What Makes Gulfstream a Jet Setter’s Top Choice?
Gulfstream is undoubtedly the premier manufacturer of the world’s limited supply of private jets. You’ve probably seen them once or twice, sitting on the tarmac and glistening in the sun. Or maybe you’ve spotted one touching down in Los Angeles or Paris. Gulfstreams are iconic. You recognize one almost immediately when you see it.
But under the surface, are Gulfstream jets special? Some people inevitably will ask: “What can a Gulfstream do that others can’t?” It’s a valid question that deserves an answer.
When our firm began seeking out its first airframe to bring to the market nearly ten years ago, we found ourselves asking that exact question. Here’s why we’ve chosen Gulfstream.
Near or Far: Gulfstream Range Flexibility
Gulfstream airframes are often marketed as long-range jets that can easily connect continents and the largest cities worldwide. However, the average Gulfstream has a distinct advantage over its smaller midsize and light jet competitors: short landing distances.
The strategic design philosophy of today’s Gulfstreams has given them the capability to safely stop an airplane moving over 130 mph in well under 5,000 feet of runway.
This makes Gulfstream models IV through 650 flexible enough to be safely utilized for even the shortest flights to small airports. Clients can take advantage of the extra cabin space or simply make a statement. We regularly quote trips on our Gulfstream fleet that are less than 800 miles in total distance.
- Gulfstream IV
- Range: 3,880 nautical miles
- Passengers: Up to 12
- Cabin width: 7’ 3”
- Gulfstream V
- Range: 6,250 nautical miles
- Passengers: Up to 16
- Cabin width: 7’ 3”
Arrive Refreshed: Gulfstream Cabin Altitude
One of the chief complaints among regular commercial fliers is the experience of flying fatigue that often lingers hours after touchdown. It’s not just “jet lag.” Flying at altitudes higher than 38,000 feet produces a fatiguing experience due to cabin altitude.
Cabin altitude is the relative altitude above sea level that your body experiences based on how the cabin is pressurized. Most commercial airliners operating today at lower cruising altitudes experience “cabin altitudes” around 8,000 feet, which creates that familiar feeling of fatigue after a long trip. Your body just is not taking in the same volume of oxygen content it would near sea level, and it makes you feel sleepy and not ready for much of anything when you arrive.
However, Gulfstream design engineers struck a nice balance with their IV and V models dating back to the early 2000s. When these models cruise at 45,000 feet, your cabin altitude only feels 4,500–5,400 feet above sea level!
Haul it All: Gulfstream Payload
The last technical aspect we want to highlight regarding the excellence of Gulfstream engineering and design is the payload. Few aircraft on the private jet market can lift as much weight into the air, carry it over 5,000 miles, and still land on a 4,500 feet runway like a Gulfstream V.
When loaded to its maximum carrying capacity of around 6,600 pounds, a Gulfstream V can fly from Dallas, Texas, to Bern, Switzerland, without breaking a sweat. Gulfstreams rarely get loaded to the maximum weight capacity, but when they do, they still manage to go the distance.
Typically, the payload ends up being passengers and light cargo, in which case, they can carry even more fuel and fly even further. Our Gulfstream V aircraft can remain airborne for up to 14 hours at a time, allowing you access to the other side of the globe on one tank of gas.
