A Deep Dive Into Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Private Jet

Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of Hollywood’s most notorious figures, having played in box-office productions like Terminator. He also served as governor of California – This Austrian-born celebrity is therefore heavily sought after, having to attend multiple events year round and throughout the US and the globe, so like most celebs in this position, he has his means of transportation – a vintage Gulfstream III.

A look at the jet.

The youngest jets in the G-III family are about 40 years old, with the last models rolling out of the final assembly line in 1986 – remarkably, they still look modern and sleek.

Photo: InsectWorld | Shutterstock

As demonstrated by the picture above, the G-III is undeniably Gulfstream. From the shape of the nose to the iconic wide and round windows and the stylish t-tail, this plane can still look like its modern counterparts – this is because it effectively is their grandfather, with a design going back to the G-II and that is still pretty much identically present on the latest and greatest G700.

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This particular model is a large jet, first of all, based on the range. It has an impressive autonomy of 3750 NM or 4200 miles. This means that, in layperson terms, it would compete today more or less with the G-400 opening up flights of up to 6 hours. There needs to be more for the former governor of California to fly to his motherland of Austria – but more than sufficient to fly across the United States and up and down the two coasts.

A look inside

Being considered a large jet, the GIII is expected to carry more than 12 passengers, and fair enough, this specific jet can host up to 19 passengers. However, Business Jet Traveller suggests the typical layout is 12.

One may think it would feel cramped at total capacity, but worry not—each passenger would get a comfortable, wide chair that can recline.

We couldn’t find information on the websites we used to research whether these seats could be flat. However, if they do have this ability based on the typical layout of the jet, it is reasonable to estimate that 8 or 9 passengers would be able to convert their seats into beds. In addition, one main bedroom is likely at the jet’s rear.

Typically, the club seats can also convert into beds – turning into a set of double beds.

The spacious layout provides ample room for passengers to move comfortably during extended transoceanic or transcontinental flights, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

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The cost of a G-III

The early models of these products are no longer in production as they were based on technology that would be considered vintage today. However, prospective owners, like car enthusiasts seeking to own vintage historic vehicles, can still find these units on the second-hand market.

Upon checking controller.com, I found that these units are now relatively affordable, with the cheapest listed for around $1.6 million. However, the operating costs for these units will likely be relatively high.

According to a report by Essentially Sports, Arnold Schwarzenegger purchased a relatively new jet. Schwarzenegger opted for the standard aircraft model, demonstrating a preference for functionality over extravagance, eschewing any luxury upgrades. He explained that his primary reason for acquiring the jet was to facilitate an efficient commute between his residence and workplace, highlighting his practical approach to transportation.

What are the operating costs?

The Aircraft Cost Calculator indicates that the average price for a pre-owned GULFSTREAM GIII is $1,695,000.00. This estimate varies depending on many factors. If an individual takes out a $300,000.00 loan over 120 months, with an interest rate of $1250 per month, the payment per period would be $15,043.11.

When considering 450 annual owner-operated hours and a fuel cost of $ 6.00 per gallon, the GULFSTREAM GIII incurs total variable costs of $2,811,150.00, total fixed costs of $909,334.00, and an annual budget of $3,720,484.00. This breaks down to approximately $8,267.74 per hour.

What would be the equivalent of the G-III today?

There are reports that Schwarzenegger spent around $35M$ on his new jet at the time—while this is a significant sum, it fits at the lower end of the large jets sector. Today, Arnold would struggle to find a new jet this size for the same price and with the same range, especially new.

Let’s say he would stick to the Savannah-based OEM. If he wanted a similar range, he would go for a G500 or G400. The former would give him more range, allowing for a transatlantic flight back to Austria, while the latter would probably require a fuel stop in Ireland.

They can carry at least 12 passengers in seating, the typical configuration of large jets. We can confirm that most passengers can sleep on a bed—this could be a significant upgrade for long flights.

The cost of these units is 34M$ pre-owned for the G5 (45M$ if bought new), and the G400 would fit in his previous budget with a new price tag of 34M$

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Bottom line

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Austrian-born Hollywood icon and former governor of California, owns a vintage Gulfstream III jet, noteworthy for its age and sleek design. Despite being over 40 years old, the G-III remains modern-looking and efficient, with a range that allows transcontinental flights. It can comfortably carry up to 19 passengers, with luxurious seating that potentially converts into beds. Despite its vintage status, the G-III is affordable in the second-hand market but incurs high operational costs. Schwarzenegger’s practical choice reflects his need for convenience over luxury, balancing functionality with the demands of his busy lifestyle.