Boeing delivers 1st BBJ 2 for China  

BBJ in flight [File photo: Boeing]

Beijing (CNS) -- Boeing Business Jets on Tuesday announced the delivery of its first Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ 2) to an undisclosed customer from China.

Boeing said a small ceremony was held for the delivery in Seattle, but refused to release the name of the buyer without the VIP customer's permission.

The BBJ 2 is an evolution of the BBJ family, providing a 25 percent increase in cabin volume and 100 percent increase in cargo volume compared to the BBJ 1. The aircraft's long-range capability allows direct non-stop flights from New York to London, as well as Moscow or Dubai or London to Rio de Janeiro, Johannesburg, Singapore or Tokyo.

By now 22 have been ordered, 15 of which have been delivered and put into operation. Its customers include Abu Dhabi Amiri Flight and governmental organizations in Belarus.

Business jets, together with luxury brands, are favored in China, whose number of business jets will reach 260 by 2015.

Aviation companies are targeting the Chinese market, as more than 100 jets are estimated to meet the country's demands.