The 5 Business Jets Set To Win In The Middle East

Business jet growth has been strong in the Middle East in past years, and this looks set to continue. According to Aviation Week Network’s 2024 Business Aviation Fleet & MRO forecast, over the 10-year period from 2024-2032, the private jet fleet in the region is expected to grow by 141 (to reach 480 in-service aircraft). This comes with a sales value of $9.1 billion.

The Middle East region sees a dominance of long and ultra-long range jets – this suits the travel profile of flights to Europe, Asia, or North America rather than domestic or regional (according to Aviation Week, 90% of expected sales will be ultra-long-range jets, with just four percent light jets). This short guide highlights the top five of these jets.

1 Gulfstream G700

Estimated sales price: $75 million

Gulfstream jets are popular in the Middle East, and represent the top three to be delivered. According to Aviation Week,

Gulfstream is expected to deliver nearly half of all business aircraft during the 10-year period with 49% of the shipments, followed by Bombardier Global jets, Dassault Falcon jets and Textron Aviation Cessna Citations.

The Gulfstream G700 is the latest ultra-long range private jet from Gulfstream. It has not yet entered service, but will most likely do so early in 2024 (there is still a chance it might do so in 2023). It has been developed as an upgrade to the very popular Gulfstream G650/G650ER.

Photo: Georgiphoto | Shutterstock

The G700 will stretch the fuselage by just over three meters (but keep the same maximum passenger capacity of 19). Range, however, will be increased to 7,500 nautical miles (13,900 kilometers). It has already performed better than expected in testing – setting a new speed record and outperforming its anticipated range.

2 Gulfstream G600

Estimated sales price: $54.5 million

The Gulfstream G600 has been a popular long-range private jet since its introduction in 2019 (entry into service). This was the largest and longest-range Gulfstream jet before the introduction of the G650/G700/G800 series.

While the G600 doesn’t offer quite the same range as the newer jets, it is a highly capable long-range option able to operate Dubai to New York direct. It offers the same passenger capacity of 19, but with a slightly smaller cabin than the G650 (the G600 has a similar size interior to the G800). Attractively, it comes with a lower price, so will still be of interest to many buyers of new aircraft.

3 Gulfstream G800

Estimated sales price: $72.5 million

The Gulfstream G800 is the final planned aircraft in the G650/G700/G800 series. This is expected to receive certification and enter service in 2024. With increased speed and range (but with the same cabin size and capacity), this is seen as a direct upgrade for the very popular G650 jet. The G800 features advanced avionics, including a Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck, touch-screen technology, and a Combined Vision System.

Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace

The G800 will take range up to 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 km) – this is more than any business jet currently on the market and will easily allow for the longest direct flights, such as Dubai to Los Angeles. Bombardier will ensure the competition remains close, though, with the upcoming Global 8000.

4 Bombardier Global 6500

Estimated sales price: $58 million

Passenger Capacity	17
Range	6,600 nautical miles (12,223 kilometers).
Cruise Speed	Mach 0.88 (maximum 0.925)
Number of aircraft delivered	63

The Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier offers strong private jet options in the ultra-long range market as well. The Bombardier Global 7500 is currently the longest-range private jet available – offering 7,700 nautical miles (14,260 kilometers). The Global 6500 offers a range of 6,600 nautical miles (12,223 kilometers).

The Bombardier Global 6500 is the slightly smaller mid-size member of the Global series. It is around three meters shorter than the Global 7500, and offers a passenger capacity of 17. The aircraft entered service in 2019, itself an update on the popular Global 5000/6000 Series.

5 Bombardier Global 8000

Estimated sales price: $81 million

Passenger Capacity	19
Range	8,000 nautical miles (14,800 kilometers).
Cruise Speed	Maximum Mach 0.94
Number of aircraft delivered	0 (due to enter service in 2025)

The Bombardier Global 8000 is the latest large ultra-long-range jet development from Bombardier. It is due to enter service in 2025. The Global 8000 is developed from the Global 7500, which launched in 2018. This introduced a new wing design, which saved overall weight.

Both of these aircraft are the same size – larger than the 6500 with an increased passenger capacity of 19.

Photo: Bombardier

The Global 8000 will offer faster speed and an increased range – competing strongly with the latest Gulfstream G800. It promises to be the faster business jet on the market too (although, again, competition with Gulfstream will be close) – and has flown supersonic in testing.

Would you like to discuss more about private jets in the Middle East, current or expected use in the near future? Let us know in the comments section below.

Sources: Aviation Week, Gulfstream (G700), Gulfstream (G800), Gulfstream (G600), Bombardier, Guardian Jets (Global 6500 fleet)