Looking to get from NYC to London? London to Moscow? Moscow to Beijing? No matter your departure or arrival city, you need a jet that’s going to take you the distance without a refueling hub or an unwanted stop. A nonstop flight is the pinnacle of convenience, affordability, and efficiency. You need a jet that’s built to go the distance. And while there’s no shortage of long-range jets out there, only a few have the range on them to cover large swaths of the globe in a single flight. Here’s a look at five long-range jets built to make the world a little bit smaller.
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Boeing Business Jet 777X (11,645nm)
Boeing occupies the top two spots on this list, but almost by default. Its 777X business jet is more of a commercial craft than a private business jet, seating 75 passengers. Its range is nonetheless impressive, and it has the unique distinction of being able to fly between any two cities in the world without stopping to refuel. The Boeing Business Jet 777X is also massive. Its cabin measures an impressive 2,356-sq-ft, with a width of 19ft 7in.
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Boeing Business Jet 787 (9,945nm)
The Boeing Business Jet 787 was designed as a commercial jet before moving into the private space. The jet offers close to 10,000nm in range and can fly for 17 hours straight before it needs to land and refuel. Nicknamed the “Dreamliner,” this jet makes comfort a priority in addition to range. Its cabin pressurizes at a lower altitude to improve flying comfort and reduce jet lag, and passengers are known for disembarking feeling rejuvenated at their destination.
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Bombardier Global 8000 (9,000nm)
While significantly smaller than the Boeing jets on this list, the Bombardier Global 8000 is nonetheless a big-time aircraft with globetrotting range. At over 9,000nm, this jet can get you from Los Angeles to Dubai without the need for a stopover. More important, it’ll get you there at Mach .925! Bombardier’s Global 8000 is the preferred craft for international CEOs and ultra-high net worth individuals who want to cover the globe in a single bound. It’s quickly followed by the Bombardier Global 7000, which comes up short by just 500nm.
Rob Hodgkins
Gulfstream G650ER (7,500nm)
While the Bombardier Global 7000 is technically next on the list, we’re leapfrogging it in favor of the Gulfstream G650ER to bring some manufacturer diversity to this long-range jet profile. At 7,500nm, it’s perhaps the most efficient craft on this list, as well as one of the most comfortable. The craft’s range-to-speed ratio is one of the best on the market, allowing you to get from New York to Beijing in a single bound.
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Dassault Falcon 8X (6,450nm)
Perhaps the most beautiful jet on this list, the Dassault Falcon 8X is a unique addition to this list because of its size. While most of the other jets listed are ultrawide-body or bizliners, the Falcon 8X has a long, yet sleek cabin that allows it to maximize fuel efficiency and perform at airports with steep approaches or shorter runways. This jet could soon be eclipsed by the newly announced Falcon 6X, however.
Every aircraft on this list makes it easy to jet around the globe without stopping. That said, it’s only a matter of time before there are new leaders in distance. The impending rise of supersonic craft will make the world smaller yet again, and engine technology is getting more efficient every day. It won’t be long until any destination around the globe is just a quick flight away.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
In a world where the standard for luxury business jets is already high, Dassault is raising the bar. In December, the company rolled out the newest iteration of its popular Falcon class of jets, the 16-seat, long-range, ultrawide-body Falcon 6X. The jet borrows fighter jet technology to bring customers double-digit improvements in efficiency and performance, and improves on the Falcon’s already-impressive cabin to deliver sophistication that rachets up the luxury factor of the 6X.
A livestream announcement from Dassault
Due to pandemic concerns, the introduction of the Falcon 6X took place via YouTube on December 8, 2020. While not an in-person event, the unveiling was nonetheless accompanied by substantial fanfare and plenty of exceptional visuals. Audiences were treated to a thorough overview of the ultrawide-body craft’s design — including a history lesson from Dassault Chairman and CEO, Eric Trappier.
The event also profiled the pillars of development behind the Falcon 6X: efficiency, comfort, and safety. Midway through the event, the Falcon 6X itself is introduced, wheeled onto the floor by test pilots in all its glory. Conversation shifts to the jet’s best-in-class cabin, explained in detail by Senior Executive Vice President of Civil Aircraft at Dassault, Carlos Brana.
In addition to the largest cabin by height and width, Brana explains that, upon completion, it’ll also be “the classiest cabin in the world.” The livestream then commences a tour of the fuselage, showing the extravagant sophistication and luxury of the Falcon 6X.
