Private aviation offers celebrities flexibility and convenience, as it allows them to avoid missing flights, standard check-ins, and security queues. In the United States, private jets are popular due to the number of airports and famed individuals who travel frequently for work. One business jet that has become a favorite among high-profile individuals is the Gulfstream G650 and its extended-range counterpart, the G650ER.
The Gulfstream G650 is known for holding the fastest flight record in business aviation history. With over 560 jets flying globally and 125 world speed records, the G650 and G650ER have made a name for themselves among business jets. These aircraft offer award-winning interiors, a low cabin altitude, and ample natural light from panoramic windows. Available since 2012 and 2014, the G650 and G650ER have logged over one million flight hours as of May 2024.
In terms of pricing, the G650 is listed at $70 million, with pre-owned models costing around $53 million. The G650ER is priced at $75 million, with pre-owned versions at $57 million. The distinct features between the two include the ER’s range of 7,500 nautical miles, compared to the G650’s 7,000 nautical miles, and their respective takeoff requirements. The G650ER has a maximum takeoff weight of 103,600 pounds, surpassing the G650’s 99,600 pounds, and requires a longer takeoff distance, impacting access to shorter runways.
Prominent figures such as Bill Gates, Cristiano Ronaldo, Elon Musk, Kim Kardashian, and Oprah Winfrey are among those who own Gulfstream G650s or G650ERs. Gates, who owns two G650ER jets, uses them for both domestic and international travel while also investing in sustainability. Ronaldo upgraded to a G650 from a G200, finding the new jet suitable for traveling between his home in Saudi Arabia and Portugal. Musk, known for his efficient use of time, has a G650ER, with efforts to conceal flight tracking data. Kardashian’s modified G650ER, dubbed “Kim Air,” reflects her luxurious style, and Winfrey’s frequent travels underscore the convenience of her G650ER.
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., located in Savannah, Georgia, is a prominent business jet manufacturer, producing over 3,000 aircraft globally. Founded in 1958, Gulfstream aims to lead in aerospace innovation with its new models, such as the G800 and G700, and emphasizes sustainable, aerodynamically advanced designs like the G500.
