When considering the maximum range of a private jet, it’s essential to understand both the top models capable of the longest nonstop flights and the factors that influence this range.
For those interested in transcontinental or intercontinental travel, the range is a crucial factor that determines how far and efficiently a jet can fly without refueling.
This article explores the maximum range capabilities of leading private jets and what factors can impact these impressive distances.
Factors That Influence the Maximum Range of a Private Jet
However, much like when viewing the average fuel burn of private jets, these figures must be taken with a grain of salt. This is because there are a variety of factors that will impact the maximum range of the aircraft. And, unfortunately, all factors will decrease the figures stated.
The following factors will all negatively impact aircraft range:
- Speed & Altitude
- When flying at higher speeds, drag increases. Therefore, more power is needed to maintain a higher speed. As a result, manufacturers often provide a long-range cruise speed in order to provide the best balance between speed and range.
- The higher you go, the less dense the air is. Therefore, less effort is needed to push through the surrounding air. However, in order to get higher, more thrust is needed to climb to the optimum high altitude. More thrust results in increased fuel burn. Increase fuel burn results in less range.
- Passengers & Baggage
- Passengers and baggage result in increased weight. Increased weight results in increased drag. Increased drag results in more thrust required. The more thrust is needed, the more fuel is used. The more fuel used, the lower the aircraft’s range.
- Approximately a 10% increase in aircraft mass requires a 10% increase in thrust. This then translates to a 5% decrease in range.
- Weather
- Wind can be a blessing and a curse. When cruising with a tailwind, the range will be optimum. However, when cruising with a headwind, more thrust is needed to push through. Therefore, the range will significantly decrease.
- Of course, wind conditions are hard to predict when you are booking your flight. Therefore, a safety margin will always need to be factored in when planning a private jet flight.
Realistically How Far Can Private Jets Fly?
Some can fly less than 1,500 Nautical Miles, while others can fly for up to 8,000 Nautical Miles without needing to refuel.
There are, therefore, many factors that influence how far a private jet can fly. Factors such as passengers on board, weight, meteorological conditions, and so on, will all impact the maximum range of an aircraft.
Furthermore, as more fuel equals more weight, taking off from a short runway will require a lighter load. This will, therefore, reduce the aircrafts overall range.
However, the map above demonstrates the range capabilities of all types of aircraft. From turboprops to Head of State Aircraft. From single engine jet aircraft to private jets with three engines. All the range figures are the official manufacturer numbers. Therefore, this map represents the absolute maximum non-stop flight distance.
Different Aircraft Fly Different Distances
There are five basic types of aircraft categories available on this map. Turboprop aircraft, Very Light Jets, Light Jets, Medium Jets and Large Jets.
With the exception of turboprop aircraft, the larger the aircraft gets the further it can fly.
Here are some estimates of the maximum range of different aircraft types:
| Aircraft Class | Average Range |
|---|---|
| Turboprop | 1,700 Nautical Miles |
| VLJ | 1,200 Nautical Miles |
| Light Jet | 2,000 Nautical Miles |
| Medium Jet | 3,000 Nautical Miles |
| Large Jet | 4,000 – 8,000 Nautical Miles |
The Farthest a Private Jet Can Fly
Until recently, the private jet that could fly the farthest without needing to refuel was the Bombardier Global 7500, with a maximum range of 7,700 nautical miles.
However, in 2022 both Bombardier and Gulfstream introduced two new aircraft that can cruise non-stop for up to 8,000 nautical miles.
These two aircraft are the Bombardier Global 8000 and Gulfstream G800.
To put this in perspective, you could comfortably fly non-stop on the Global 8000 or Gulfstream G800 from New York to Bangkok.
As you would expect from aircraft that each has a new list price of over $75 million, the interiors are quite spectacular.
Naturally, these two aircraft can be equipped with stand-up showers, dedicated bedrooms, dining areas, and, crucially, a dedicated crew rest area.
In fact, there are a range of private jets that can fly mind-boggling distances, all with incredible interiors.