The livestream continues with a virtual interview with the President of Pratt & Whitney Canada, Maria Della Posta, who discusses the tremendous innovations that have gone into making the Falcon 6X one of the most efficient craft to-date. Finally, Dassault’s presentation ends with a cockpit explanation of the state-of-the-art navigation system of the craft, inspired by its fighter jet counterparts. It’s a truly special craft, done justice by a truly inspiring virtual event.
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Meet Dassault’s Falcon 6X
The Falcon 6X may be the newest iteration of the Dassault’s Falcon line of jets, but it’s in a class all its own. It features the widest cross sections of any aircraft designed specifically as a business jet, and feels as spacious as it looks. This enhanced design is made even bigger by 30 large windows, covering 5,000 square inches of visibility. The “ergonomic cocoon” of the craft’s cabin is already award-winning and is certain to embody the luxury and sophistication expected from Dassault.
Mach .90 capabilities, with max operating speed of 370 KIAS
Maximum certified altitude of 51,000 ft.
Takeoff/landing capabilities on runways of less than 3,000 ft.
There are several unseen improvements that make the Falcon 6X one of the most breathtaking jets ever designed. Continually-refreshed cabin air is exceptionally clean, while the auto-trim feature of its flight control system eliminates the need for in-flight efficiency adjustments by the pilot. Even the newly certified Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812D engines sported by the craft require less maintenance and offer improved efficiency.
An instant market-leader
In many cases, when a new jet enters the market, it quickly becomes the de facto benchmark to beat. While this is the case for the Falcon 6X, it’s also true that this craft has all the makings of an untouchable leader in the ultrawide-body business jet class. It’s simply hard to imagine a craft that’s better positioned to set the standard and maintain market leadership for the foreseeable future.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
We’ve been hearing for years about VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) craft and the future of air taxis. Unfortunately, nothing has come to fruition, and the closest we’ve gotten is a few flashy presentations. Now, it seems Uber is calling it quits and exiting from the industry. One company’s early exit could be another company’s game-changing benefit, however.
The company purchasing Uber Elevate is Joby Aviation — a company that’s been in pursuit of VTOL operation for more than a decade. With a recent infusion of venture capital and the assets of Uber’s now unencumbered Elevate division, Joby Aviation may have exactly what it needs to take the final step forward into a future of VTOL travel.
Downsizing offers big potential
Few companies made it through 2020 economically unscathed. Rideshare company Uber is no exception. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi responded to cash flow problems by attempting to unload unprofitable arms of the company. Uber Elevate represented one of the most glaring examples of unprofitability. Though ambitious, the division represented a long-term economic play — one that Uber simply couldn’t afford to maintain in the current economic climate.
As marketed in the original 2016 white paper, Uber Elevate would supplant traditional cab rides with an army of VTOLs that would take off and land at designated launch pads. In other words, before Uber saw a return, they would need to establish an expansive network of launchpads and finalize their aircraft: an electric vehicle still in the testing phases of development.
In short, for Uber to see positive results on their next earnings sheet, Uber Elevate would have to go. Of course, that worked perfectly for Northern California aviation firm, Joby Aviation.
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Meet Joby
If you’re unfamiliar with Joby Aviation, you’re not alone. Though in operation since 2009, the aircraft manufacturer preferred to steer clear of the limelight, keeping its experimental craft a secret. Although few people gained access to Joby’s designs, most seem delighted by the results.
In 2018, the company’s founder, inventor JoeBen Bivert, announced that it raised $100 million from big-name investors like Toyota and Intel. Then, in January 2020, Joby Aviation announced an additional $590 million in venture capital funding. The influx of cash and the announcement of a new electric-powered VTOL craft transformed Joby Aviation from a promising upstart into a power player overnight.
Uber also has invested $75 million in Joby as part of the acquisition deal. It’s a strong signal that, while divesting an unprofitable arm of the company, Uber still believes in its technology.
An ambitious combination
The team at Joby Aviation is optimistic about their acquisition. With Uber Elevate, Joby Aviation gains access to Uber’s unmatched communications technology. Paired with Joby Aviation’s impressive VTOLs and investment largess, that communication network could prove invaluable. As Bivert explained, “These tools and new team members will be invaluable to us as we accelerate our plans for commercial launch.”
There are still years of development ahead before passengers can book their own air taxi, but Uber Elevate’s transition to Joby Aviation brings that future one step closer. Uber’s technologies and Joby’s capital could prove the winning combination the VTOL industry needs to finally take flight.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
Demand for supersonic jets is growing. But before we see the likes of the Concorde in the skies again, we need a place to test the next generation of supersonic aircraft. It’s looking like that test site might very well be a 770-nm corridor in Kansas that runs from Garden City, KS to Pittsburg, KS.
