Summary
- As of 2024, the base price of the Gulfstream G700 is $79 million, up from the initial $75 million.
- Customizations can add $5-20 million to the base price, resulting in a final cost between $85-95 million.
- The buying process involves negotiations between the buyer’s team and Gulfstream’s sales team, ensuring a smooth transaction.
The Gulfstream G700 is Gulfstream Aerospace’s flagship business jet, offering unparalleled luxury and performance in the ultra-long-range segment. Let’s examine its pricing structure and how the purchase and sale agreement is reached.
Base price
The base price for a Gulfstream G700 was $75 million when the aircraft was introduced in 2019. However, as of 2024, it has increased to $79 million.
Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace
This base price includes the standard aircraft configuration with essential avionics, engines, and basic interior furnishings. While Gulfstream Aerospace’s factory-standard equipment is first-rate, the buyer has many options.
Standard features
The base price of the G700 includes the airframe, Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, the Honeywell Primus Epic avionics package, the basic interior furnishings, and the exterior paint scheme.
Optional upgrades and customizations
Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace
Customers typically customize their G700 with various options, significantly increasing the final price. Some standard upgrades include:
Interior Customization
- Custom seating configurations
- Premium materials (e.g., exotic woods, high-end leathers)
- Customized galley and lavatory fixtures
- Enhanced lighting systems
Avionics Upgrades
- Enhanced Vision System (EVS)
- Synthetic Vision System (SVS)
- Head-Up Display (HUD)
- Predictive Landing Performance System
Connectivity and Entertainment
- Satellite communications systems
- High-speed WiFi
- Advanced in-flight entertainment systems
Exterior Customization
- Custom paint schemes
- Special coatings for improved durability
Safety and Performance Enhancements
- Additional fuel tanks for extended range
- Enhanced soundproofing
- Advanced air purification systems
While Gulfstream does not publicly disclose the exact costs of these upgrades, industry experts estimate that customizations can add anywhere from $5 million to $20 million or more to the base price, depending on the extent of the modifications. News of recent purchases has confirmed that the cost of typical elective upgrades falls within this range.
Bottom line price
Considering the base price and standard upgrades, a typically equipped Gulfstream G700 is estimated to cost between $85 million and $95 million. The price can exceed $100 million for highly customized aircraft with extensive luxury features. It’s important to note that the final price can vary significantly based on individual customer requirements, market conditions, and negotiated deals between the buyer and Gulfstream.
Additional costs
When considering the total cost of ownership, buyers should also factor in the costs associated with crew training, maintenance, and servicing not covered by the initial product support agreements, hangar fees, insurance, and fuel costs. These operational costs can add several million dollars annually to the overall expense of owning and operating a G700.
Though the Gulfstream G700 starts at $79 million, the final price for a fully customized aircraft typically ranges from $85 million to over $100 million, reflecting its position as one of the world’s most advanced and luxurious business jets.
How the buying process works
When purchasing an ultra-luxury business jet like the $75 million Gulfstream G700, the negotiation process typically involves several vital elements. The buyer is usually represented by a team of professionals, including an experienced aircraft broker or acquisition consultant, aviation attorneys, tax advisors, and aviation technical experts and inspectors.
On the seller side, Gulfstream would have a dedicated sales team handling the transaction, likely including senior sales executives, contract specialists, and technical representatives from Gulfstream, Rolls-Royce, Honeywell, GE Aviation Systems, Thales, and others.
The process often begins with preliminary discussions between the buyer’s representatives and Gulfstream’s sales team to outline the buyer’s needs and preferences. Then, the working group begins to assemble the deal:
A letter of intent (LOI) typically initiates the buyer’s wish to negotiate on a purchase and represents the commencement of formal talks. On the seller’s side, the LOI outlines the basic terms of the potential purchase, including price, delivery timeline, and other essential points.
Photo: Gulfstream
From here, the negotiations move into detail on the specific aircraft configuration, options, interior design, and other customizations. The purchase agreement is carefully negotiated and covers aspects such as warranties, support programs, crew training entitlements provided in conjunction with the sale, and delivery conditions.
When the OEM has completed the aircraft and the delivery center team has released it for delivery, the buyer’s representatives conduct a pre-purchase inspection to verify its condition and specifications. The purchaser’s pilots and representatives usually have a list of discrepancies and items needing to be changed or added before formal delivery.
Financing arrangements, if needed, are made in parallel with specialized aviation lenders and financial institutions.
Closing the deal
Closing procedures are coordinated, including fund transfer, jurisdiction of aircraft registration, and location of physical delivery of the aircraft.
The complexity and high value of the transaction mean that negotiations are rarely conducted directly between an individual buyer and a salesperson. Instead, it is a carefully orchestrated process involving teams of professionals on both sides working to structure a deal that meets the buyer’s needs while aligning with Gulfstream’s policies and capabilities.
The goal is to create a smooth, transparent process that protects the interests of both parties in this significant transaction. The buyer’s team navigates the complexities and ensures the client gets the best possible deal and aircraft configuration.