Very Light Jet Maximum Range
Taking a closer look at each aircraft category allows for a greater analysis of range figures.
Within the Very Light Jet category, we have aircraft that are typically used to carry up to 4 passengers short distances.
The differences within this category are extremely minor, with a difference of just 425 nautical miles between the Eclipse 500/550 and the Cessna Citation M2.
These aircraft are mostly used for quick hops between cities, typically under 1 hour. For example, London to Paris.
Light Jet Range
Looking at the maximum range of light jets, there is a far greater discrepancy between the aircraft with the largest range and the aircraft with the smallest range.
Indeed, given that the light jet category is far more established than the VLJ category, we see a greater age range of aircraft. The oldest aircraft on this list is the Cessna Citation I, with deliveries having started in 1971.
However, the bulk of light jets have a maximum range that is around the 2,000 nautical mile mark. A distance that is just about New York to Las Vegas.
Unfortunately, given that there are a series of variables that will reduce the range of aircraft, it is unlikely that a light jet will actually be able to carry out the New York to Las Vegas mission successfully without needing to refuel.
Of course, there are some aircraft with significantly less range. Aircraft such as the Beechcraft Premier I and Cessna Citation CJ1 have range figures that put them closer to the VLJ category of aircraft.
Medium Jet Range
Much like when looking at the range figures of light jets, some medium jets are more closely suited to the light jet category (based on range figures alone).
However, unlike light jets, there isn’t a significant group of medium jets with similar range figures. The graph below demonstrates a far more varied set of range figures.
At the lower end of the scale, we have the Cessna Citation VII, with a maximum range of 1,700 nautical miles. And then, at the top end of the scale, we have the Gulfstream G200 with a maximum range of 3,394 nautical miles.
Additionally, the age of these aircraft varies significantly. The oldest aircraft on the list is the Dassault Falcon 20F-5BR, with deliveries having started in 1970.
This runs all the way up to 2019, when deliveries of the Embraer Praetor 500 began.
Large Jet Maximum Range
And finally, the large jets. This is the group with the most aircraft, the oldest aircraft, the greatest range, and the biggest difference in range between aircraft.
Starting off with age. The oldest aircraft within the large jets category is the Gulfstream GII, with deliveries having started in 1967.
Additionally, it is the group with the newest aircraft. This is due to the Gulfstream G700, Dassault Falcon 10X, Bombardier Global 8000, and Gulfstream G800. Deliveries are due to start in 2022 and 2025 respectively.
Next, let’s look at outright maximum range figures. At the bottom end of the scale, we have the Bombardier Challenger 850. This is a large aircraft that can accommodate up to 15 passengers. However, it can only fly a maximum of 2,546 nautical miles non-stop.
And then, at the top of the scale, we have the Bombardier Global 8000 and Gulfstream G800. Both aircraft are capable of cruising non-stop for up to 8,000 nautical miles. This, theoretically, allows the aircraft to fly non-stop between Los Angeles and Singapore.
Overall, that results in a difference of more than 5,300 nautical miles between the large jet with the largest range and the smallest range.
Of course, there is a common grouping of large jets, with most being in the 3,500 – 4,500 nautical mile range group.
Top Private Jets with the Longest Maximum Range
1. Bombardier Global 8000 (8,000 Nautical Miles)
In joint first place, the private jet with the maximum range is the Bombardier Global 8000. Announced in May 2022, the Global 8000 is the latest in the popular and long-running Global family of aircraft.
The Bombardier Global 8000 has a maximum range of 8,000 nautical miles.
The Global 8000 is capable of carrying up to 19 passengers with a top speed of Mach 0.94, powered by two General Electric Passport engines.
As a result of the powerful Passport engines, the Global 8000 has a top speed of Mach 0.94. Additionally, the Global 8000 has a typical cruise speed of Mach 0.85 and a high-speed cruise figure of Mach 0.90. Perhaps most impressively, the Global 8000 also has an ultra-high-speed cruise of Mach 0.92.
In fact, the Global 8000 is so fast that during testing it broke the sound barrier.
