Boeing

Boeing Business Jets today announced the availability of a lower cabin altitude modification for Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) operators. The new feature will offer 6,500-foot cabin altitude instead of the standard 8,000-foot cabin, providing passengers with an improved level of comfort.

The lower cabin altitude feature, available in early 2003 from Boeing Commercial Aviation Services, will be sold as a kit that can be installed after delivery of a green airplane or as a retrofit on in-service BBJs.

"It's all about passenger comfort," said Lee Monson, president of Boeing Business Jets, at a media briefing during the 55th annual National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention in Orlando, Fla. "A 6,500-foot cabin means less cabin pressure change on climb and descent, as well as more oxygen in the cabin during cruise. The lower cabin altitude, combined with 807 square feet (75 square meters) of cabin area, results in the most comfortable business jet available."

The retrofit kit will include new cabin pressure controller boxes with revised software, a new cabin altitude indicator and two pressure-relief valves. Revised operations and service manuals will show new parts and the structural maintenance program. The kit can be installed by certified maintenance personnel, completion centers or Boeing. No structural changes will be necessary and no increase in maintenance will be required until the airplane surpasses 30,000 flights. The average BBJ flies approximately 225 flights per year.

A BBJ currently is on static display at Orlando Executive Airport for the NBAA show, which runs Sept. 10-12. Boeing Business Jets also has an exhibit in the Orange County Convention Center.

Fifty-two Boeing Business Jets now are fully completed and in service, including the first BBJ in Latin America. The fleet has generated more than 38,000 flight hours to date and 16,000 flights, with 99.9 percent dispatch reliability and no major technical issues reported.