Summary
- Chartering a Gulfstream G650ER can save you money by avoiding extra costs of ownership, maximizing cost efficiency.
- Additional fees like positioning, catering, and overnight fees can impact overall charter price significantly.
- Flying on your own schedule to any destination, experiencing a private cabin, and avoiding commercial hassles are key benefits of chartering.
The G650ER costs $10,000 to $15,000 per flight hour to charter, depending on the charter company. Paramount Business Jets estimates that the average purchase price of a new Gulfstream G650ER is over $66 million. This eye-watering price tag has led to many people opting to charter the jet rather than buy it outright. Let’s break down the charter price.
A breakdown of chartering costs
There are plenty of incentives to charter the G650ER, the most notable of which is saving lots of money. According to Magellan Jets:
“When you own your own jet, you have to pay for a multitude of extra costs, ranging from maintenance fees to crew salaries and much more. Chartering a jet is much more cost-effective, particularly for those who only fly a few times or several dozen hours annually. Chartering allows you to pay and fly only [for] the amount you need, maximizing cost efficiency.”
The base charter rate mentioned earlier is the starting point for calculating the overall charter price. It typically covers the cost of operating the aircraft, including fuel, crew salaries, and maintenance. However, other costs often need to be factored in:
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Additional Fees: In addition to the base rate, there are a number of additional fees that may be charged. These fees can include:
- Positioning Fees: If the aircraft needs to be repositioned to your desired departure location, you may be charged a positioning fee. This fee covers the cost of flying the plane to your location.
- Overtime Fees: If your flight extends beyond the scheduled flight time, you may be charged an overtime fee. This fee is typically 1.5 to 2 times the base rate.
- Catering Fees: If you want catering services on board, you will be charged a catering fee. The catering cost varies depending on the type of food and beverages you request.
- Overnight Fees: If you plan to stay overnight in a city other than your departure or arrival city, you may be charged an overnight fee. This fee covers the cost of parking the aircraft and providing crew accommodations.
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Factors Affecting Charter Price: The charter price of the Gulfstream G650ER can also be affected by several factors, including:
- Flight Distance: The longer the flight distance, the higher the charter price. This is because the aircraft will need to carry more fuel, and the crew will need to work longer hours.
- Number of Passengers: The number of passengers on board the flight can affect the charter price. This is because the aircraft will need to be configured to accommodate the number of passengers.
- Time of Year: The time of year can alter the charter price. It may be higher during peak travel periods, such as summer and holidays.
- Availability: The availability of the aircraft can also influence the charter price. If the aircraft is in high demand, the charter price may be higher.
Map: Gulfstream Aerospace
In addition to cheaper costs, chartering allows you to fly on your own schedule to almost any destination with a suitable airport, without being tied down to commercial airline routes and timetables. Because the charter is just you and your guests, you can save time by avoiding commercial airport hassles like security lines and layovers.
Additionally, you’ll have a private cabin for your trip, allowing for confidential conversations and a more secure travel experience.
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It’s worth noting that the G650ER has set over 125 world speed records, including the record for the farthest-fastest flight in business aviation history. Getting from place to place as fast as possible is usually preferable.
Who charters the G650ER?
It should come as no surprise that notable owners of the G650ER include Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Mark Benioff, and Larry Ellison.
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The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also publishes a list of companies that meet Part 135 charter operation requirements. For this article, the data was obtained from the table published on Wednesday, May 1, 2024; as a result, the information may have changed since initial publication. With that in mind, the following companies charter the Gulfstream G650ER:
- ACP Jet Charters Inc: 2
- Clay Lacy Aviation, Inc: 4
- Corporate Air LLC: 1
- COVE PARTNERS LLC: 1
- Elite Air, Inc: 1
- Flexjet, LLC: 8
- Jet Aviation Flight Services, Inc: 8
- Keystone Aviation, LLC: 1
- L. J. Associates, Inc: 1
- Mira Vista Aviation, Inc: 1
- Pegasus Elite Aviation, Inc: 2
- Sun Air Jets, LLC: 1
- Sunset Aviation LLC: 10
- Threshold Air Charter, Inc: 1
The pitfalls of chartering
While chartering private jets is a good option for many, it has downsides compared to ownership.
One caveat is the aircraft’s availability. Chartered jets may not be available exactly when you need them, particularly during busy travel times or for specific aircraft types.
Another factor is the fluctuation of prices. Charter prices can vary depending on market demand. Peak seasons and popular events can cause significant price increases.
Photo: Gulfstream
Charter customers also have less control over the flight experience than you would with your own jet. The charter company and the specific aircraft available may determine the cabin layout, amenities, and even in-flight services.
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The history of the G650ER
Designated as the Gulfstream GVI, the Gulfstream G650(ER) was first introduced in 2012 and completed its maiden flight on November 7, 2014. Thanks to its extended range (ER) performance, it can fly up to 7,500 nautical miles (13.890 kilometers) without refueling.
It can accommodate up to 19 passengers in a luxurious cabin that features a variety of amenities, including a full galley, a private bathroom, and a conference area. The plane is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR725 turbofan engines producing 16,100 pounds of thrust. These engines push the aircraft at a maximum speed of 0.925 Mach and a cruising speed of Mach 0.85. It can climb to an altitude of 51,000 feet (15,500 meters) in just 25 minutes.
The charter price of the Gulfstream G650ER ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 per flight hour. By understanding the base charter rate, additional fees, and factors that affect the charter price, you can better understand what to expect when chartering this luxurious aircraft.