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Where Luxury Meets Strategy at 50,000 Feet

Once seen as indulgences of the ultra-wealthy and celebrities, Ultra-Long-Haul Business Jets have become essential tools for CEOs, government delegations, entrepreneurs, and even small enterprises operating across hemispheres

Issue: 06-2025By Rohit GoelPhoto(s): By Dassault Aviation, Gulfstream, Bombardier
DASSAULT FALCON 10X IS THE LATEST BUSINESS JET TO OFFER THE BEST IN LUXURY, RANGE AND UTILITY IN THE ULTRA-LONG-HAUL CATEGORY

In an era where billion-dollar deals are made across continents and global presence is no longer optional, ultra-long-haul business jets have emerged not merely as symbols of status but as vital strategic assets. These aircraft are redefining global mobility for modern executives and multinational firms by offering direct, non-stop access to virtually any two cities on Earth.

Often cruising at altitudes above 50,000 feet and speeds approaching Mach 0.90 or higher, an ultra-long-haul business jet is typically defined as a purpose-built private aircraft capable of flying 6,000 nautical miles or more without refuelling. In real terms, that means non-stop flights from New York to Hong Kong, Dubai to Los Angeles, or Sydney to London, onboard a jet that doubles as a mobile office, bedroom, and meeting room.

Once seen as indulgences of the ultra-wealthy, these aircraft have become essential tools for CEOs, government delegations, venture capitalists, and even small global enterprises operating across hemispheres. With a market now dominated by heavyweights like Gulfstream, Dassault Falcon, and Bombardier, the race to build the most capable ultra-long-range jet is accelerating—with range, comfort, connectivity, and sustainability forming the new battleground.

FALCON 10X OFFERS THE WIDEST AND TALLEST CABIN IN ITS CLASS ALLOWING FOR INTERIOR SPACES PREVIOUSLY UNIMAGINABLE ON A BUSINESS JET

Having established the importance of ultra long haul jets in today’s globalised business and travel landscape, it’s worth exploring how leading manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of range, comfort, and efficiency and which ultra long haul birds are taking over the skies. Contending, among the notable aircraft manufacturers in this space is Gulfstream, which has set new standards for what travellers can expect from longdistance air travel.

GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE: BENCHMARKING PERFORMANCE AND COMFORT

At the very pinnacle of the long-range jet category is Gulfstream Aerospace, a Savannah, Georgia-based manufacturer with over six decades of leadership in high-performance business aviation. Its two newest flagships—the G700 and G800—are defining the new standard for ultra-long-haul flight. As airlines and passengers alike seek to bridge continents with fewer stops, Gulfstream has emerged as a frontrunner, setting benchmarks for what’s possible in ultra-long-haul aviation.

G700: Leading with Range and Refinement
With a maximum range of 7,750 nautical miles at Mach 0.85, the G700 is capable of connecting city pairs like New York–Hong Kong or Dubai–Los Angeles without refuelling. This extraordinary capability is underpinned by the powerful Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and advanced aerodynamics that allow for fast, efficient intercontinental travel.

However, the G700 is not just about performance—it’s about presence. With the longest cabin in business aviation (nearly 57 feet), it offers up to five living zones, including a dedicated bedroom and a stand-up shower. The aircraft also features 100 per cent fresh air circulation, lower cabin altitudes, and circadian lighting, creating a tranquil, jet lag-reducing experience.

Pilots benefit from Gulfstream’s proprietary Symmetry Flight Deck, featuring active control sidesticks and touchscreen avionics. It’s one of the most advanced, safest, and ergonomically intelligent cockpits in the industry.

Gulfstream, which has continued to lead in many segments, offers not just one but two aircraft models in this category. Accompanying the G700 in the ultra long haul category is the G800.

G800: The Range King
While the G700 focuses on cabin comfort and flexibility, the G800 takes Gulfstream’s technical capabilities to their limit. It offers an industry-leading range of 8,200 nautical miles, allowing operators to fly from Sydney to Dallas, or Singapore to San Francisco nonstop.

GULFSTREAM G800: BEYOND THE LUXURY AND RANGE, WHAT MAKES THIS AIRCRAFT ESSENTIAL IS THE STRATEGIC VALUE TO GLOBAL BUSINESSES

The G800 borrows much of the G700’s cabin innovations but optimises efficiency. A smaller fuselage footprint translates to improved fuel burn and extended legs—without compromising the hallmark Gulfstream interior experience. For operators in emerging markets or with irregular routing needs, this flexibility makes the G800 especially attractive.

GLOBAL SUPPORT AND SUSTAINABILITY

Gulfstream has also invested heavily in its customer support ecosystem, with service centres across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. The company is at the forefront of industry sustainability efforts, with all new aircraft fully compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the development of carbon-offset programmes for green-conscious buyers.

“Our mission is simple—connect the world without compromise,” says Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream. “The G700 and G800 are engineered for a future where performance, comfort, and responsibility go hand in hand.”

While Gulfstream has made significant strides in ultra-longhaul capabilities, it is not the only player redefining the industry. Dassault Falcon, is flying up almost the same level as Gulfstream, offering a unique blend of performance and versatility. As the market diversifies, the Dassault Falcon also stands out for its ability to combine range, efficiency, and passenger comfort.

