Gulfstream G650

Overview & History

The Gulfstream G650 can trace is history back to 2005 when the project was launched internally. At the time, the aircraft set up to be the largest aircraft that Gulfstream had ever built.

Gulfstream unveiled the aircraft to the public in 2008 with it being the largest, fastest, and most expensive aircraft that the company had ever produced. These crowns have since been claimed by the G700.

The aircraft comes in two variants – the standard G650 and the G650ER. The G650ER is based on the same platform as the G650 but with an increased fuel capacity.

The G650 is capable of carrying up to 19 passengers on flights of up to 7,000 nautical miles (8,055 miles / 12,964 KM). Therefore, the G650 is capable of flying non-stop from London to virtually any airport in the world, with the exception of Australia, New Zealand, and the very Southern most tip of South America. The G650 can manage Los Angeles to Syndey non-stop, along with New York to Tokyo.

Back in 2013 Gulfstream flew the G650 around the world, breaking the speed record and completing the trip in just 41 hours and 7 minutes. This being the fastest westbound flight to circle the globe in a non-supersonic aircraft.

In total, the G650 and G650ER have earned over 110 speed records. Roughly half of these records are held just by the G650.

Gulfstream G650 Performance

The Gulfstream G650 is a top performaing aircraft when looking just at the numbers.

With a maximum passenger capacity of 19, the G650 can fly far and fast with ease.

Gulfstream G650 Range

The Gulfstream G650 has a maximum range of 7,000 nautical miles (8,055 miles / 12,964 KM).

This is 500 nautical miles less than that of the G650ER.

However, the maximum range of the G650 is more than enough to fly non-stop from Europe to North America, Europe to Africa, or Europe to much of Asia.

Of course, as with any maximum range figure of an aircraft, it is important to remember that this number is the best case scenario.

The maximum range of an aircraft will be affected by variables such as weather, weight, and routing requirements.

Cruise Speed

When it comes to speed, the G650 is one of the fastest private jets on the market.

The G650 has a maximum cruise speed of 516 knots. However, when trying to squeeze out the maximum range the G650 has a long-range cruise speed of 488 knots.

G650 Fuel Burn

Given the size and capabilities of the Gulfstream G650 it’s hourly fuel burn is naturally going to be relatively high.

The G650 has an hourly fuel burn of 475 gallons per hour.

This makes it one of the thirstiest private jets in the air.

G650 Maximum Altitude

The G650 has a maximum cruising altitude of 51,000 feet.

As a result, this places the G650 at the joint top of the list for the heighest private jet cruising altitudes.

Ground Performance and Weights

Powered by two rear-mounted Rolls-Royce BR725 engines with 16,900 lbs of thrust each, the G650 can take off in just 5,858 feet.

The G650 has a minimum landing distance of 3,182 feet.

The G650 has a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 99,600 lbs, with the ability to land with a maximum weight of 83,500 lbs. Of these maximum weights, the G650 can hold up to 44,200 lbs of fuel.

G650 Dimensions

The G650 is a large jet – on of the largest dedicated private jets ever made.

The Gulfstream G650 comes in with an exterior length of 99.7 feet (30.36 meters) and a height of 25.7 feet (7.83 meters).

The G650 is pretty much as wide as it is long, with a wingspan of 99.6 feet (30.35 meters).

Stepping inside, passengers are greeted by an interior length of 53.6 feet (16.34 meters).

The cabin’s width spans 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) and an interior height of 6.3 feet (1.92 meters).

Gulfstream G650 Interior

Of course, the G650 has a fantastic interior as expected with a Gulfstream.

The G650 boasts a spacious interior – described as “a refined getaway above the clouds”. The cabin can have up to four living areas, enough to work, dine, entertain and relax.

With one of the quietest cabins in business aviation, the G650 is the perfect place to relax. The G650 has a cabin noise level of just 47 decibels. A cabin altitude of 4,100 feet is the lowest in business aviation.

