Gulfstream’s newest plane takes my breath away.
The Savannah, Georgia-based maker of ultra-luxury private jets has launched a new flagship model that it hopes will be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration in the coming months.
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It’s easy to see why the Gulfstream G700 is the new flagship.
With room for up to 19 passengers — and enough room for 13 of them to sleep, the G700 is one of the larger jets on the market. The Gulfstream G700 that I came across had a bed and even a shower.
The $75 million private jet was the talk of the day at the National Enterprise Aviation Association’s Corporate Airshow & Conference in October in Orlando, Florida.
Here’s a closer look at this impressive new jet.
It can easily fly long distances
With a slightly reduced payload of eight passengers and four crew (remember the G700 can carry up to 19 passengers), the G700 is expected to have a range of 7,500 knots when cruising at speed. Mach 0.85–85% speed of sound.
By reducing the number of passengers, the G700 can carry more fuel, as long as it stays below the plane’s maximum take-off weight (for arithmetic enthusiasts, that’s 107,600 pounds).
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(If you’re in a hurry, though, planes can travel at Mach 0.925–92.5% the speed of sound. Range will suffer when traveling that fast, as the higher speeds will burn. burn more fuel.)
Here’s what the 7,500 nautical mile range looks like from New Jersey’s Teterboro Airport (TEB), just outside New York City:
Or, from London Stansted Airport (STN):
Or, from Sydney Airport (SYD):
Among Gulfstream’s lineup, the G700 will be surpassed only by the G800 in terms of range — a slightly smaller aircraft will have a range of 8,000 nautical miles at Mach 0.85. (The G800 has a maximum takeoff weight of just 2,000 pounds lighter than the G700, but changes the payload for a higher range and up to 15 passengers.)
Gulfstream brought its first G800 aircraft — an unfinished interior with full test equipment — to the NBAA-BACE conference. It is expected to be certified by the FAA after the G700.
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Lots of seating options
Of course, when you buy a $75 million jet, there’s a lot to customize.
Most notable are the seats, which can be selected in a variety of configurations. A company purchasing a G700 for use as a corporate jet might be more interested in a higher-density configuration, while an individual owner might focus on something low-density. more, emphasizing comfort over power (it’s all relative — I’d pick the top-powered G700 over commercial flight any day).
The plane I toured, the N702GD, had many parts.
The first part of this plane features a pair of club chairs, with a tray table that folds out from the side panel, which can be used for meetings, work or dining.
These chairs can also convert into beds.
The palm rest has light and window controls, along with a cup holder and wireless Qi charging.
The plane’s sequel features a couch that can also be converted into a bed. The couch has a seat belt, so it can be used as a seat during taxi rides, takeoffs and landings.
Opposite the couch is an entertainment center with a foldable TV.
Owners can stream whatever they want on the TV—and can even configure their favorite streaming service to use the G700’s standard Wi-Fi system. This particular plane is configured for the Apple TV.
For those who prefer a drink while enjoying a movie, there is a liquor store inside the entertainment center.
The sequel has more seating with built-in tables and has three horizontal seats, enough room for a total of six passengers.
Then comes the private lounge, which is separated from the rest of the plane by a partition with sliding, pocket-sized doors. With such a long range, the G700 can be equipped with a bed.
At the end of the bed is another TV — this one shows flight information, but it can be configured to show anything.
Across the aisle from the bed is a built-in, padded bed.
Next is another partition with more pocket doors, with toilet.
Although a rare installation on Gulfstreams, this G700 has a shower to allow VIPs to shower after a long flight.
The toilet seat is designed to be used at the same time as a seat parallel to the vanity mirror.
The sink area includes lots of mirrors and storage. The plane has a white finish — but owners will have a variety of options to choose from.
A customizable gallery
Like everything else, the kitchen is also customizable.
This plane features an oven, bar and other creature comforts.
first of the 2
ETHAN KLAPPER/THE POINT
Owners can even equip the kitchen with their favorite espresso machine.
One of the customizable layouts allows for a toilet in the front portion of the plane, in addition to the rear – providing complete privacy for those lucky enough to have access to the lounge.
bottom line
The Gulfstream G700 will be in the skies soon — and it will be an extremely important member of Gulfstream’s line of premium, custom private jets. With a spacious cabin and great range, this $75 million jet offers the best of both worlds for budget-conscious owners.
While I don’t have any flights planned on the G700 in the future, a trip on one of these incredible planes has been added to my to-do list. Just stepping foot on it while displaying static is incredible.
