The Gulfstream G700 and Gulfstream G800 are the two newest aircraft announced by Gulfstream.
Both aircraft feature the latest technology, some of the best performance statistics on the market, and are some of the most luxurious jets on the market.
Deliveries of the Gulfstream G700 started in 2022, with the first deliveries of the Gulfstream G800 due in 2024.
Therefore, how do these aircraft actually differ? Moreover, which is the actual flagship aircraft for Gulfstream? And how much do these aircraft cost to buy and operate?
In order to aid in this comparison we will be using our Premium service comparison feature, which you can learn more about here.
Performance
First up in this comparison is performance.
Both aircraft are powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, with each engine outputting 18,250 lbs of thrust. This, therefore, results in a total thrust output of 36,500 lbs.
Consequently, both aircraft have a high cruise speed of 516 knots or 0.90 Mach. However, in order to achieve their maximum range figures the cruise speed is reduced to 488 knots or 0.85 Mach.
This speed places both aircraft at the top of the table for the fastest in-production business jets. However, they are not the fastest business jets of all time, that position is taken by the Cessna Citation X+. Discover a complete list of private jet maximum speeds here.
Given that both aircraft are from the same manufacturer – Gulfstream – it is hardly surprising that a lot of the performance statistics are the same. Moreover, both aircraft are built on the same platform so there will be a lot of similarities.
For example, both the G700 and G800 have a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet. Both aircraft have an initial cruise altitude of 41,000 feet.
When it comes to fuel burn, figures are currently not available for the Gulfstream G800, however, they are likely to be extremely similar to the G700. The G700 boasts an hourly fuel burn figure of 382 gallons. Which, while high, is relatively reasonable for such a large and capable aircraft.
Range
One of the key features of these aircraft is their maximum range. The Gulfstream G700 is capable of flying 7,500 nautical miles non-stop, whereas the Gulfstream G800 is able to fly 8,000 nautical miles.
These are impressive stats, bringing them in line with the Bombardier Global 7500 and Bombardier Global 8000.
These are the highest figures in the industry and are exceptionally impressive for private jets. These figures are getting close to the longest-range commercial airliners. Given the much larger size of commercial aircraft, they are able to carry much more fuel to propel them further.
With a maximum range of 7,500 nautical miles, the Gulfstream G700 is capable of flying nonstop from New York to anywhere in South America, Europe, Africa, and most of Asia. In fact, the G700 can essentially fly non-stop from New York to anywhere in the world except for Australia without needing to refuel.
In comparison, the G800 is able to fly non-stop from New York to Auckland, New Zealand.
Of course, these figures are assuming perfect conditions and minimum weight.
If we input 8 passengers into the range map on our Premium service, the range is only marginally affected. Given the size of these aircraft, extra passengers will not influence the range in such a drastic way as a very light jet or light jet.
Ground Performance
The ground performance of these aircraft is exceptionally similar. However, at this stage, the landing distance of the G800 is currently unknown.
This is not too much of a concern as the take-off distance is almost always greater than the landing distance. Given that anywhere you land you also have to take-off again, the larger figure is always the more important one.
The Gulfstream G700 has a minimum take-off distance of 6,250 feet. In comparison, the Gulfstream G800 has a minimum take-off distance of 6,000 feet.
Again, this is assuming perfect conditions and minimum weight.
Moreover, a difference of 250 feet is unlikely to make a significant difference in the real world.
Interior Dimensions
Again, the similarities continue with the interior dimensions of each aircraft.
With the exception of length, the G700 and G800 have the same interior width the interior height, with some very impressive figures.
Both the Gulfstream G700 and Gulfstream G800 have an interior width of 8.17 feet and an interior height of 6.27 feet.
These are incredibly impressive figures.
A wider cabin will result in wider seats, more shoulder room, and a wider aisle. This will all make the flight more comfortable and make it easier to move around the cabin.
Additionally, a taller cabin will make it easier to move around as the majority of people will be able to stand up straight. Additionally, a taller cabin will make the interior a more pleasant and airy environment.
However, when it comes to the interior length of these aircraft that is where they differ.
The Gulfstream G700 has an interior length of 56.92 feet, whereas the Gulfstream G800 has an interior length of 46.82 feet.
A longer cabin won’t necessarily make the cabin more comfortable. For example, most seats will have the same legroom available, and once legroom is satisfied you will not see the benefits of a longer cabin.
The primary benefit of a longer cabin is the space for more seats, which, in turn, results in more passengers. Additionally, a longer cabin allows for more living zones which allows you to fit in more comfort features.
For example, a longer cabin will allow you to configure a conference suite, a bedroom, a shower, and a lounge area.
Despite the difference in length, both aircraft are able to carry up to 19 passengers. However, the typical configuration for the G700 is 16 passengers, and 15 passengers for the G800.
Therefore, the longer cabin of the G700 will allow for more space per passenger effectively.
Interior
Given that these are two of the newest aircraft on the market and that Gulfstream is renowned for creating exceptional cabins, the interiors of these aircraft are exceptional.
