I went on the world's newest private jet, an $81 million Gulfstream G700 with its own bedroom for Qatar Airways' deep-pocketed customers
Pete Syme
- Qatar Airways' private jet subsidiary just took delivery of the first two Gulfstream G700s.
- The $81 million plane, which has a bedroom, can fly faster and further than its predecessor.
Gulfstream's G650ER is popular with billionaires including customers like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Bill Gates.
But the long-awaited G700 is a step up, capable of going faster and further than its predecessor. Certification of the new jet had been delayed from its target of last December, primarily because the Federal Aviation Administration changed its internal processes.
While the G700 had previously been displayed at the Paris Air Show, I was among the first to tour one post-certification when it was displayed at a business aviation conference in Switzerland.
With a longer cabin and improved technology, it's unsurprising that someone as wealthy as Musk has placed an order for the G700, as reported by the Texas-based news site Austonia.
In May, I flew to Geneva to attend EBACE, Europe's largest business aviation conference.
Six days earlier, the first two Gulfstream G700s were officially received by Qatar Executive — the private jet subsidiary of Qatar Airways.
The G700 was finally certified by the Federal Aviation Administration in March, making it the world's newest private jet.
Qatar was evidently proud to show off the new jet. It was the only one on display at EBAXE that wasn't fenced off, and anyone could line up to see on board for a few minutes.
However, unlike previous years, Gulfstream itself was not exhibiting at EBACE.
Underneath the cockpit window is the enhanced flight vision system, a camera that helps pilots land in low-visibility conditions.
Powered by Rolls Royce's Pearl 700 engines, it can reach speeds of Mach 0.925 (709 mph) with a range of 8,630 miles — one of the farthest in the industry.
That gives the G700 both a faster speed and a further distance than its predecessor.
Boarding the jet, you first see the galley with an oven, microwave, and plenty of counter space.
Opposite this was a seat for the cabin crew, with a sliding door for privacy.
Qatar's touches to the fully customizable interior were evident, especially with the elaborate carpet. The cabin is a spacious 6 feet 5 inches tall.
The G700's cabin can be pressurized to 2,916 feet, the lowest altitude of any business jet — easing the effects of fatigue and jet lag.
Past the front seating area was an entertainment space with a sofa and a TV that pops up from the sideboard.
There's another screen at the back of the cabin, where four people can sit round a table.
This G700 can seat up to 13 people. Plus, the divan and chairs can turned into beds giving space for eight people to sleep on board.
Qatar Executive describes the cabin as "whisper-quiet." That's helped by the flush design of the overwing emergency exit.
The cabin air is replaced every two to three minutes, and Qatar Executive says the ionizing system provides "the highest air quality possible today in a business jet."
I sat in one of the leather seats, which have adjustable headrests and a pop-up legrest. Of course, it was incredibly comfortable and worlds away from my easyJet flight that morning.
From the seat, I could experience Gulfstream's signature "panoramic windows." It's hard to sum up just how expansive the circular shape makes the view, compared to a usual plane window.
The lights and window shades can be controlled by buttons next to each seat.
And there are charging ports set into the wall at an angle for improved convenience.
The main comfort is the bedroom in the aft living space.
It had plenty of stowage space on the side and another TV at the foot of the bed.
I don't think there would be many morning views much cooler than rolling over to see the skies out of the huge window.
There's more stowage space, a lamp, and a drink holder tucked behind the pillows.
I thought the bathroom layout was a bit quirky with the mirror perpendicular to the sink.
But that allows for a larger mirror and space for a door which provides easy access to the hold in flight.
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