Owning a private jet is even more seductive once you start dreaming about bespoke interiors — which is something that Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. is all about. With nearly 60 years of experience designing and manufacturing private aircraft, the company recently unveiled a mockup of its G600 business jet in Chicago. Besides speed and range, comfort — both the stretch and creature variety — sets its private jets apart from the rest.
© Paul Bowen
The new G600 flies at Mach 0.90, 9/10th the speed of sound, or 600 miles per hour. That’s a savings of more than 50 hours a year over other aircraft (up to 1½ hours less per flight).
The aircraft itself has plenty to recommend: It’s fast (Mach 0.90, 600 miles per hour) and travels far (a range of 6,200 nautical miles — only its big brother G650 flies further at 7,000). That means you can jet off to Tokyo or Riyadh nonstop without refueling. And, at $54.5 million, it seems quite the bargain when one considers the cost of a couple of first-class tickets to Tokyo alone.
Christofle Iriana wine glasses are on hand for your favorite Merlot. Plenty of drawers store dishes, flatware and napkins. Pulls are from Quaker City, shown here in polished black nickel.
But the design team understood its competition in the corporate world and the extent of quality and personalization that globetrotting execs and families demand. So how to customize the interior of a plane that measures 45.2 feet from cockpit to baggage, just under 8 feet wide and 6½ feet tall and carries up to 19 passengers?
It can be configured for up to four living areas, with 10 cabin space options for working, relaxing, dining and sleeping. A big-time feature is the jet’s 14 signature oval windows measuring a full 28 inches across and offering panoramic views. “[That’s] more than twice the size in commercial aircraft,” notes Steve Cass, vice president of technical and marketing communications.
The mockup, executives were quick to point out, shows a mere sampling of the quality level and custom options available. Among them are exotic lacquered veneers, honed granite floors, marble counters, leather seating with detailed stitching, fiber-optic lighting in headliners and high-definition screens. Meanwhile, luxe residential brands incorporated include Hermes, Armani Casa, Rubelli, SAHCO Hesslein and Tai Ping. Add to that a selection of glassware, crystal, china and flatware that includes Baccarat, Hermes, Christofle and David Mellor, whose mirror polished Embassy flatware was first commissioned for use in British embassies.
Cabinetry in this particular mockup is clad in Xiricote, an exotic wood from South America, finished in high gloss. The overhead compartment has a backlit crosshatch-patterned panel of Sensitile. The kitchen galley, which can be positioned near the front of the aircraft or aft, includes a steam/convection and a microwave. Tea kettle and coffee maker are standard. A fitting for espresso/cappuccino is a swap-out option (Zodiac is the brand). The counter shown here is honed marble (Nero Dorato), with a lift-up top that opens to a mitered stainless steel sink, while the faucet is a prototype from Dornbracht.
The midsection is set up for entertainment and dining, with a credenza that can be stocked with refreshments, ice, snacks, games, etc. Spacious 27-inch seats are fully reclinable and include an articulating footrest. They’re shown in Poltrona Frau leather, with saddle-stitching details. Pillow fabric is SAHCO.
Clients can visit Gulfstream showrooms in Savannah, Georgia; Long Beach, California; Dallas, Texas; and London to customize and specify finishes. There’s also a Design Book app to review choices and renderings.
“We tailor to the customer,” says Lane Sauve, principal designer; even down to special upholstery details, like French seams, welts, contrast threads. “A little pop of color makes a difference.” Palettes range from rich cerulean blue and gold to vibrant pink or lime, just as long as it’s in a product that’s aviation grade. Surface materials like stone are veneer weight and specified to withstand flexing or cracking.
The silk and wool carpeting with subtle pattern shown is from Tai Ping. A good-sized working surface is clad in the Xiricote veneer. Conference table heights are adjustable.
Tech features include touch control of lighting, shades, temperature and entertainment that syncs up with your mobile phone or tablet. A media system allows streaming to personal devices via KaBand, which Gulfstream completion and delivery expert Kevin Karam says has a faster upload. Onboard business equipment such as printers and scanners is yet another optional amenity.
In the main lav (above, center), there’s an integrated honed stone trough sink. The faucet is a prototype from THG of Paris. The front commode (above, right) is covered in a stingray grain embossed on vegetable tanned leather from Edelman.
But going the extra mile, Gulfstream prides itself on producing a comfortable ride in this model. Flying at higher altitudes — between 41,000 and 51,000 feet — makes it smoother. And better pressurization makes it easier to breathe and reduces fatigue on long flights. “In most aircraft, the cabin is pressurized to simulate an 8,000-foot altitude,” explains Cass. “The G600 (and 500) is between 3,000 to 4,800 feet. [That] makes it easier for your body to get oxygen into the bloodstream, reducing fatigue.”
The Symmetry Flight Deck™ features active control sidesticks that eliminate traditional pedestal-based yokes, creating more space and better comfort for pilots. Ten touch-screen interfaces reduce the number of switches on the flight deck; each tablet is interchangeable in flight for greater reliability.
In addition, Gulfstream uses 100 percent fresh air. “The cabin air is entirely replenished every two minutes. Most commercial aircraft and many business jets ‘recycle’ some portion of the cabin air to slightly improve fuel efficiency.”
Gulfstream also claims to offer some of the quietest cabins in the industry. “Although we cannot quantify the dB improvement versus other aircraft,” says Cass, “our customers have commented that our cabins are extremely quiet and much better than other business jets. Many engineers in our acoustics group are from another division within parent company General Dynamics, which builds submarines. They were able to improve insulation materials.”
© Paul Bowen
With boosts in speed and distance, in a more quiet airplane stylishly outfitted with opulent materials and ambience plus reduced jet lag, this model likely will be at least as popular as the G650 — which the company says was its most successful launch. Delivery for the G600 is in 2018, and the jet will be brought into service in 2019.
