Several modern business jets boast ranges of over 7,500 nautical miles.
SUMMARY
- Private jets offer flexible travel with perks like private cabins and FBOs but can be limited by aircraft range.
- Jets like Boeing BBJ 777X have the longest ranges worldwide, reaching up to 13,400 miles.
- The Bombardier Global 7500 leads in range, capable of flying 8,860 miles and offering a luxurious cabin for passengers.
Traveling by private jet gives operators the most flexibility when traveling. These operators can fly whenever they want and get specific perks, including private cabins and ease of passing through security by utilizing fixed base operators (FBO) and private airports. The operators can also pick what destination they want to fly to. However, several restrictions occur based on the aircraft used. Many private jets do not have long ranges or ranges that even compete with many commercial aircraft.
However, several private aircraft have ultra-long ranges that can travel across the world. Several of these jets, such as the Boeing Business Jet 777X and Boeing Business Jet 787, are commercial airliners converted into business jets. These jets can reach cities across the world with ranges of 11,645 nautical miles (13,400 miles) and 9,945 nautical miles (11,445 miles) and, therefore, have the longest ranges of any recorded business jet.
However, let’s take a closer look at the modern jet, which is not a converted airliner that has the longest range. This aircraft is the Bombardier Global 7500.
Longest Range
The Bombardier Global 7500 can reach some of the furthest destinations of any business jet, as it has a range of 7,700 nautical miles (8,860 miles). This aircraft narrowly beats out several other competitors, such as the Gulfstream G650ER, which has a range of 7,500 nautical miles (8,600 miles), or the Dassault Falcon 10X, which is planned to have a range of 7,500 nautical miles (8,600 miles) and is scheduled to enter into service in 2025.
The long range of the Global 7500 allows operators to reach Beijing, New Delhi, or São Paulo from Miami or even Los Angeles and Dubai from Sydney and Singapore from London.
Beyond the Global 7500’s industry-leading range, the aircraft also has many other incredible features. The aircraft can fit up to 19 total passengers and has a large cabin with a cross-section that is eight feet wide and just over six feet tall. The cabin is also nearly 55 feet long, providing four seating sections. This is typically one more section than its competitors and has the option for a shower or sleeping arrangements for eight passengers.
The aircraft is powered by two rear-mounted General Electric Passport engines that provide nearly 19,000 pounds of thrust. These engines power the aircraft to reach cruise speeds of 487 knots (560 miles per hour) and maximum speeds of 530 knots (609 miles per hour). The Global 7500 also has an operating ceiling of 51,000 feet.
Other Aircraft Soon to Enter Service
Although the Bombardier Global 7500 currently holds the title of the business jet with the longest range, several aircraft with increased ranges are scheduled to enter service in the next several years. The Gulfstream G700 will reach 7,750 nautical miles (8,920 miles) after successful flight testing showed that the aircraft has exceeded range expectations.
Initially, the G700 was expected to enter service in late 2023 after it achieved certification. However, the aircraft’s certification was pushed into 2024, also pushing the already-built 19 aircraft to be delivered in 2024 after certification is achieved, per Aviation Week.
Additionally, the Gulfstream G800 is planned to reach 8,000 nautical miles (9,200 miles) when it enters service. Gulfstream initially expected the G800 to enter service in early 2024. Bombardier will also attempt to extend its industry-leading range with the introduction of the Global 8000. This aircraft is planned to reach 8,000 nautical miles (9,206 miles). The Global 8000 has a longer cabin than the Global 7500 and several other upgrades. Introduction to service for the Global 8000 is expected in early 2025.