The Kansas Supersonic Transportation Corridor (SSTC) is the result of a new agreement between the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and could be the testing grounds for Mach 3 aircraft as soon as 2024.
Supersonic test ground
Supersonic flight has been possible for decades. Ultimately, however, a combination of factors like immense noise and environmental pollution conspired to kill the first foray into supersonic jets. Today, several companies hope to resurrect the supersonic jet as a quieter, more environmentally friendly offering.
The deal struck between the FAA and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) offers a way for supersonic developers to test their planes in a controlled, supervised environment. Observers from the FAA, KDOT and various industry and academic groups like Wichita State University’s National Institute of Aviation Research will monitor flights, collect noise data, and plot the road ahead for supersonic flight.
Supersonic contenders like Aerion’s AS2, Boom’s XB-1, and Lockheed Martin’s X-59 will be among the first to break in the new corridor as these aviation leaders scramble to bring their jet to market quicker than the competition.
A host of new ideas
Besides testing individual supersonic jets and their speeds, the SSTC will provide room for companies to experiment with burgeoning technology. NASA and Lockheed Martin will use the SSTC to test their so-called “quiet” supersonic technology. Aerion, the developer of the AS2, hopes to test their Boom Cruise technology, which disperses the ill effects of a sonic boom before they reach the ground.
Celebrating the decision, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association president and CEO Pete Bunce declared:
“The Kansas Supersonic Transportation Corridor will assist in the assessment of sound mitigating structural and engine designs as well as state of the art atmospheric acoustic modeling that eliminates the sonic boom and shapes the noise signature of an aircraft traveling faster than the speed of sound to a very low volume rumble. The validation of these technological breakthroughs through the use of sophisticated ground acoustic and telemetry sensors will provide the necessary data to assist global regulators and policymakers in modernizing supersonic flight policies.”
More than going fast, supersonic jet makers of the future are working hard to be responsible in achieving these speeds. The Kansas corridor allows them to experiment with their responsible technology.
One leap forward
When the world’s most famous supersonic jet, the Concorde, made flights, travelers relished the speed. They also complained that it was noisy and uncomfortable. The sonic boom wasn’t just loud inside the jet. The tremors it created could be felt on the ground. Those undeniable drawbacks eventually saw the end of the Concorde and supersonic jets like it. The SSTC represents a ray of hope for people still awed by the magic of supersonic flight.
When it is in full swing, the SSTC will provide a means of testing and developing bold advances in the field of supersonic flight. Best of all, the joint effort allows regulators a way to control the potential harm the rebirth of supersonic flight may have otherwise caused. It’s a win-win all around.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
Aviation is on the cusp of several big breakthroughs — namely, low-emissions aircraft. Already there are several low-emission prototypes in the works, including the much-anticipated Celera 500L from Otto Aviation. Now, in a revelation on the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Green Innovations webcast, it appears there’s even more to look forward to from the Celera 500L. Otto Aviation has announced its intention to produce a zero-emission version of this aircraft to enter service in 2027. It could very well be the world’s first zero-emissions craft, and it comes at an important time.
Responsible travel
The looming threat of climate change demands immediate action. As organizations and individuals around the world push for regulation, aviation companies are preparing for paradigm shifts that force greener, more sustainable practices in everything from airframe manufacturing to biofuel developments. The goal of these new endeavors is simple: to maintain current levels of comfort and capability, without putting further strain on the environment.
One of the most sought achievements of this new age of production is net-zero carbon emissions. In particular, aircraft manufacturers face increased scrutiny from passengers and regulatory bodies alike, to find ways to decrease their carbon footprint. Now, Otto Aviation may have the answer.
Almost-but-not-quite possible
The team behind Otto Aviation has already reveled in the spotlight. Their Celera 500L stands as one of the most exciting pending projects in aviation. In December, the company upped the ante when they announced a version of the Celera 500L that could produce zero emissions. Unfortunately, there’s a catch.
The battery required to power the net-zero Celera 500L doesn’t exist … yet. During the announcement, Otto Aviation’s Chief Technology Officer David Bogue explained, “We’re optimistic that improvements to specific energy, cycles, and charge rates would enable battery power on future aircraft, especially in the long term.”
