Summary
- Gates owns a Gulfstream G650, valued at $65 million, with a top speed of 710mph and a range of 7,000 nautical miles.
- Gates’ G650 was used for 113 flights totaling 295 hours in 2024, showcasing its global accessibility and convenience.
- Despite peak performance, Gates’ jet raised environmental concerns by emitting 1,421 metric tons of CO2, an issue he aims to address.
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and a globally recognized philanthropist, owns one of the most coveted luxury jets in the world: the Gulfstream G650. This ultra-long-range aircraft is a symbol of both success and cutting-edge aviation technology. Let’s take a closer look at Gates’ private jet and its usage.
Gulfstream G650: an overview
The Gulfstream G650 is an aircraft that sets the standard in the business aviation industry. Introduced by Gulfstream Aerospace in 2008, the G650 quickly became one of the most sought-after private jets due to its unparalleled performance and luxurious features.
Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace
The Gulfstream G650’s key features are:
- Top speed: Mach 0.925 (710 mph / 1,142 km/h)
- Range: 7,000 nautical miles (8,055 miles / 12,964 km)
- Passenger capacity: Up to 19 passengers with sleeping arrangements for 10
With its maximum speed of Mach 0.925, the aircraft is one of the fastest business jets in operation. Plus, its impressive 7,000-nautical-mile range allows for non-stop flights from major global cities such as New York to Tokyo or Los Angeles to London.
Bill Gates’ Gulfstream G650
Bill Gates owns not one but four private jets – a collection worth close to $200 million – including a Gulfstream G650, registered under the tail number N887WM. Manufactured in 2018, Gates’ top-of-the-line G650 jet is an obvious choice for high-net-worth individuals, such as Bill Gates, as it exemplifies the perfect blend of speed, range, and luxury.
Owning a G650 is not just about the convenience of private air travel; it is also a symbol of status, popular among celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey. For Gates, the G650 represents his position among the global elite and his ability to travel anywhere in the world on his own terms.
The G650 is an investment that offers unmatched benefits. For influential figures like Bill Gates, owning a private jet allows for discreet travel without the constraints of commercial air travel. With a jet as capable as the G650, Gates benefits from its global accessibility, offering non-stop flights between major cities worldwide.
The aircraft boasts a cabin length of 46 feet (14 meters) and a width of 8 feet (2.4 meters). The spacious interior features configurable seating with options for club seats, divans, and conference tables.
It’s also worth noting that the G650 is equipped with some of the most advanced avionics and safety systems in the industry. The PlaneView II cockpit features touch-screen controls, synthetic vision, and enhanced flight management systems, providing pilots with unparalleled situational awareness.
The aircraft also includes advanced safety systems such as the Enhanced Vision System (EVS) and the Synthetic Vision-Primary Flight Display (SV-PFD).
Bill Gates’ private jet usage
According to data from JetSpy, in 2024 alone, Gates’ Gulfstream G650 was utilized for 113 flights, totaling 295 hours of flight time – that’s an average of one flight every two days in the year so far, not including the usage of his other jets.
Gates’ five most recent flights, per Celebrity Private Jet Tracker, are as follows:
|
Flight Date |
Departing Airport |
Arriving Airport |
Flight Distance |
Flight Duration |
|
08/20/2024 |
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) |
King County International Airport (BFI) |
1,625 nmi (1,870 miles / 3,010 km) |
4 hours |
|
08/19/2024 |
BFI |
IND |
1,390 nmi (1,600 miles / 2,575 km) |
3 hours 15 minutes |
|
08/13/2024 |
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) |
BFI |
835 nmi (960 miles / 1,545 km) |
2 hours |
|
08/13/2024 |
Farnborough Airport (FAB) |
LAX |
4,690 nmi (5,400 miles / 8,335 km) |
10 hours |
|
08/12/2024 |
Caumont Airport (AVN) |
FAB |
495 nmi (570 miles / 920 km) |
1 hour 10 minutes |
Environmental considerations
As a known advocate for environmental sustainability, Bill Gates is acutely aware of the environmental impact of his private jet. However, the Gulfstream G650, while a symbol of luxury, also represents an area of concern regarding carbon emissions and fuel consumption.
Data from JetSpy indicates that, so far this year, Gates’ G650 used 148,490 gallons of fuel and emitted 1,421 metric tons of CO2, with an estimated fuel cost of $890,943. Yet, the philanthropist has publicly defended his private jet usage.
As reported by CBS News in 2023, Bill Gates was quoted as saying he is “not part of the problem” because he invests billions into fighting climate change. Gates said:
“I buy the gold standard of funding Climeworks to do direct air capture that far exceeds my family’s carbon footprint and I spend billions of dollars on climate innovation.”
Conclusion
Bill Gates’ Gulfstream G650 is more than just a private jet; it is a reflection of his success and global influence. With its advanced technology, luxurious interior, and impressive performance, the G650 is a fitting aircraft for one of the world’s most prominent figures.
Photo: Karolis Kavolelis | Shutterstock
However, it also raises important questions about the environmental impact of private air travel, particularly as Gates continues to actively champion and invest in sustainability initiatives.
As the conversation around environmental responsibility grows, even the world’s most elite may need to consider the broader implications of their choices in luxury aviation.