Boeing Bbj Max 9 vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Boeing BBJ MAX 9 is a large long-range VIP airliner in the “head-of-state/large delegation” category. It offers intercontinental range (roughly 6,000–6,600 nm depending on fit and reserves) and typically carries about 25–50 passengers in executive layouts, with much higher maximum seating in airline configuration. The Dassault Falcon 8X is a long-range large-cabin business jet suited to VIP or corporate missions, with about 6,450 nm range and usually 12–19 passengers, emphasizing nonstop city-pair flexibility and access to smaller airports versus an airliner. The Leonardo AW189 is a super-medium helicopter optimized for offshore and utility/VIP transport, with typical range around 450–500 nm and generally 12–16 passengers (depending on configuration), trading speed and range for vertical access. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a light twin helicopter for short-range passenger/utility roles, typically around 300–350 nm range and about 6–8 passengers, prioritizing compact operations and lower capacity. Overall, BBJ MAX 9 maximizes capacity and comfort over oceans, Falcon 8X balances long range with business-jet agility, while AW189 and 902 serve shorter missions where helicopters’ vertical capability matters most.
| Spec | Boeing BBJ MAX 9 | Dassault Falcon 8X | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.74 | $ 7.66 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 12 | 17 | 21 |
| Manufacturer | Boeing | Dassault Falcon | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | BBJ MAX 9 | 8X | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 6376 | 6450 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 1.97 | $ 0.64 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 35 | 16 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 77120 | 36900 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 14 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 7,396 | $ 3,805 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Honeywell | Honeywell Primus EASy II | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 516 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $107,700,000 | $ 62,500,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | — | IFR |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 17 | 21 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 35 | 16 | 19 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 10.2 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 14 | 19 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24000 | 29200 | — |
| Lavatory | — | 2 Enclosed Flushing | — |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | Yes | — |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | — |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD / AFT | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 3900 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | LEAP-1B | PW307D | CT7-2E1 |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | 4000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 28000 | 6722 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Fuel Type | — | — | JetFuel |
| Horsepower | — | — | 1983 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 138.4 | 80.2 | 57.8 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 117.9 | 86.3 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 11.6 | 7.7 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 7.1 | 6.2 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 107.2 | 42.7 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 40.3 | 26.1 | 16.6 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 10.7 | 6.3 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 100.6 | 29.2 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 1485 | — | 85 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 1695 | 395 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 140 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | — | 48 |