At present, Otto Aviation believes a zero-emission Celera 500L could hit the market by 2027. And there’s encouraging reason to think they’re right. Battery technology is growing at an exponential rate thanks to the likes of eVTOL ventures and even automotive manufacturers like Tesla.
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A step toward sustainable flight
The battery technology for a zero-emission Celera might remain in development, but that doesn’t mean the Celera 500L isn’t beautiful to behold. There’s a good reason Otto Aviation earned a spot among the aviation industry’s darlings.
The Celera 500L went back to the drawing board on aircraft design. Ultimately, they turned out a craft that looks like a cross between a private plane and an old-fashioned zeppelin. Besides increasing the interior space of an average private jet, the design of the Celera 500L allows it to achieve extraordinary feats of distance and efficiency.
In fact, Otto Aviation says the Celera 500L is roughly nine times more fuel-efficient than the average private jet. Not only does this reduce the plane’s environmental stress, but it also makes for incredible cruising distances.
In a world increasingly anxious about climate change, the Celera 500L is a significant step forward. Should it achieve a carbon-neutral output, it would definitely fall into the realm of “industry-defining aircraft.”
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is tamping down hard on illegal charters. Back in May 2020, the agency sent out a letter encouraging pilots to double-check compliance standards before chartering a flight to ensure they aren’t in violation of federal aviation regulations and, thus, operating an illegal charter. The reminder comes at a time when the FAA says illegal chartering is happening more than ever. More operators and more technologies to facilitate charters have made it easier to broker one; however, that doesn’t mean it’s a legal charter.
The industry fights back
There are numerous reasons to avoid an illegal charter, and to make sure the charter you’re booking isn’t operating outside of FAA guidelines in any way. The chief problem with most illegal charters is that flyers (and operators) aren’t even aware they’re illegal. As a result, there’s no assurance of safety. Unfortunately, not only do illegal charters pose a threat to their passengers, they also risk besmirching the entire charter aircraft industry — whether the pilot is knowingly or unknowingly breaking FAA rules.
In response to increased concern for illicit charters (also known as “grey” charters), a group of 10 prominent industry groups from four different continents have banded together to educate the public. The Air Charter Safety Alliance (ACSA) intends to launch “an online educational campaign” to improve awareness of these potentially dangerous trips.
Prominent players
As it ramps up initiatives, the ACSA counts among its members several prominent aircraft safety organizations, including the U.S. National Air Transportation Association, the U.K. Air Charter Association, and the various incarnations of the National Business Aviation Association spread across the world. Dave Edwards, CEO of the Air Charter Association, stated:
“Illegal charter goes against everything our industry works hard to deliver — it increases the risk to passengers, damages the reputation of our industry, and impacts careers and businesses. By working together with our partner associations around the world, we aim to protect the air charter community and educate passengers, pilots, and aircraft owners about the serious consequences of illegal charter.”
The accidental criminal
One of the most alarming factors surrounding grey charters is that many pilots may be operating one without realizing it. Experts consider something like loaning your plane to friends or clients a grey charter. What may appear to be casual, harmless arrangements for jet owners could end up costing thousands, even millions of dollars in the event an accident occurs. If the National Transportation Safety Board discovers you’re operating a grey charter, the consequences are severe for pilots and owners alike — including fines and/or loss of licensure.
It’s cases like these that the ACSA hopes to curtail. The goal of the organization isn’t to punish offenders but to educate those people unknowingly committing infractions and guide them toward compliance. The hope is that with increased awareness and education about grey charters, the number of accidental illegal charters will drop and the excuses for knowingly operating one will become narrower.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
Cabin space is one of the most important elements in the private flying experience. What’s the sense in owning or flying on a private jet if you can’t comfortably sprawl a little? Jet manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to add mere inches to cabin size, and those inches make a big difference in flyer comfort. But what if space wasn’t the issue? Many times, it’s not. Perception is. It’s why manufacturers have started paying more attention to depth of design, instead of just total cabin square footage.
Trick the eye
Once the air is purified and the Wi-Fi is hooked up, passengers on a private flight are only looking for one primary trait in a jet: space. Those people forced to cram into a large commercial plane are frequently confronted with the airline’s need to squeeze as many people as possible onto the flight. One of the frills of taking a chartered flight or buying into a fractional flight service is the extra space they allow.
They want legroom. They want headroom. They want to be able to stretch their arms without hitting something. Generation after generation of private jet has struggled to respond to this request. Now, as engineers step aside in their attempts to get more physical space into the cabin, designers are answering the call with new ways of making the cabin feel bigger, even if it’s not.
