Boeing in landmark business jet delivery to Chinese customer

Boeing Business Jet, a subsidiary of Boeing Co, delivered its first BBJ 2 for an unidentified Chinese customer on Tuesday.

The BBJ2 is based on the 737-800 aircraft and has a range of about 5,520 nautical miles with an extended rage fuel tank system installed.

Fifteen of the aircraft are in service and 22 have been ordered so far.

"The great distances between Chinese manufacturers and the Western markets they serve, and the need for a spacious cabin to accommodate a large support team make the BBJ 2 the ideal solution for the Chinese business jet customer,"said Steve Taylor, president, BBJ.

China's business jet sector grew 28 percent annually in 2011, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

China will need over 1,000 business jets in the next 10 years, insiders forecast.