Boeing Bbj Max 9 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Boeing BBJ MAX 9 is a long‑range, large‑cabin business jet category aircraft, designed for intercontinental travel. Typical advertised range is about 6,300 nautical miles, and passenger capacity in BBJ configurations is generally around 19 to 50 passengers depending on layout and mission. The Leonardo (AgustaWestland) AW189 is a medium twin‑engine helicopter, commonly used for offshore transport, SAR, and utility/VIP roles. Its typical range is roughly 450 to 500 nautical miles (configuration dependent), with passenger capacity usually around 16 to 19 (often 16 seated plus crew, depending on interior and regulations). The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) MD 902 Explorer is a light twin helicopter (NOTAR anti‑torque system), used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate missions. Typical range is about 300 to 360 nautical miles, with seating commonly up to 8 to 10 occupants including crew (often 1–2 crew plus 6–8 passengers). Overall, the BBJ MAX 9 offers vastly greater range and capacity, while the AW189 and MD 902 trade speed and distance for vertical lift and point‑to‑point access.
| Spec | Boeing BBJ MAX 9 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.74 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 12 | 21 |
| Manufacturer | Boeing | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | BBJ MAX 9 | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 6376 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 1.97 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 35 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 77120 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 7,396 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Honeywell | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $107,700,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 35 | 19 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24000 | — |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | LEAP-1B | CT7-2E1 |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 4000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 28000 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel |
| Horsepower | — | 1983 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 138.4 | 57.8 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 117.9 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 11.6 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 7.1 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 107.2 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 40.3 | 16.6 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 10.7 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 100.6 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 1485 | 85 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 395 |