Summary
- Elon Musk’s fleet of four private jets is growing thanks to the addition of the Gulfstream G700.
- To date, Musk’s most used private jet is the popular Gulfstream G650ER, whose extended range of 7,500 NM allows it to reach virtually the whole world from Musk’s most used airports in California.
- The Gulfstream G700 offers a unique onboard experience, with up to five living spaces, a master room with an ensuite bathroom featuring a shower, and large windows offering abundant natural light.
Who would say no to a private jet if given the chance to own one? Well, for some very few lucky people, it is not even a matter of owning a private jet, as they can afford a proper fleet. Take Elon Musk as an example, the popular entrepreneur whose fleet of private aircraft is becoming progressively larger.
A closer look at Musk’s private jet fleet
You probably don’t even think about boarding a commercial passenger jet when you are as rich as Elon Musk. Even the most luxurious premium cabins, such as first class, would not provide the unique experience offered by a private jet.
As of now, Musk relies on a staggering four-jet fleet:
- A Gulfstream G650ER
- Two Gulfstream G550s
- A Dassault Falcon 900B
Additionally, the founder of Tesla, SpaceX, and now owner of X, once known as Twitter, has decided to treat himself to even more luxury in the air by acquiring the new Gulfstream G700.
Photo: Gulfstream
The specifics of Musk’s fleet
You might be probably asking yourself which features Musk’s jets have. Let’s start with the pair of Gulfstream G550s. The first G550 is registered N272BG and is a 2007-built Gulfstream jet with the following features:
|
Feature |
Value |
|---|---|
|
Passenger Capacity |
20 seats |
|
Engine |
Rolls Deut BR700-710C411 (Turbo-fan) |
|
Thrust |
15,385 lbs (6,978 kg) |
|
Weight |
19,999 lbs (9,071 kg) |
According to FlightAware, the official owner of N2872BG is Falcon Landing LCC, a company connected to SpaceX and Tesla. The second Gulfstream G550, registered N502SX, was built in 2003. N502SX is also registered to Falcon Landing LCC. However, while SpaceX is indicated as the operator of this aircraft, the first G550, registered N2872BG, has Elon Musk listed as the operator.
Gulfstream G550 For Sale: How Much Should You Expect to Pay in 2024?
The G550 is no longer available directly from Gulfstream, let’s therefore examine what the costs are to own one today.
Moving to the Gulfstream 650ER, this jet is registered N628TS and boasts the following features:
|
Feature |
Value |
|---|---|
|
Length |
99 ft 9 in (30.4 m) |
|
Wingspan |
99 ft 7 in (30.4 m) |
|
Maximum Range |
7,500 NM (13,890 km) |
|
Maximum Speed |
Mach 0.925 |
|
Maximum Take-off Weight |
103,600 lbs (46,992) |
|
Engines |
Two Rolls-Royce BR725 |
|
Take-off Thrust |
16,900 lbs (7,665 kg) per engine |
|
List price |
$78 million |
An interesting fact you might not know about the Gulfstream G650ER is that this is the business jet holding the title of farthest and fastest flight in business aviation history. The following map shows the advantages this aircraft brings about regarding range. From Oakland airport, a popular one for Musk’s fleet of business jets, this aircraft can reach virtually the whole world, including Europe, the Middle East, half of the African continent, and almost all of Asia and Oceania. This aircraft is said to be Musk’s favorite, or at least, the one he flies the most, according to Supercar Blondie.
Photo: GCMaps
Gulfstream G650: The Celebrity Private Jet Of Choice
As of September 2022, Gulfstream has built 500 G650s.
The Dassault Falcon 900B is a veteran of his business jets, with the first model being produced in the late 1980s. The following table summarizes the main characteristics, per Dassault.
|
Feature |
Value |
|---|---|
|
Length |
66 ft 4 in (20.2m) |
|
Wingspan |
63 ft 4 in (19.3m) |
|
Maximum Range |
4,000 NM (7,408 km) |
|
Engines |
Three TFE 731-5BR1C by Honeywell |
|
Max Take-off Weight |
45,500 lbs (20,638 kg) |
|
Passenger capacity |
Up to 16 |
|
Price |
$4.9 / $7.8 million |
In terms of rage, the following map illustrates where this business jet could take Musk on his business trips or holidays non-stop.
Photo: GCMaps
Rare Tri-Jet: 5 Fast Facts About The Dassault Falcon 900
This unique private jet has a lot to offer.
The latest addition: the Gulfstream G700
The cherry on the pie in Musk’s private jet fleet is the Gulfstream G700, a $78 million aircraft that brings luxury and efficiency to the next level. Just certified by the FAA today, the aircraft now has the green light to begin deliveries; whether Musk’s plane will be among the first remains to be seen.
Offering the most expansive cabin in the industry, with up to five living areas, the Gulfstream G700 will be a game changer in the business jet industry. The specifics of Musk’s latest jet addition are below, per information from Gulfstream.
|
Feature |
Value |
|---|---|
|
Length |
109 ft 10 in (33m) |
|
Wingspan |
103 ft (31m) |
|
Maximum Range |
7,750 NM (14,353 km) |
|
Engines |
Two Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 |
|
Take-off Thrust |
18,250 lb (8,278 kg) |
|
Passenger capacity |
Up to 19 |
|
Price |
$75 million |
With a cruise speed of 0.90 Mach (1,111 km/h) and an impressive range of 7,750 NM, the G700 allows for shorter travel times, which is not just positive for passengers. Indeed, shorter travel times mean more extended periods between scheduled maintenance visits and increased aircraft value.
Watch: Take A Tour Of Gulfstream’s G700 With Its Own Interior Designer
One of the fastest and largest business aircraft ever manufactured; it even comes with a private shower.
The G700 also enhances the sustainability of the Gulfstream aircraft portfolio and, thus, of Musk’s fleet. Indeed, the aerodynamic design of the wings, coupled with a brand new winglet concept and the modern Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, translate into an enhanced sustainable performance.
Photo: Georgi Bidenko I Shutterstock
Business jets are synonymous with luxury, and the Gulfstream G700 is second to none for making the passengers feel like royals. The aircraft features 20 Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows, the largest in the industry, allowing a lot of natural light to light up the cabin. The cabin is of the cleanest you can find in the sky, with plasma-ironized air being replenished every two to three minutes. The main bedroom features an en suite with a private shower and a leather toilet seat.
Impressive: A Look At Gulfstream’s Ultra Fast G700 Private Jet
Testing of the latest G700 is well underway and is beating expectations.
With Musk’s fleet growing, it will be progressively more difficult for the serial entrepreneur to stay off the radar of those meddlers willing to know where the billionaire is flying off with his jets. Indeed, luxury is not the only priority for private jet owners. Privacy is also essential. Musk highly values his and that of his family, to the point that he offered $5k to a student to stop tracking his jets and share the location via his Twitter account.
What do you think of the latest addition to Musk’s fleet? Let us know by clicking on the comment button below!
