Quantcast

Boeing's attempt at redefining business travel: The story of the 717 Business Express

LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
Spirit Airlines Pursues Bankruptcy as a Path to Tie-Up With Frontier
American Airlines fined $50M for violating disability laws
Canada's flight attendant union applauds NDP bill to end unpaid work in the airline sector
American Airlines testing new technology that would crack down on boarding
Exciting New Airline Routes Coming to North
Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
United shares hit pre-pandemic high after airline forecasts strong finish to 2024, plans buyback
Alaska Airlines Just Made Its Loyalty Program Even More Lucrative With New Rewards, Better Upgrades, and More
Food safety problem closes Detroit airline kitchen leaving 200 flights without meals
5 Reasons Why Kazakhstan's Air Astana Is Establishing Itself As A Key Player In Asian Aviation
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
Video shows traveler hurl computer monitor at Frontier employees in Chicago
White House 'in touch' with airlines as hurricanes Helene, Milton spark price-gouging fears
Airline bans two items from luggage amid conflict in the Middle East
Turkish Airlines pilot dies midflight, leading to emergency landing in New York
Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
American Airlines Passengers Save Woman from Alleged Violent Male Companion on Flight
Garuda Indonesia and Japan Airlines (JAL) Form Joint Business Agreement — What To Know
Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Czech Airlines to Cease Operations, Ending 23-Year SkyTeam Partnership
An Asian airline hopes launching one of the world's longest narrowbody routes will actually be a comfort upgrade for passengers
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Boeing's attempt at redefining business travel: The story of the 717 Business Express
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

In May 2003, Boeing introduced the 717 Business Express at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Geneva. This aircraft was a corporate adaptation of the 717-200 airliner, designed to offer companies a dedicated business travel solution focusing on productivity and comfort. Boeing marketed it as an option for firms needing reliable transportation for large groups of employees.

The 717 Business Express aimed to bridge the gap between smaller corporate jets and larger airliners by offering luxury combined with cost-efficiency. Although it did not achieve commercial success, its design remains notable among aviation enthusiasts and analysts.

The aircraft's interior was tailored for corporate use, seating between 40 to 80 passengers in first- and business-class configurations. It featured workspaces, meeting areas, and conference rooms, enabling teams to conduct meetings during flights. A key feature was broadband internet via Boeing's Connexion system, allowing continuous connectivity.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Enhanced performance included an extended range of up to 3,140 nautical miles due to auxiliary fuel tanks. Powered by two Rolls-Royce BR-715A1 engines producing 18,500 pounds of thrust each, there was also an optional upgrade available for more powerful engines.

Despite these features, no orders were placed before production ceased in 2006. The aircraft faced competition from other manufacturers and economic challenges in the early 2000s. Additionally, it competed internally with Boeing's Business Jet (BBJ), which had already gained popularity among high-end clients.

Though commercially unsuccessful, the concept left a lasting impact on corporate aviation. Existing 717-200s can be converted into private jets with modifications like auxiliary fuel tanks for extended range. This adaptability keeps them relevant as cost-effective alternatives in business aviation.

Aviation enthusiasts speculate that the principles behind the Business Express may inspire future designs due to growing demand for corporate travel solutions. The legacy of this aircraft highlights potential opportunities for tailored market-specific solutions in aviation.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Emirates has announced that the My Emirates Pass will be available throughout the year with seasonal offers in summer and winter.

Apr 3, 2025

United Airlines has announced the issuance of travel waivers for passengers whose flights were affected by closures at London Heathrow Airport.

Apr 2, 2025

ITA Airways announced that flight AZ806 managed to land safely after a brief hold due to nearby missile activity.

Apr 2, 2025

EVA Air has announced the reinstatement of its Premium Economy Class on the Seattle route, with three weekly flights scheduled from March 8 through July 27.

Apr 2, 2025

Emirates Airlines has announced the launch of a new door-to-door delivery service called 'Very Important Parcels' (VIPs), promising the same level of care as provided to its passengers.

Apr 2, 2025

Cargolux has announced the transportation of two lions, Tsar and Jamil, from captivity in Ukraine to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa.

Apr 2, 2025