Inside the Gulfstream G700, a $75 million private jet that can fly from New York to India
Gulfstream's latest plane took my breath away.
The Savannah, Georgia-based manufacturer of ultra-luxurious private jets is out with a new flagship model that it hopes to certify with the Federal Aviation Administration in the coming months.
It's easy to see why the Gulfstream G700 is the new flagship.
With room for as many as 19 passengers — and enough space to sleep 13 of them, the G700 is one of the larger jets on the market. The Gulfstream G700 I walked through featured a bed and even a shower.
The $75 million private jet was the talk of the show at October’s National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Orlando, Florida.
Here's a closer look at this impressive new jet.
It can easily fly long-haul
With a somewhat reduced load of eight passengers and four crew (remember, the G700 can fit as many as 19 passengers), the G700 is expected to have a range of 7,500 nautical miles when cruising at Mach .85–85% of the speed of sound.
By reducing the number of passengers, the G700 can carry additional fuel, as long as it remains under the aircraft's maximum takeoff weight (for number geeks, that's 107,600 pounds).
(However, if you're in a hurry, the plane can travel as fast as Mach 0.925–92.5% of the speed of sound. The range takes a hit when traveling that fast, as the higher speed burns more fuel.)
Here's what that 7,500 nautical mile range looks like from New Jersey's Teterboro Airport (TEB), just outside of New York City:
Or, from London Stansted Airport (STN):
Or, from Sydney Airport (SYD):
Among Gulfstream's product line, the G700 will only be surpassed in range by the G800 — a slightly smaller aircraft that will have an 8,000 nautical mile range at Mach 0.85. (The G800 has a maximum takeoff weight that's just 2,000 pounds lighter than the G700, but trades payload for the higher range and maxes out at 15 passengers.)
Gulfstream brought the first G800 aircraft — one with an unfinished interior full of test equipment — to the NBAA-BACE conference. It's expected to be certified by the FAA after the G700.
More: My trip to AvGeek paradise: Visiting Cirrus Aircraft’s Vision Center
Multiple seating options
When you're purchasing a $75 million jet there, of course, will be many things to customize.
Most notable is the seating, which can be selected in multiple configurations. A corporation purchasing a G700 to use as a company jet might be more interested in a higher-density configuration, while an individual owner might focus on something lower-density that emphasizes comfort over capacity (it's all relative — I'd take the highest capacity G700 over flying commercial any day).
The aircraft I toured, N702GD, had multiple sections.
The first section of this aircraft featured a pair of club seats that, with a tray table that folds out from the side panel, can be used for meetings, work or dining.
These seats can also convert into beds.
The armrests feature light and window controls, along with cupholders and wireless Qi charging.
The next section of the aircraft featured a divan that can also convert into a bed. The divan features seatbelts, so it can be used for seating during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Across from the divan is an entertainment center that features a TV that folds up.
Owners can play whatever they want on the TV — and can even configure their favorite streaming service to use the G700's Wi-Fi system, which comes standard. This particular aircraft was configured for Apple TV.
For those who'd like a drink while enjoying a movie, there's wine storage inside the entertainment center.
The next section is more seating with built-in tables and with three seats across, fitting a total of six passengers.
Then comes the private stateroom, which is separated from the rest of the aircraft by a bulkhead featuring a sliding, pocket door. With such a long range, the G700 can feature a bed.
At the foot of the bed is another TV — this one shows flight information, but it could be configured to show anything.
Across the aisle from the bed was a padded, built-in credenza.
Next is another bulkhead with more pocket doors, which features the lavatory.
While a rare installation on Gulfstreams, this G700 featured a shower to allow VIPs to refresh after a long flight.
The toilet seat is designed to also be used as a seat in tandem with a vanity mirror.
The sink area includes plenty of mirrors and storage. This aircraft features a white countertop finish — but an owner would have many bespoke options to choose from.
A customizable galley
Like just about everything else, the galley is also customizable.
This aircraft featured ovens, a bar and other creature comforts.
Owners can even equip the galley with their favorite espresso machine.
One of the customizable layouts allows for a lavatory in the forward section of the aircraft, in addition to the aft — allowing for complete privacy for those who are lucky enough to be able to use the stateroom.
Bottom line
The Gulfstream G700 will hit the skies soon — and it will be a hugely important member of Gulfstream's lineup of high-end, bespoke private jets. With a spacious cabin and a massive range, this $75 million jet brings the best of both worlds to its deep-pocketed owners.
While I don't have any flights planned on the G700 in the future, a ride on one of these incredible planes has been added to my bucket list. Just stepping foot aboard it while on static display was incredible.
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.