Gulfstream G650 Review: The Ultimate Long-Range Charter Aircraft

Overview

The Gulfstream G650 is arguably the most recognized name in private aviation. Launched in 2009 and entering service in 2012, it immediately set the benchmark for large-cabin, long-range business jets. Built by Gulfstream Aerospace, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, the G650 was designed to fly farther, faster, and higher than any business jet before it. The extended-range variant, the G650ER, pushed the envelope even further with a maximum range exceeding 7,500 nautical miles.

In the charter market, the G650 occupies the top tier. It is the aircraft requested by name more often than almost any other, a testament to both its engineering excellence and the brand prestige that Gulfstream has cultivated over decades. Whether you are flying New York to London, Los Angeles to Tokyo, or Singapore to Dubai, the G650 is built for the mission.

Performance

The G650 is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, each producing 16,900 pounds of thrust. This gives the aircraft a maximum speed of Mach 0.925 — making it one of the fastest civilian aircraft in the sky — and a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90. At long-range cruise (Mach 0.85), the G650 covers 7,000 nautical miles, while the G650ER extends that to 7,500 nm.

The aircraft operates at a maximum cruise altitude of 51,000 feet, well above most commercial and weather traffic. This high-altitude capability translates to smoother flights, fewer routing conflicts, and direct paths that save time. Takeoff distance is approximately 5,858 feet at maximum takeoff weight of 99,600 pounds, which means it can operate from most private jet airports without restriction.

Key performance numbers: maximum range of 7,000 nm (G650) / 7,500 nm (G650ER), maximum speed of Mach 0.925, ceiling of 51,000 feet, and takeoff distance under 6,000 feet. These figures allow nonstop flights on demanding city pairs like New York to Dubai, Los Angeles to London, and Singapore to Zurich.

Cabin Experience

The G650 cabin measures 46 feet 10 inches long, 8 feet 6 inches wide, and 6 feet 5 inches tall — one of the largest cabins in the large-cabin class. The width allows for a true three-zone cabin layout: a forward club section with four seats facing each other, a mid-cabin conference or dining area, and an aft stateroom that can be configured with a berthing divan or a full bed.

Standard seating is for 13 to 19 passengers, though charter configurations typically seat 13 to 16 for maximum comfort. The cabin features 16 Gulfstream panoramic oval windows — the largest in the industry — flooding the interior with natural light. The cabin altitude at 51,000 feet is maintained at the equivalent of 4,850 feet, which is significantly lower than most competitors. This lower cabin altitude reduces fatigue and jet lag, which is a measurable advantage on flights exceeding 10 hours.

Amenities typically include a full galley capable of catering multi-course meals, a forward lavatory and an aft lavatory (often with shower capability in the G650ER), satellite Wi-Fi with Ka-band connectivity, entertainment systems with multiple display screens, and individually controlled LED lighting with circadian rhythm programming.

Charter Costs

Charter rates for the G650 typically range from $9,000 to $14,000 per flight hour, depending on the operator, positioning requirements, and seasonal demand. One-way pricing on popular routes: New York to London starts around $120,000 to $160,000, Los Angeles to New York from $55,000 to $75,000, and Dubai to London from $80,000 to $110,000. These figures include crew, fuel, and standard handling but exclude catering, ground transport, and international fees.

The G650ER commands a slight premium over the standard G650 — typically 5-10% higher — reflecting its extended range capability. For flights that push beyond 7,000 nm, the ER variant eliminates the need for a fuel stop, which actually makes it more cost-effective on ultra-long routes despite the higher hourly rate.

Who It's For

The G650 is the charter aircraft for travelers who need to cross oceans without stopping and arrive in the condition to conduct business immediately. It is the default choice for C-suite executives on intercontinental trips, family groups traveling internationally, heads of state and diplomatic delegations, and anyone who values the combination of speed, range, and cabin space.

If your typical mission is under 4 hours — say New York to Miami or London to Nice — the G650 is more aircraft than you need, and a super-midsize jet will serve you well at half the cost. The G650's value proposition emerges on flights above 6 hours, where its range, speed, cabin altitude, and passenger comfort compound into an experience that no smaller aircraft can replicate.

Compare on VOLO

Considering the G650 against other long-range options like the Bombardier Global 6000 or Dassault Falcon 7X? Use VOLO's aircraft comparison tool to see side-by-side specs on range, cabin dimensions, speed, and typical charter costs. Our comparison tool covers all 199 aircraft in our catalog, so you can evaluate every option before requesting a quote.