A month after Boeing Business Jets unveiled the 7,000-nm (12,965-km) BBJ Max 7, the company has announced the first order for the model. BBJ president David Longridge revealed the order—from Orient Global Aviation—Tuesday during the MEBAA show alongside Edan Ostreich, director of operations for the Singapore-based company, which currently flies a BBJ but will upgrade to the Max 7 once it is delivered.

The order pushes the tally for the BBJ Max series to 12, with 10 for the BBJ Max 8 and one for the BBJ Max 9. BBJ unveiled the Max 7 during last month’s NBAA Convention in Orlando, Fla., bringing to market the longest-range member of the Max line. “The 7,000-nautical-mile range will connect key city pairings that were previously not possible in a BBJ, and increased cabin and cargo space make this an unbeatable business jet,” said Longridge.

Powered by more fuel-efficient Leap-1B engines, the Max 7 is longer than the original BBJ and offers more cargo volume, yet still delivers lower operating costs.

Longridge, who said BBJ has been waiting for the Max 7 for years, believes its availability will boost sales, which have slowed in the past year. He stressed the importance of range to the market, pointing to the success of Gulfstream with the ultra-long-range G650ER.

As Longridge detailed the first order and expressed optimism about the future, he also announced his plans to take another position within Boeing. On December 12, the 23-year Boeing veteran will assume the new post of vice president of sales for commercial aviation service. His departure comes near his two-year anniversary as president of BBJ.

"I am sad to say this will be my last MEBAA,” he said. “I genuinely believe this is the most exciting part of aviation there is. I have had more fun doing this job and developing these products…than I probably will ever have in the rest of my career. It has been a real privilege working with the BBJ team, customers and suppliers.”

BBJ has not yet named a successor.