Boeing Business Jets, Boeing Capital Team With New Jet Owner

25 July 2002

Boeing Business Jets and Boeing Capital Corporation today confirmed the acquisition of a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) by Rafik Khalifa, an entrepreneur and  financier with business interests in Africa and Europe.

"I chose the BBJ over its competitors not only for its comfort and performance, but also because of the careful attention and knowledge of the Boeing team," said Khalifa. "The representatives of Boeing Business Jets and Boeing Capital demonstrated a clear understanding of our business and travel requirements. The BBJ will increase our productivity by greatly expanding our ability to travel to locations in Europe, Asia and North America."

"We're delighted that Mr. Khalifa has chosen the BBJ for his business transportation needs. It is an honor to welcome him into the BBJ family, and to locate a new operator in the Mediterranean region," said Lee Monson, president of Boeing Business Jets. "The capabilities of this airplane make it ideal to meet the long distances facing today's global business executive."

Boeing Capital Corporation is providing financing for the airplane, which is the 51st BBJ to enter service. 

"We take pride in our ability to arrange financing that meets the specific needs of our customers, while working side-by-side with the other Boeing business units," said Jim Palmer, Boeing Capital president.

The Boeing Business Jet continues to meet market demand for an executive airplane that can fly passengers more than 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 kilometers) in a comfortable, spacious cabin. The BBJ platform is flexible enough that operators - such as private individuals, governments, corporations and fractional programs - can choose to have a passenger seating area as well as an executive lounge, a private suite and a bedroom.

Boeing Business Jets was launched in 1996 as a joint venture between Boeing and General Electric. Designed for corporate and VIP applications, the BBJ is a high-performance derivative of the Next-Generation 737-700. The BBJ 2, announced in October 1999, is based on the 737-800 and has 25 percent more cabin space and twice the cargo space of the BBJ. Both provide unsurpassed levels of space, comfort and utility and are backed by a global support program with dedicated field service representatives.

Boeing Capital Corporation is a global, full-service provider of financial solutions, with a primary focus on assets critical to Boeing customers. Headquartered in Renton, Wash., Boeing Capital has more than 30 years of experience in providing and arranging financing for aircraft, a diverse array of commercial equipment,  and space and defense products. As of June 30, the company's portfolio was US$11.1 billion.