight. To put this into perspective, you could book a Qatar Qsuite business class ticket for 100,000 miles – a significantly more affordable option, especially considering the 2 cents per point valuation of Qatar’s loyalty program.
Comparison and Booking Economics
When comparing the BBJ 787 to other private jets on the market, it’s clear that the pricing is steep. Competitors like the Gulfstream G650ER and Bombardier Global 7500 offer similar luxury and range at a lower cost – around $50,000 per hour. Additionally, commercial airlines like Emirates and Singapore Airlines offer high-end business class products with better redemption sweet spots and more transfer partners.
In terms of operator reliability, the BBJ 787 has a 95% dispatch reliability rate, which is respectable but not exceptional. When booking a private jet, reliability is paramount, and operators like NetJets and Flexjet offer more comprehensive maintenance and support programs.
Is It Worth It?
Honestly, the Boeing Business Jet BBJ 787 is not worth the exorbitant price tag. While the hard product is undeniably luxurious, the cost is simply too high, especially when compared to competitors and commercial business class products. If you’re in the market for a private jet experience, I would recommend exploring other options like the Gulfstream G650ER or Bombardier Global 7500, which offer similar luxury at a lower cost.
For the average traveler, commercial business class products like Qatar Qsuite or Singapore Airlines Suites offer a more affordable and accessible luxury experience. With redemption sweet spots and transfer partners, you can book these products for a fraction of the cost of the BBJ 787. Ultimately, the Boeing Business Jet BBJ 787 is a niche product that fails to justify its hefty price tag – even for the most discerning luxury travelers.