Hack the cabin
There are a variety of ways that aircraft designers are experimenting with methods for expanding the impression of size in the cabin. For example, jet windows need not be confined to traditional portholes. Modern innovations are increasing the size of their windows to allow passengers more viewing space. Another tactic adopted by designers is specific mood lighting. You would be utterly astonished at the impact that some adjustable lighting can have when you want to make your cabin space seem larger.
According to airplane designer Paul Wylde, it is merely that — until now — the design of the cabin has been left to engineers, not designers. According to Wylde, “the single most important criteria of any aircraft design” is weight reduction. For an engineer, limiting the weight of the aircraft comes before anything else. Adding glass for bigger windows means adding weight to the plane, for example. Fortunately, designers are coming up with new ways to make any jet feel expansive.
Size isn’t everything
When it comes to rethinking a private jet cabin, the goal is to create more space in new models, using strategies that allow for easy retrofitting to older aircraft. For example, the designers at Gulfstream devoted time to their lighting scheme. Reports Gulfstream’s Director of Design Tim O’Hara, “our new lighting system provides such beautiful light. After experiencing the system, many customers commented on how wide it makes the G700 feel.”
Other touches, like minimalist decor and increased importance on transparent surfaces all work in symphony to make modern jets feel bigger.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
One of the first decisions any jet buyer needs to make is what class jet they want to own. That means narrowing it down from seven major categories before choosing between like-kind models. Here’s a quick synopsis on each jet class and what to expect from models within it.
Very Light Jets
With up to three hours of flight time, Very Light Jets (VLJs) are great for a quick puddle jump. Popular offerings like the Eclipse 500 and the Embraer Phenom 100 seat between 4 and 7 people. They can cover 1300 miles in a jump, which would get you from Chicago to New York in a few hours. The real strength of a VLJ is its ability to get to remote destinations. Because they don’t require a long runway, VLJs can get into an out of areas that are off-limits to larger jets.
Small Light Jets
Business travelers love Small Light Jets (SLJs) for a variety of reasons: it can hold up to eight people, make longer trips than VLJs, and has little issue navigating smaller private airstrips. That makes SLJs ideal for business travelers hoping to reach various locations that may not be near a larger city. What’s more, popular SLJs like the Cessna Citation CJ2 and the Hawker 400 XP are outfitted with private lavatories, a feature few VLJs can offer.
Super Light Jets
The super light jet is a sector that’s always prime for innovation. When discussing super lights, there’s always a boundary-pushing exception to every rule. Super light jets tend to seat an average of eight people, but Embraer’s Phenom 300 seats 11 in lavish comfort. Most super light jets get 1,600 nautical miles to a tank; however, the Gulfstream G100 boasts a range of more than 2,500 nautical miles.
Mid-Size Cabin Jets
For those travelers who require a way to cross the ocean in a single jump, the first class to begin your search is mid-sized cabin jets. The average range of these jets is about 2,700 nautical miles or a quick hop from Los Angeles to Honolulu or Chicago to Caracas. Mid-size cabin jets can seat about seven passengers comfortably. Market standouts like the Gulfstream G150 and the Learjet 60 also offer spectacular amenities like full galleys, complete entertainment systems, and cabins that allow you to stand upright.
Super Mid-size Cabin Jets
Bring along more friends (or coworkers) without sacrificing luxury in a super mid-size cabin jet, which seats 10 people comfortably. They also squeeze in an impressive number of amenities like refreshment centers, customized cabin layouts, fully enclosed lavatories, and more. These planes are globe-trotters, too. The Gulfstream G200 and the Bombardier Challenger 350 can travel 3,000 nautical miles without any issues.
Heavy Jets
Want to get from London to Calcutta in a single flight with a dozen of your closest friends? Look to the heavy jet, which averages 3,500 nautical miles. To improve the travel experience, heavy jets like the Gulfstream 350 and the Dassault Falcon 900 include the capacity for two flight attendants, plus the space for complete dining and entertainment experiences.
Ultra-Long-Range Heavy Jets
Go anywhere with an ultra-long-range heavy jet. An average of 14 to 17 people can enjoy themselves on a trip that can extend more than 5,800 nautical miles without stopping for gas. Multiple lounge spaces, full bedrooms, and complete refreshment centers are the baselines for amenities from sector favorites like the Gulfstream V and the Dassault Falcon 7X.