Additionally, the Global 8000 has an initial cruise altitude (at MTOW) of 43,000 feet. It is then able to continue climbing all the way to 51,000 feet.
2. Gulfstream G800 (8,000 Nautical Miles)
In joint first place, there is the Gulfstream G800.
The Gulfstream G800 was announced in October 2021. Deliveries are due to begin in 2024 with the first flight having taken place in June 2022. The wings and engines are shared with the Gulfstream G700.
The G800 has a starting list price of $71.5 million. The aircraft has a top speed of Mach 0.925 and a maximum range of 8,000 nautical miles.
The G800 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines. Each engine is capable of outputting up to 18,250 lbs of thrust. This, therefore, results in a total thrust output of 36,500 lbs of thrust.
As a result, the Gulfstream G800 is able to cruise at a maximum speed of Mach 0.925. The high-speed cruise figure is Mach 0.90, whereas the optimum long-range cruise speed is Mach 0.85.
3. Bombardier Global 7500 (7,700 Nautical Miles)
Until 2022, the private jet with the longest range was the Bombardier Global 7500. However, it currently sits third in the list of private jets with the maximum range.
The 7500 has a range of, you guessed it, 7,700 Nautical Miles. That translates to 8,861 Miles or 14,260 KM.
The range of the Global 7500 is so impressive that in October 2019 it set a new record for the longest mission ever flown. An impressive non-stop flight from Sydney to Detroit, Michigan was the mission. The Global 7500 completed this flight in 17 hours non-stop.
The range of the Global 7500 is so impressive that it can easily connect virtually any two points of the globe without needing to stop.
Additionally, the Global 7500 is no slouch. It can cruise at a speed of 516 knots – also making it one of the fastest business jets in existence.
As you would expect from an aircraft that costs $73 million before options, the interior is top of the range. The Global 7500 has more natural light in the cabin than any other private jet. Bombardier’s Pure Air system provides 100% fresh air, while also being able to rapidly heat and cool the cabin.
4. Gulfstream G700 (7,500 Nautical Miles)
In joint fourth place there in the competition for the private jet with the longest range is the Gulfstream G700. The G700 is a new entrant to the market.
However, as you can tell from the rest of the aircraft on this list, Gulfstream knows a thing or two about maximizing range.
The G700 is Gulfstream’s answer to the Global 7500. The G700 can also cruise at 516 knots at a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet. Both aircraft can carry up to 19 passengers.
The G700 is even similar in price – costing $75 million before options.
However, the G700 can only fly non-stop for 7,500 Nautical Miles. That translates to 8,630 Miles or 13,890 KM.
Much like the Global 7500, there aren’t many destinations that the G700 can’t reach on a single tank of fuel. London to Perth, Australia, Tokyo to New York, Dallas to Cape Town. The G700 can fly all these routes non-stop.
As we saw with the Global 7500, it is imperative that the cabin is properly appointed to accommodate long missions.
Thankfully an area that the G700 trumps the Global 7500 is dedicated living spaces. The G700 can have up to five dedicated living spaces.
5. Gulfstream G650ER (7,500 Nautical Miles)
Coming in joint fourth place with the G700 is the G650ER. ER stands for Extended Range. The G650ER can also fly 7,500 Nautical Miles (8,630 Miles / 13,890 KM) at a speed of 516 knots.
Both aircraft can cruise at a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet. And both aircraft can carry up to 19 passengers. However, the G650ER costs $70 million before options. $5 million less than the G700.
As you would expect from a Gulfstream, the G650ER is the gold standard for long-range cruising.
Low cabin altitude. 100% fresh air. Private stateroom. Quiet cabin. Ample natural light. The G650ER has it all.
The entire cabin can be controlled from a mobile app on your phone. This allows you to control the lights, temperature, and more.
Imagine that. You could be lying in a full-size bed at the rear of the aircraft flying over the Atlantic and turning off the lights from your phone. No need to even get out of bed.
The G650ER can have up to four living areas to provide “a refined getaway above the clouds”.
Featured Image: CGi Heart / Shutterstock.com