These two factors combine to guarantee that the G650 is supremely comfortable. Additionally, low cabin noise, low cabin altitude, and 100% fresh air ensure that you will arrive at your destination with minimal jet lag.

Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

With 16 of the trademark Gulfstream large, oval windows provide the cabin with an abundance of natural light.

Providing both comfort and productivity, Gulfstream’s handcrafted seats allow you to settle in and enjoy the journey. Each seat is positioned next to a window.

When circumnavigating the globe, as expected, the G650 is able to provide fully flatbeds for the passengers. All single seats and divan convert to beds, providing you with a good night’s sleep.

Flying on the G650 entitles you to the top-of-the-range cabin amenities. Expect WiFi connectivity, a 42-inch flatscreen TV, video monitors, extensive galley facilities.

Gulfstream G650 Floor Plans and Interior Layout

As you would expect with such a large cabin, there are a variety of options for the interior layout.

The main decision will be whether the galley is at the front or rear of the aircraft.

Additionally, the G650 can optionally have space for a dedicated crew rest area. This is ideal for long flights where multiple flight crew are required.

The G650 can have up to 4 distinct living areas.

Most configurations and interior layouts of the G650 will have 4 club seats in the front of the aircraft, followed by a dining area and then a divan at the aft of the cabin.

The bathroom onboard the G650 is right at the back of the cabin.

G650 Bathroom and Shower

Speaking of the bathroom onboard the G650, it is one of the few private jets on the market that can optionally include a shower onboard.

What’s even more impressive is that the shower is capable of providing up to a full hour of hot water.

Moreover, even with the shower in the rear lavatory there is still inflight baggage access.

Cockpit

All G650s come equipped with Gulfstream’s PlaneView™ II flight deck. This technology reduces pilot workload and increases safety.

Additionally, Gulfstream are continually developing their cockpits and technology. The latest safety and performance upgrades include steep-approach certification and Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS). This allows authorized pilots to land without natural vision in low-visibility conditions.

Future enhancements include their award-winning Predictive Landing Performance System, which is designed to help pilots avoid runway overruns.

Gulfstream G650 Charter Cost

The Gulfstream G650 costs and esimtaed $10,500 per flight hour.

The price will vary depending on availability, fuel costs, ground fees, and more. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like a recommended charter company with access to a G650.

Purchase Price

The Gulfstream G650 costs $65 million when purchased new. Purchasing a Gulfstream G650 will allow you to join the exclusive club of G650 owners, a club that has fewer than 500 members.

However, while a price tag of $65 million may be a little out of reach, a pre-owned example comes in at a far more reasonable cost. Buying a pre-owned example will provide you with the same access to the sub 500 club.

Pre-owned G650s cost in the range of $35 million for a 2014 example with reasonable hours and exemplary maintenance history.

Gulfstream G650 Ownership Costs

When it comes to owning and operating the Gulfstream G650 it has an estimated annual fixed cost of $773,810 and an estimated hourly cost of $3,981.

Therefore, if flying 200 hours per year, the Gulfstream G650 has an estimated annual operating cost of $1,600,010.

G650 Annual Budget Calculator

Use the calculator below to calculate the estimated annual budget to operate the Gulfstream G650.

Simply enter the number of hours per year and receive click “Get Annual Budget”. Below you will then see the estimated annual budget for owning and operating the G650.

The final value takes into account both fixed and variable costs. Please note that the final value is an estimate only. Additionally, note that all values are in USD.

G650 Accident History

The Gulfstream G650 has an exemplary safety record with just one recorded accident.

The only fatal accident of the G650 occured on April 2nd 2011 during testing.

The aircraft (N652GD, serial number 6002), creashed during takeoff during a planned one-engine-inoperative (OEI) takeoff. Both pilots and two flight test engineers were fatally injured.

Therefore, during the entire lifetime of the Gulfstream G650 – over 10 years of service – there has never been a single customer aircraft accident.

Gulfstream G650 In-Depth Specifications