Boeing executive jet sales have plummeted in the slower economy, according to information from the 2009 European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva

Boeing sold eight new personal luxury jets since the show last year but had four orders cancel, leaving a net gain of four. This is an 87 percent drop from the last period between shows, when Boeing sold 33 of the aircraft.

The jets are usually called BBJs when they’re based on Boeing 737s, and VIPs when based on larger airframes.

Over the years, the business jet program has generated 198 orders for Boeing representing $7.3 billion.

In order to attract more business, Boeing has introduced two new options : a Boeing Business Jet that quickly converts to a cargo aircraft, dubbed the BBJ C; and a conversion for the overhead space of a 747-8 that will yield eight berths or a lounge area.

The BBJ C. based on a 737, can be converted from luxury to utility in less than eight hours.

With 50 passengers and baggage, the BBJ C can fly up to 10,770km (5,815nm) and as far as 9,170km with a cargo load of up to eight main deck pallets weighing 9,070kg (20,000lb).