Gulfstream Business Jet Charter: Rent the most advanced private aircraft
The aircraft manufacturer Gulfstream - officially Gulfstream Aerospace - is a respected American manufacturer of business jets headquartered in Savannah in the US state of Georgia. Gulfstream is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the defense contractor General Dynamics, whose shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: GD). Gulfstream stands for "Made in the USA" and also uses so-called completion centers in Wisconsin, Georgia, Texas, and California for parts of the final production of its luxury private jets.
Based on a twin-engine military transport aircraft, Gulfstream's predecessor company, Grumman Aerospace Corporation, worked from the late 1940s to develop a new class of business jet. Beginning in 1959, the Grumman Gulfstream I (G-159) was introduced to the market and sold about 200 times over the next 10 years. The Gulfstream I marked the beginning of the company's rise to a respected player in business aviation. Today, Gulfstream is considered the world's largest manufacturer of business jets, ahead of Bombardier.
Comparable to its competitor Bombardier, Gulfstream's aircraft families also cover a broad spectrum: The fleet covers ranges between 6,667 and 13,890 kilometers and comfortably seats up to 13 passengers, depending on the configuration. U.S. billionaires Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates and Elon Musk, as well as Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, are avowed Gulfstream customers and fans of the exclusive jets.
Gulfstream private jet charter: Key data of the aircraft manufacturer
- Prestigious American company with over 60 years of experience in manufacturing technologically advanced private jets
- Subsidiary of the defense contractor General Dynamics
- More than 2,000 aircraft manufactured
- 8.075 billion USD sales of the Aerospace segment (2020)
- Approximately 13,000 employees (as of 2020)
- The flagship G700 uses the Pearl 700 engine developed by Rolls-Royce Germany
- Parent company General Dynamics (GD) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, but its shares are also traded on the major German stock exchanges.
- The most widely used fighter jet to date, the F-16 was developed by General Dynamics and manufactured until 1993
- Winner of various "The International Yacht & Aviation Awards”
- 2021 Interior Design/VIP Completion (G500)
- 2020 Seating (G700)
- 2019 The Design Society Award (G650ER)
- 2018 Private Jet Design (G600)
- 2017 Private Jet Design (G650ER)
- Company Management: Mark L. Burns, (President)
Gulfstream's rise to become the world's leading manufacturer of private jets
The first Gulfstream - officially Grumman Gulfstream I (GI) - was a turboprop and set new standards in the fledgling business jet segment. Carried by its commercial success, the Grumman Gulfstream II was the first jet-powered business jet to be developed. The more powerful engine enabled higher cruise speeds and ranges. In 1975, there was no faster business jet.
Development of the Gulfstream III initially stalled due to a market slowdown coupled with the jet's high base price. After a merger and subsequent acquisition, it continued under the name Gulfstream American. The goal of the project was to serve the increased market demands for more time-efficient business travel to increasingly distant destinations. When it was first delivered in 1980, Gulfstream again set standards: the GIII was the first business jet to fly over both poles.
Gulfstream set the next milestone in business aviation less than five years later: In order to be prepared for stricter international environmental regulations, the GVI was primarily concerned with efficiency improvements. This was achieved through the first use of a flight management system for computer-controlled flying. In addition to increasing fuel efficiency, it made work easier for the pilots. This was a first in civil aviation in the mid-1980s.The corporate structure also remained dynamic: To raise capital for the GVI development, the company, which has since been renamed Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, went public. Not least because of its successful adaptation to a dynamic market environment, Gulfstream is regarded as the world's leading manufacturer of private jets. When Gulfstream was acquired by the General Dynamics defense group in 1999, the business jet manufacturer's market share was around 60 percent.
Today's Gulfstream Business Jet Portfolio
Currently, Gulfstream's fleet includes 7 families of aircraft:
- G700: The luxury flagship has been available since 2021 and promises the most spacious cabin of any business jet. First deliveries are scheduled for 2022.
- G650/G650ER: No one can fly to distant destinations faster. The world record holder for the fastest circumnavigation of the earth has been in production since 2012.
- G600: The long-range jet launched in 2014 is known for its technologically advanced "Symmetry Flight Deck" cockpit. Up to 19 passengers fly comfortably and safely to distant destinations in the G600.
- G500: Easily recognized by its aerodynamically shaped wings, the G500 seats up to 19 passengers in three living areas. The cabin is considered the quietest in the business aviation industry.
- G550: Proven performance combined with a flexible configuration is what the G550 offers. Thanks to its high maximum load capacity for its class, it is also suitable for carrying heavy luggage or cargo.
- G280: The agile G280 masters the most demanding scenarios, from short runways to poor visibility and high-altitude airports. High-thrust engines and the standard autothrottle and auto brake systems ensure a smooth flight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a Gulfstream Business Jet cost?
The smallest Gulfstream Jet G280 is available second-hand from around 12 million US dollars. New, the super-midsize jet costs around 25 million US dollars. Gulfstream's flagship, the G700, on the other hand, costs a hefty 75 million US dollars new, making it the world's most expensive private jet - as of 2021. The largest jet from competitor Bombardier, the Global 7500, is priced at a similar level, at $73 million.
How many business jets does Gulfstream Aerospace build per year?
Between 2018 and 2020, Gulfstream delivered between 121 and 147 aircraft:
| Year | Jets delivered (total) | Large cabin jets delivered | Midsize jets delivered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 121 | 93 | 29 |
| 2019 | 147 | 114 | 33 |
| 2020 | 127 | 105 | 22 |
Where are the Gulfstream jets built?
All aircraft families are manufactured at Gulfstream's headquarters in Savannah, Georgia. The installation of the cabin interior, the painting of the aircraft, and the installation of the avionics also take place at the US sites in Appleton (Wisconsin), Brunswick (Georgia), Dallas (Texas), and Long Beach (California).
What engines are used in Gulfstream aircraft?
Gulfstream uses engines from Honywell, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce in its fleet.
| Airplane | Engine |
|---|---|
| G280 | Honeywell HTF7250G |
| G550 | Rolls-Royce BR710 |
| G500 | Pratt & Whitney PW814GA |
| G600 | Pratt & Whitney PW815GA |
| G650/G650ER | Rolls-Royce BR725 |
| G700 | Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 |
