Private Jet Spotlight: The Gulfstream G650

The Gulfstream G650 entered the market five years ago, and today it remains at the high end of the business jet market. Why? There is plenty of competition and newer models. What makes the G650 so popular still?

Background

September 2017 marked five years since the Gulfstream G650 earned its FAA type certification and, since then, more than 250 of the ultra-long-range, wide-cabin business aircraft have sold. In 2014, Gulfstream introduced the G650 Extended Range (ER), which extends its range an additional 500 nautical miles, “giving the G650ER the longest legs of any business jet,” according to Scott Neal, Gulfstream’s senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing in the Flying article. The extended range capabilities are due to the increased capacity of the gas tanks with no structural modifications required, and the G650ER is also available as an after-market upgrade.

Benefits

G650 designers focused on high performance in every aspect, and the end product delivers. Its unique wing design creates a high-efficiency airfoil that combines high speed with an extremely smooth ride. Other features and benefits include:

• The increased range of the G650 and G650ER means more non-stop connections between city pairs such as New York and Tokyo or Los Angeles and London as well as the ability to keep up with today’s fast-paced global marketplace. Together, the G650 and G650ER have set 65 city-pair speed records.
• The G650 and G650ER have the lowest cabin altitude of any business aircraft and replace 100% of the air every two minutes, according to Gulfstream. The lower cabin altitude means you arrive at your destination less tired and more refreshed.
• The jets provide ample seating space for up to 19 passengers and sleeping accommodations for up to 10.
• Wide seats and aisles, 16 panoramic windows, and flexible cabin designs offer spaciousness and a variety of options for meeting rooms, entertainment, dining, and relaxation. The Gulfstream Cabin Management System (GCMS) synchronizes with smart devices to allow passengers to control temperature, lighting, and entertainment options.
• Business continues as usual with high-speed internet, satellite communications, a cabin audio system, and print capabilities.
• The state-of-the-art PlaneView ll flight deck puts more data at the pilot’s finger tips, allowing them to “think faster than they fly.” And a nose-mounted infrared camera increases safety by providing higher quality images of airports and surrounding terrain at night and in low-visibility conditions.

The Gulfstream G650 was introduced as top-of-the-line in speed, range, comfort, and safety. Today, it continues to sit atop the high-end business aircraft spectrum. What’s next for Gulfstream? The company has started test fights for its spaciously designed G600 model and hopes to begin deliveries in 2018.