AIR.ONE

Boeing Bbj Max 9 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer

The Boeing BBJ MAX 9 is a large, long‑range business jet derived from the 737 MAX 9 airliner, intended for intercity and intercontinental travel with airline-class cruise speeds and high-altitude performance. In contrast, the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) MD 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light helicopter designed for short‑range point‑to‑point missions, including corporate shuttle, EMS, law enforcement, and utility work, with the ability to land in confined areas unavailable to fixed‑wing jets. By category, the BBJ MAX 9 is a fixed‑wing VIP transport optimized for comfort, speed, and endurance, while the MD 902 is a rotary‑wing aircraft optimized for vertical lift and operational flexibility. In range, the BBJ MAX 9 typically offers roughly 3,200–3,800 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves, whereas the MD 902 commonly operates around 300–400 nautical miles depending on payload and conditions. Passenger capacity also differs sharply: a BBJ MAX 9 can be outfitted for a few dozen VIP passengers (often around 25–50), while the MD 902 generally carries about 7–8 people including the pilot.

SpecBoeing BBJ MAX 9
Summary
Cockpit2
DOC / nm$ 15.74
Min Crew4
Total Seats12
ManufacturerBoeing
Aircraft NameBBJ MAX 9
CertificationFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)6376
DOC / nm / Seat$ 1.97
Max Cabin Seats35
OEM VerificationVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)77120
Standard Cabin Seats8
Direct Operating Cost$ 7,396
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Honeywell
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)470
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$107,700,000
Cabin
Cockpit2
Min Crew4
Total Seats10
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats35
Cabin Pressure (psi)9
Standard Cabin Seats8
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)24000
Engine
FADECYes
ModelLEAP-1B
TBO (hrs)On-Condition
Flat RatingISA + 15
Thrust (lbs)28000
No. of Engines2
Dimensions
Length (ft)138.4
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
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)10.7
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)100.6
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)1485