There is so much more to learn about private jets. You just need to find the perfect team to help you educate yourself as you explore your options.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
Private jet ownership and use aren’t the exclusive clubs they once were. Although barriers to ownership are still limited to the ultra-wealthy and corporations, more and more people are experiencing private air travel in 2020. As a result, new demands have arisen from buyers, be they high-net-worth buyers or fractional fleets. Standard features and amenities are still the primary drivers of jet purchases; however, new owners are more vocal about everything, from digital connectivity to cabin air quality.
A new breed of buyer
The world is changing. Individual jet ownership may not come any cheaper, but new approaches to the private jet experience have created more consumers who will come into first contact with private flight. These newcomers aren’t staying quiet about their needs, either. For every dollar they bring to the table, they’re bringing requests that go beyond the traditional asks of a private jet buyer.
For example, in the age of the novel coronavirus, passengers on private jets are increasingly concerned about air quality. And designers are listening. Embraer’s Praetor series cruises at a low altitude of 45,000 feet, which allows for more active air purification than ever. Gulfstream’s new G700 is being built with air quality in mind as well.
Flying into fresh territory
Perhaps the most exciting travel trend to arise during the COVID-19 pandemic could end up being one of its most enduring. Fractional flights allow passengers to purchase shares in a plane.
In other instances, large companies are limiting company charters and travel on public flights due to the pandemic. To get employees where they need to go, companies are flat-out buying jets to ensure that they’re cleaned and maintained correctly.
Give us the frills
In the old days, passengers entering a private flight were looking for specific factors. They wanted enough room to maneuver, reasonable flight speeds, and the range to get where they’re going without having to land and refuel. Current charter and private passengers expect all that, too, but now they’ve got a few more concerns on their mind.
After air quality, the most sought-after feature in a charter jet is Wi-Fi. Whether they’re connecting on social media or answering emails for work, people need to be connected. Beyond that enthusiastic request, people want their charter flights to feel less cramped. They want elegant, full-sized bathrooms, space to hold a meeting in-flight and bedrooms that make things feel like home.
Finally, even though they’re traveling on a jet, today’s passengers want to know their private plane is working to limit its emissions and making the most of its fuel capacity.
Excellence built-in
As the world of private aviation opens to an entirely new audience, these newcomers to the industry are demanding that private aircraft raise the bar. That’s never too much to ask.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
Announced back in October 2019, Gulfstream’s much-anticipated G700 is making great progress toward an expected 2022 service date. The model’s fifth test jet, nicknamed T5, completed its test flight on October 23, 2020. The fifth and last test flight planned, all systems are go, and everything looks as good as could be desired for Gulfstream’s newest long-range offering. With more than 600 hours logged by test jets over the last eight months, Gulfstream is quickly justifying the buzz associated with the G700 through immaculate test results.
The October test
The fifth test flight of Gulfstream’s newest offering has arrived at a lightning-quick pace. Mere days after a successful fourth flight of the prototype, this fifth flight has built on the success of prior outings even as it took steps into new territory. During the three-hour and eight-minute flight, the T5 collected data that will be used to further hone avionics and flight training simulator data.
Although the jet didn’t reach previous record heights and speeds, its top altitude of 48,000 feet and speed of Mach .925 is considered a massive success.
Five testers
Gulfstream is taking a novel approach to designing and testing its newest jet. They’ve released five separate test jets. Each will focus on different components within the plane. T5 focused on avionics and flight simulator info, while the other flights each zeroed in on specifics:
T1 looked at the more innovative aspects of the plane, like flutter, stalls, new flying qualities, and more.
T2 prioritized the new updates implemented in the cabin.
T3 played with loads, engine/thrust-reverser operation, field and climb performance, etc.
T4 concentrated on the environmental control system, mechanical systems and the cooling and venting process.
By restricting their areas of testing to specific components on the plane, engineers and designers were able to amplify the attention they typically spend on a jet’s systems. The approach appears to be working. After the successful flight of T3, Gulfstream President Mark Burns reported, “All three flight-test aircraft are performing exactly as we expected.”
After two more extraordinarily successful test flights, there is no reason to expect that anything has changed in the intervening months.
Blazing new trails
We’ll still have to wait until 2022 to see the Gulfstream enter the public market. That said, after a turbulent economic year, the news that the G700 is still on track to meet its expected release date — even amidst a pandemic — is nothing short of fantastic.
After all, this could just be Gulfstream’s most exciting jet yet. With an incredibly long 7,500 nautical mile range and up to 5 expansive living areas, the G700 is equipped to handle any needs, whether you’re headed to an all-important business trip, or you’re searching for the perfect leisure craft.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