Given the newness of the G800, there is some data missing that is useful when comparing aircraft. However, a lot of the figures will be the same or close to that of the G700.
For example, the maximum cabin altitude in the G700 is just 4,850 feet. Therefore, when cruising at 51,000 feet, the cabin pressure feels like you are just at 4,850 feet.
This will no doubt be the same for the Gulfstream G800.
Gulfstream G700
According to Gulfstream, the G700 features the tallest, widest and longest cabin in the industry. If you require a larger cabin you will be looking at the VIP airliners, such as the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) or Embraer Lineage 1000E.
The aim of the G700 is to create the most comfortable environment possible in the sky so that you can sleep, work or relax as efficiently as possible. The G700 features true circadian lighting to simulate the sunlight of your next time zone to help reduce the effects of jet lag.
Additionally, the G700 has a maximum cabin altitude of just 4,850 feet, one of the lowest cabin altitudes to be found on a private jet, helping you sleep better and reducing the effects of jet lag. Add in the extremely quiet cabin, you will have no trouble working, sleeping, or just relaxing.
Gulfstream has also fitted the G700 with twenty of the largest windows in business aviation, flooding the cabin with natural light to make the already large cabin feel even more spacious. As standard, the G700 features Jet Connex Ka-band Wi-Fi so that you can stay connected when you are in the air for hours at a time.
The G700 features an all-new seat design that is handcrafted for each aircraft and can be converted to ergonomic beds. The G700 has a maximum capacity of 19 passengers in a seating configuration and space for 13 passengers in a sleeping configuration. The cabin can be configured with up to five living spaces so you will always be able to get some privacy from your fellow passengers when on a long flight. See below for the various configurations you can have on a G700.
Gulfstream G700
Gulfstream G800
Gulfstream G800
Inside, the G800 has been designed for maximum comfort and efficiency. Given that the G800 can fly non-stop between continents, the interior needs to accommodate relaxation, sleeping, working, and dining.
Additionally, given that the G800 is Gulfstream’s flagship aircraft it has been equipped with all the latest technology and the finest materials.
As you would expect, the cabin altitude for the G800 is extremely low. A lower cabin altitude will make for a more pleasant cabin environment, as well as reduce the effects of jet lag. Additionally, cabin air is replenished every 2 to 3 minutes with 100% fresh air. Moreover, the air is purified by Gulfstream’s plasma-ionization clean air system.
Throughout the cabin, there are 16 panoramic oval windows, which, according to Gulfstream, are the largest in the industry. These windows drench the cabin in natural light and provide breathtaking views of the world below.
The cabin can be configured to have up to 4 distinct living areas and can accommodate up to 19 passengers, with space to sleep up to 10. The cabin can be configured to have a dedicated crew rest area, multiple divans, a conference suite, and a private suite. Of course, when you are configuring your aircraft you can lay it out, however, you need to suit your requirements.
Charter Price
Again, given the newness of these aircraft, charter pricing is hard to determine.
However, it is unlikely that you will be able to find a G700 easily for charter. And, again, given that deliveries of the G800 are yet to begin, none are available for charter.
However, looking at similar aircraft (G650ER, Global 7500), one can anticipate the hourly cost of a G700 charter to be in the region of $13,000.
Purchase Price
When it comes to purchasing these aircraft, they carry hefty price tags. These are two of the most expensive brand-new private jets that you can buy.
The Gulfstream G700 has a list price of $75 million. In comparison, the Gulfstream G800 has a list price of $71.5 million.
However, the majority of private jet owners purchase their aircraft on the pre-owned market.
Therefore, it is important to consider the depreciation rate and pre-owned values.
For the G800 this simply isn’t possible as deliveries are yet to begin. However, given that this is one of the most advanced business jets around, it is unlikely to experience hefty depreciation.
Therefore, buyers who purchase new and operate for a few years are unlikely to lose significant amounts of money in depreciation.
This statement also rings true for the G700. Even though deliveries have started there isn’t a lot of historical data to draw any concrete conclusions.
For a 2022 model, G700 the estimated value is around $70 million.
Summary
So, how do we conclude this comparison between the G700 and G800? Which is better and how do they differ? Also, why has Gulfstream produced these aircraft that are so similar?
Well, when it comes to deciding between these aircraft the main trade-off is the longer cabin for a shorter range.
That is essentially the key difference, and that choice is up to you. Do you want a cabin with more features and space, or a slightly increased range?
The longer range of the G800 will provide you with more flexibility in your mission profile, especially given that it has a slightly shorter take-off distance.
However, if you want one of the largest, most luxurious interiors of a business jet today, the G700 is the way to go.
Again, it’s important to remember that range figures of 7,500 and 8,000 nautical miles are extremely impressive. These are phenomenal figures. Therefore, for the majority of long-range missions, either aircraft will be capable.
Now, why did Gulfstream create these aircraft so similarly?
Firstly, Bombardier upped the range competition with the Global 8000.
Secondly, think of these aircraft like the G650 and G650ER. They are essentially the same aircraft, however, one has a longer range.
