Already at the apogee of purpose-built private aircraft, the ultra-long-range category is climbing in sales while delivering ever-improving levels of build quality, safety, and performance. Along with Dassault’s Falcon 10X, here are three other bizjets competing for bragging rights in the segment.
Gulfstream G700
Gulfstream’s flagship has a range of 7,750 nautical miles, a maximum speed of Mach 0.935, and a takeoff distance of 5,595 feet—about the same as the 10X. The G700 claims business aviation’s largest cabin, with 2,603 cubic feet of interior volume across five living areas. Low decibel levels, continuously recirculated fresh air, and a pressurization equivalent of 2,840 feet (at 41,000 feet) enhance the comfort of this 19-seater, which has the ability to sleep up to 13 passengers. More intimate layouts include a grand suite with a shower, an entertainment center, and dedicated social and dining areas. $81 million
Gulfstream G800
The new 19-seat G800’s cabin has less volume than that of the G700, with four living areas—compared to the latter’s five—and the ability to sleep 10 throughout the 2,138-cubic-foot interior, but the latest Gulfstream’s range of 8,000 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 (maximum operating speed is Mach 0.925) offers the extra edge that some jet-setters are drawn to. As for its creature comforts, Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, and next-gen Symmetry Flight Deck avionics, those are shared with its larger sibling. $75.5 million
Bombardier Global 8000
The world’s fastest business jet, Bombardier’s Global 8000 has a maximum speed and range of Mach 0.94 (it went supersonic in tests) and 8,000 nautical miles, respectively. Yet its cruising speed of Mach 0.92 and subsequent range of 4,200 nautical miles still mean you’re crossing continents in record time. The four-suite interior, with a length of 54 feet five inches and headroom measuring six feet two inches, accommodates up to 19 Nuage seats, which offer zero-gravity positions. There’s also the cabin’s l’Opéra audio system, serving up seat-centric sound technology with full-range speakers for exceptional sound quality. First deliveries are expected in the second half of this year. $81 million
Previously published on Robb Report USA
Photography by xenotar, Josh Triplett and Paul Bowen
