AIRCRAFT · GLOSSARY

VIP Airliner

Also known as: BBJ, ACJ, head-of-state aircraft

Commercial airliner — typically a Boeing BBJ or Airbus ACJ — converted to a private cabin for heads of state, royal families, sports teams and large corporate groups.

Other names for VIP Airliner

In the private aviation industry, VIP Airliner is also commonly referred to as BBJ, ACJ and head-of-state aircraft. These terms are used interchangeably by operators, brokers and crews.

IN PRACTICE

VIP airliners are operated under the same certification as scheduled commercial aircraft but with cabin completion by specialist shops in Basel, Hamburg or Wichita. Common interiors include private bedrooms, full-size showers, conference rooms and dedicated staff quarters.

Operating costs are an order of magnitude higher than large-cabin business jets, but for groups of 15-50 they are often the only sensible option.

ON LIMITLESS SKY

GO DEEPER ON LIMITLESS SKY

Frequently asked

What does VIP Airliner mean in private aviation?

Also called BBJ, ACJ, head-of-state aircraft. Commercial airliner — typically a Boeing BBJ or Airbus ACJ — converted to a private cabin for heads of state, royal families, sports teams and large corporate groups.

How much does it cost to charter a vip airliner?

Charter pricing for a vip airliner depends on flight time, fuel, segment fees and federal excise tax. Our quote engine prices every vip airliner mission transparently, including all surcharges before you commit. Get a live estimate on the fleet page below.

What is the typical range and seating of a vip airliner?

VIP airliners are operated under the same certification as scheduled commercial aircraft but with cabin completion by specialist shops in Basel, Hamburg or Wichita. Common interiors include private bedrooms, full-size showers, conference rooms and dedicated staff quarters.

How does a vip airliner compare to other jet categories?

See the related terms below for adjacent categories — light, midsize, super-midsize, heavy and ultra-long-range — and our aircraft comparison guides for side-by-side range, cabin and operating-cost data.

RELATED SEARCHES

People also look up VIP Airliner as:

  • what is a vip airliner in private aviation
  • vip airliner meaning
  • vip airliner definition
  • vip airliner explained
  • vip airliner charter cost per hour
  • vip airliner range and seating
  • vip airliner vs light jet
  • how many passengers does a vip airliner carry
  • bbj meaning
  • bbj private jet
  • acj meaning
  • acj private jet

RELATED TERMS

  • Heavy JetLarge-cabin business jet seating 10-16 passengers with intercontinental range, including t
  • Ultra-Long-Range JetTop-tier business jet with 6,000+ nm range — Gulfstream G650/G700, Bombardier Global 7500,
  • Group CharterCharter of a larger-cabin aircraft — typically a heavy jet or VIP airliner — for groups of
  • Very Light Jet (VLJ)The smallest category of business jet, typically certified for single-pilot operation with
  • Light JetTwin-engine business jet seating 6-8 passengers with ranges of roughly 1,500-2,000 nm — th
  • Midsize JetBusiness jet category offering a stand-up cabin, ~2,500-3,000 nm range and seating for 7-9
  • Super-Midsize JetBusiness jet with a wide-body cabin, ~3,000-3,800 nm range and trans-continental capabilit
  • TurbopropAircraft powered by turbine engines driving propellers — slower than jets but capable of o
  • Helicopter CharterOn-demand rotorcraft service, typically used for last-mile transfers from major airports t
← BACK TO THE GLOSSARY