Why can't I access data for VIP-configured aircraft under my airline fleets subscription?

If you have recently been unable to view data for aircraft such as BBJs (Boeing Business Jets) or ACJs (Airbus Corporate Jets) through your commercial airline fleets subscription, this is the result of a change in how ch-aviation classifies and organises this data.

What has changed?

Aircraft fitted with VIP cabin configurations — regardless of the underlying airframe type — are now included in our dedicated Business Jets data module, which was recently introduced. This means that aircraft such as VIP-configured Boeing 737s, Airbus A319s, and similarly outfitted narrowbody or widebody platforms are now categorised under Business Jets rather than commercial airline fleets.

We recognise that this is an important distinction. Airframes from Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer are not business jets by design — a BBJ is fundamentally a 737, and an ACJ an Airbus narrowbody. However, once configured for VIP or private use, these aircraft operate in a different market segment, and our data structure now reflects that.

A helpful reference point

Embraer is a good illustration of where the line is drawn:

• The Embraer E135 (marketed as the Legacy) and E190 (marketed as the Lineage) in VIP configuration are transport-origin aircraft and now fall under Business Jets data.
• The Embraer Phenom and Praetor families are purpose-built business jets and have always been part of the Business Jets category.

Aircraft such as Gulfstreams, Falcons, and Challengers — purpose-designed for private aviation — remain firmly within the Business Jets classification as before.

How to regain access

To access data for VIP-configured aircraft, a subscription to our Business Jets data module is required. We understand that some of this data was previously accessible through your commercial fleets subscription, and we want to make the transition as smooth as possible.

If you would like to discuss adding the Business Jets module to your account, please get in touch with our team. We would be happy to talk you through the options.

If this article does not answer your question or resolve your issue, you can always submit a ticket and our Customer Support team will get back to you as soon as possible.