Inside the Gulfstream G650, One of the World's Fastest Business Jets
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Gulfstream's G650 isn't the world's largest private jet, but it is one of the fastest (cruising at up to 610 mph) — and most luxurious. While private jet ownership is out of reach of most TPG readers — a G650 will run you a cool $66 million — services like JetSmarter make a flight on this plane (and others like it) much more affordable.
With these new charter options now available, I decided to visit Gulfstream's booth at the Farnborough Air Show to take a tour of the manufacturer's flagship jet. Note that this particular aircraft offered a standard configuration — the interior can be customized as you see fit, with an option to add or remove seats, add an in-flight shower and more.
Flight Deck, Galley and Crew Rest
The G650's flight deck is just as modern as one you'd find on a commercial airliner, as you'd expect from a plane in this price range.
The cabin is very high tech as well, both when it comes to passenger amenities and flight attendant controls.
There's even a luxurious crew rest, with a slide-out wall and a flat-bed leather seat.
There's a decent-size galley with an oven and espresso machine.
There's even a full-size kitchen sink!
Passenger Cabin
Just behind the galley is the main passenger cabin, with seating for eight, including four seats in a 1-1 configuration.
There are another four seats facing each other around a fold-out wood table, so you can dine (or meet) with your travel companions if you'd like.
There are fold-out displays throughout the cabin, in addition to this larger panel across the aisle from the table.
There's also a standard passenger console above each seat, with a reading light, air vent and a flight attendant call button.
Behind the main cabin is a smaller private cabin that can be closed off entirely from the main area.
The rear cabin consists of two recliners and a sofa.
The chair can also be configured as a twin-size bed.
Lavatories and Cargo
This particular configuration offers two lavatories — one up front and a second in the rear, so a VIP passenger sleeping in the closed-off compartment doesn't need to make his or her way to the front to use the bathroom. The forward lav is fairly basic.
While the rear lavatory is a bit more luxurious.
The rear lav also provides access to the luggage compartment, which is located at the far back of the plane.
There's plenty of storage at the rear for passenger and crew bags — there's no need to bother with overhead bins here.
Bottom Line
Gulfstream's G650 is a magnificent aircraft, but it's also tremendously expensive.
It's clear that Gulfstream takes a lot of pride in its aircraft — the company kept its planes spotless during the Farnborough Air Show, and made an effort to keep potential customers happy (I had to deplane when a prospective buyer dropped by the G650).
If you're in the market for a plane (either to charter or own) that can hold up to 18 passengers and can travel up to 8,000 miles without stopping to refuel, you're not going to do much better than this.
See below for more from Farnborough 2016:
- Bumping into British PM David Cameron at the Farnborough Air Show
- Tour Boeing's Brand New 737 MAX, Launching with Southwest in 2017
- Inside the E2, Embraer's Next-Gen Regional Jet
- Touring the Bombardier CSeries Jet, Now Flying with Swiss
- Watch an F-35 Fighter Jet Hover at the 2016 Farnborough Air Show
- Check Out Qatar's All-Business-Class Airbus A319 Jet
- Inside the Gulfstream G650, One of the World's Fastest Business Jets
- Explore Qatar Airways' Incredible Gulfstream G650 Private Jet
- Take a Look Inside Honda's $4.5 Million Private Jet
- Comparing Economy Seat Pitch, from 29 to 34 Inches
Have you flown on a Gulfstream G650?
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