DASSAULT FALCON: PEDIGREE WITH EXECUTIVE CLASS EXPERIENCE

French aircraft maker Dassault Aviation brings something different to the table—aerodynamic excellence and advanced flight control technology drawn from its heritage. With the upcoming Falcon 10X, Dassault is entering the ultra-long-range race with both innovation and elegance. Having received significant attention in the market and during several global airshows, Falcon 10X is among the most looked forward to aircraft.

Falcon 10X: The Ultimate in European Engineering
Set to enter service in 2027, the Falcon 10X will offer a range of 7,500 nautical miles, putting it firmly in the ultra-long-haul category. However, Dassault’s focus isn’t on setting raw records. Instead, the 10X will offer the widest and tallest cabin in its class—6 feet 8 inches high and over 9 feet wide—allowing for interior spaces previously unimaginable on a business jet.

Owners will be able to configure their aircraft with a private suite, lounge, office, or dining area. The flexible cabin layout and advanced soundproofing technologies are designed to match or exceed the comfort of luxury apartments.

But beneath the luxury lies serious innovation. The 10X will feature fly-by-wire controls, a smart throttle system for simplified pilot operations, and an advanced digital flight control system that improves fuel efficiency and handling. Its carbon-fibre wing, meanwhile, contributes to a lighter, more fuel-efficient airframe.

Dassault also emphasises sustainability, with the 10X fully compatible with SAF and built with a lower-emissions operations profile in mind.

“We are applying everything we know from building supersonic fighters to creating the most responsive and refined aircraft ever flown in the business world,” says Éric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation.

BOMBARDIER: THE PROVEN POWERHOUSE

Bombardier’s Global 7500, and its forthcoming sibling, the Global 8000, have proven that Canadian engineering has a place among the very best in ultra-long-haul aviation.

The Global 7500, with a range of 7,700 nautical miles and Mach 0.925 speed, offers four distinct living zones and Bombardier’s patented Nuage seating—an ergonomic marvel that supports zero-gravity posture during long flights. Bombardier’s Smooth Flex Wing also provides a noticeably smoother ride in turbulent conditions.

BOMBARDIER GLOBAL 8000: THE AIRCRAFT IS FOCUSED HEAVILY ON CABIN WELLNESS, SUPPORTING PASSENGER HEALTH ON LONG FLIGHTS

Looking ahead, the Global 8000 will enhance performance even further with an 8,000 nm range and a blistering top speed of Mach 0.94—making it the fastest business jet in production. Bombardier has focused heavily on cabin wellness, from advanced HEPA filtration to reduced cabin pressure, supporting passenger health and alertness on 16+ hour flights.

A TOOL FOR GLOBAL EXECUTION

Taken together, these aircraft illustrate the remarkable progress being made in ultra long haul aviation, each contributing to a future where distance is less of a barrier than ever before. As the demand for ultra long haul jets continues to rise, manufacturers are not only competing on range and comfort but also on sustainability and operational efficiency. The innovations seen in aircraft above highlight a broader trend toward smarter, more adaptable aviation solutions.

Beyond their luxury and range, what makes these aircraft essential is their strategic value to global businesses. Ultralong-haul jets enable direct routing between secondary and tertiary cities that commercial airlines don’t cover, and eliminate the time lost in layovers, queues, or indirect flights. For today’s multinational firms, these aircraft are as much about control as they are about comfort. They allow executives to run tight schedules across continents while remaining secure and productive.

Cabins now support high-speed satellite connectivity, video conferencing, and real-time access to cloud platforms. It’s a true extension of the boardroom—often in more comfort and privacy than any five-star hotel or commercial lounge.

While the primary drivers of demand are business and government needs, ultra-long-haul jets have also found their way into the portfolios of the world’s wealthiest individuals who are known to own or operate Gulfstream, Bombardier, or Dassault aircraft—emphasising the flexibility, security, and performance these jets offer to both private and professional schedules.

ASIA-PACIFIC: A RISING MARKET FOR ULTRA-LONG JETS

The demand for ultra-long-haul business jets is expected to rise sharply in Asia-Pacific, driven by increasing cross-border investment, expanding family offices, and more globalised executive travel patterns.

According to Honeywell’s 2024 Global Business Aviation Outlook, more than 20 per cent of all new business jet purchases in the next five years will fall into the ultra-long-range segment. Asia-Pacific, in particular, is forecast to be one of the fastest-growing markets, thanks to new wealth in India, Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia.

Charter operators and aircraft management firms in the region have reported a marked increase in interest from firsttime buyers seeking ultra-long-range models that allow direct flights to North America and Europe without transit in Middle East or Northeast Asia hubs.

THE FUTURE IS HIGH, FAST, AND FAR

As sustainability becomes a key focus for aviation, manufacturers are integrating new technologies like electric taxi systems, lighter composite structures, and hybrid propulsion research into long-term product planning.

And while performance remains a central metric, wellness and environmental stewardship are rising priorities. Gulfstream, Bombardier, and Dassault are all working toward net-zero emission goals, while simultaneously offering cabins that promote better rest, hydration, and circadian alignment on ultra-long-haul routes.

CONCLUSION: FLIGHT WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Ultra-long-haul business jets are no longer just about reaching farther—they are about operating smarter, faster, and more sustainably across the globe. Whether it’s a Gulfstream sprinting from Tokyo to New York, a Falcon 10X easing across the Atlantic with whisper-quiet grace, or a Bombardier powering through the Pacific skies, these jets are tools of modern execution and mobility.

In a world of instant communication and 24/7 decisionmaking, they offer something more precious than luxury—uninterrupted, strategic time in motion.