A Boeing is advancing in the last steps to deliver the first 737 MAX 7 of the BBJ version, focused especially on being an executive jet with a great flight range.
The aircraft will be delivered to Seacons Trading Ltd, which opted for the 737 MAX 7 BBJ in 2018. The highlight of this BBJ version is the range of 12964 km, the longest for an aircraft of the 737 family, among all generations.
The photos were taken in Renton (WA) where Boeing manufactures the 737 MAX aircraft. The custom-built luxury interior is installed elsewhere, unlike regular airliners.
In addition, especially the BBJ version received a change to be able to fly at 43000 feet, through greater cabin pressure. Boeing still needs to certify this BBJ version, which has this change and also in the fuel tanks.
Probably this 737 MAX 7 BBJ that is in the featured image will be responsible for the additional certification, taking advantage of the experience of the 737 MAX 7 to complement the certification.
As a BBJ version, this aircraft will be equipped with a fully customized interior, probably with extensive tables and some beds on board. Some customers even request showers in the bathrooms, with hot water.
Elongated fuselage of the Boeing 737 MAX 7
In 2016, the American manufacturer announced changes in the MAX 7 project, due to the request of several customers for Boeing to make changes in capacity and make the aircraft even more profitable.
“We evaluate the market. Customers have said a bigger plane is something they would like right now,” said Keith Leverkühn, vice president and general manager for the 737 line. The Boeing 737 MAX 7 will gain an additional 12 seats to its full capacity.
The redesign will also be for the BBJ version, which will serve the VIP market, and will feature a long range of 13900 km, similar to that of the Gulfstream G650ER. Boeing launched the 737 BBJ MAX 7 during the 2016 Farnborough Airshow.
Originally the Boeing 737 MAX 7 and 737 MAX 8 shared the same wingspan, but the latter would have a wing with greater internal volume, to be able to carry more fuel. But Boeing has altered the MAX7's design to have a higher fuel capacity, which will offset the increased weight of the elongated fuselage, Leverkühn said.
The fuselage itself has been lengthened by 1,17m at the front and 76cm beyond the wing at the rear of the fuselage, Leverkühn said. The maximum take-off weight will increase from 70.300 kg to approximately 80.300 kg, and for this Boeing used the landing gear of the 737 MAX 8. The 737 MAX 7 also received two more emergency windows, as in the MAX 8.
In some respects, the revised 737 MAX 7 restores a balance lost with the arrival of the 737 NG series in 1998. At that time, Boeing lengthened the 737-800 to add two rows of seats compared to the 737-400, but the capacity of the 737-700 was identical to that of the 737-300, reported Randy Tinseth, vice president of marketing for Boeing.
The new 737 MAX 7 follows the market example. While the 737-300 can seat up to 149 in a dense, single-aisle configuration, the 737 MAX 7 will be able to carry close to 172 engers using the same standard, Leverkühn said. Meanwhile, the MAX 8 will have a version for up to 200 engers, called the MAX 200.
