Mukesh Ambani takes his new BBJ for a spin over Mumbai

The 44-minute local flight likely a validation run for India’s first MAX 9 business jet.

By celebplanes · 1 min read · Mukesh Ambani

Mukesh Ambani

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Departure

VABB — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Arrival

VABB — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Airborne

44m

Distance

107 nm

CO₂

5.7t

Mukesh Ambani flew from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and back on June 1, a 44-minute hop that reached 27,000 feet. The aircraft was VT-AKV, Reliance's Boeing 737 MAX 9 BBJ — India's first, delivered last August and customized at a cost exceeding $120 million.

Short local flights like this are typical for testing a new business jet's systems after maintenance or custom interior installation. The BBJ, based at Ambani's home airport, has been a workhorse for his global travel, with recent trips to Tokyo, Bangkok, and Dubai.

While no specific event in Mumbai explains the brief sortie, the flight aligns with Ambani's pattern of using his fleet for everything from business hops to leisure. His Antilia residence sits just a few kilometers from the airport — even for India's richest man, a quick shakedown flight is sometimes just that.

Boeing 737 MAX 9 BBJ exterior — Mukesh Ambani's private jet (VT-AKV) — Exterior & cabin layout · Boeing 737 MAX 9 BBJ

Boeing 737 MAX 9 BBJ cabin floor plan — Mukesh Ambani's private jet interior layout — Exterior & cabin layout · Boeing 737 MAX 9 BBJ

The aircraft

Type

Boeing 737 MAX 9 BBJ

Tail

VT-AKV

Max alt

27,000 ft

Max speed

457 kt

End of article · celebplanes