SHANGHAI, Apr. 13, 2015 – Boeing [NYSE:BA] Business Jets (BBJ) announced today that the company is studying offerability of a BBJ Combi, allowing customers to have a split configuration of both passengers and cargo at the same time. The study was announced at the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) in Shanghai.

The BBJ Combi would be a modified version of the current BBJ Convertible, a product based on the 737-700C that also features a large cargo door on the left-hand side of the forward fuselage, enabling the loading of cargo onto the aircraft’s main deck.

“We are very excited about the possibility of a BBJ Combi,” said David Longridge, president of Boeing Business Jets. “We currently offer a product that can be configured for all passengers or cargo and we think that the BBJ Combi could be the next step and a great addition to the BBJ family. It would offer our customers increased flexibility for cargo capability while still being able to accommodate passengers. We think it would be a natural fit for the Chinese market.”

China continues to be a strong market for Boeing Business Jets, with 18 BBJs in the Greater China region, including five charter companies.

“Customers in China, as they increase their international presence, prefer BBJ products because of their range capability, large and comfortable cabin, low maintenance and high reliability,” said Longridge. “BBJs allow business leaders to get where they need to go without the inconvenience of unexpected delays, providing them the flexibility and freedom they need.”

Boeing Business Jets offers a wide variety of ultra-large-cabin, long range airplanes perfectly suited for the private jet market.  The product line includes the BBJ and BBJ MAX family as well as Boeing widebody airplanes including the BBJ 787, 777, and 747.