Quantcast

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

Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Southwest Airlines Announces Reimagined Fare Products, New Benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Member Customers
New Alaska Airlines trading cards take flight this World Pilots’ Day - Alaska Airlines News
United CEO calls Trump's tariffs a 'chess game'
Virtual Training Becomes a Reality
Korean Air Restarts Longest 747 Passenger Flight in the World
Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
RTX Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
Delta faces federal investigation as it scraps hundreds of flights for fifth straight day
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened
Adani’s airport unit seeks $750 million loan from global banks
GE Aerospace affirms outlook; CEO met with Trump to discuss tariffs
Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
Archer unveils plans for NYC air-taxi network in partnership with United Airlines
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
ICAO Proposes ‘Journey Pass’ Biometric ID Boarding
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
The most in Mexico: American Airlines adds 30th destination as part of a record-breaking schedule
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
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

Etihad Airways has announced the launch of a new route connecting Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.

Oct 27, 2025

United Airlines has unveiled its Summer 2026 schedule, which includes new flights from Newark to Bari, Split, Santiago de Compostela, and Glasgow, as well as from Newark to Seoul and Washington, D.C., to Reykjavik.

Oct 27, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced a limited-time 20% discount on fares between Addis Ababa and Porto.

Oct 27, 2025

Avianca has announced that passengers are encouraged to register for the Biomig biometric migration system to avoid lines and delays at participating airports in Colombia.

Oct 27, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced an upgrade to its mobile application, enhancing travel convenience ahead of the holiday season.

Oct 27, 2025

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to commence significant renovations aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.

Oct 27, 2025