Billionaires Soar in Style: Inside the $65 Million Gulfstream G650ER, the Near-Supersonic, Ultra-Luxurious Jet Favored by Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Jeff Bezos
At 3:30 PM +07 on May 10, 2025, the world of luxury aviation is once again in the spotlight as the Gulfstream G650ER, a $65 million marvel, continues to dominate the skies as the ultimate status symbol for the planet’s richest individuals. Favored by billionaires like Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Jeff Bezos, this near-supersonic private jet is not just a mode of transport—it’s a testament to engineering brilliance, opulent design, and unparalleled performance. Known as one of the fastest and longest-range commercial aircraft in the world, the G650ER offers a glimpse into the high-flying lives of the elite, blending cutting-edge technology with extravagant comfort.
The Gulfstream G650ER, first introduced in 2014 as an extended-range version of the G650, has become the go-to choice for billionaires who demand speed, range, and luxury. With a maximum speed of Mach 0.925—just shy of the sound barrier—this jet can whisk its passengers across the globe at near-supersonic speeds. Its impressive range of 7,500 nautical miles (approximately 8,630 miles) allows for non-stop flights from Seattle to Dubai or New York to Hong Kong, making it a favorite for global moguls like Musk, who frequently shuttles between SpaceX and Tesla headquarters, and Bezos, whose jet-setting lifestyle includes trips from Miami to Europe. Gates, known for his environmental advocacy, has also been linked to the G650ER, though his ownership has sparked debates given the jet’s carbon footprint.
What sets the G650ER apart is its ability to combine speed with luxury. The jet’s spacious cabin, often customized to the owner’s exact specifications, can accommodate up to 19 passengers, though most configurations, like Bezos’ recently sold model, seat around 14 in lavish comfort. The interior boasts 16 panoramic windows—the largest in business aviation—flooding the cabin with natural light and offering breathtaking views at 51,000 feet. Features like three-seater divans, a credenza for luxury dining, and even a conference room cater to the needs of billionaires who work and relax on the go. Gulfstream’s attention to detail is evident in the cabin’s advanced soundproofing, optimized altitude for passenger comfort, and smartphone-controlled lighting and temperature settings, ensuring a serene environment even during long-haul flights.
Performance-wise, the G650ER is a beast. Powered by two Rolls-Royce BR725 turbofan engines, each delivering nearly 17,000 pounds of thrust, the jet offers unmatched reliability and efficiency. Gulfstream claims its aerodynamic wing design and high-speed capabilities reduce flight hours and maintenance needs, a feature that resonates with Musk, who values efficiency in all his ventures. The jet’s PlaneView II cockpit, equipped with Honeywell Primus Epic avionics, includes an Enhanced Vision System and a heads-up display, ensuring safety and precision even in challenging conditions. It’s no wonder the G650ER has set numerous world records for speed and range since its debut, solidifying its reputation as the apex of modern business jets.
For billionaires like Musk, Gates, and Bezos, the G650ER isn’t just a tool—it’s a statement. Musk, whose net worth recently soared to $440 billion according to Bloomberg, owns a G650ER alongside two Gulfstream G550s, using them to manage his empire spanning Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI. Bezos, with a fortune of $228 billion, recently upgraded to the Gulfstream G700 but still owns a G650ER, one of which he listed for $39 million in late 2024—a steal compared to its original $65 million price tag. Gates, despite criticism over his jet usage given his climate advocacy, has been associated with two G650ERs, though posts on X have highlighted the irony of his carbon footprint, estimating emissions at 9,781 kg of CO2 for a single flight compared to 507 kg on a commercial plane.
The G650ER’s allure isn’t without controversy. Environmentalists argue that private jets, especially those used by billionaires preaching sustainability, contribute disproportionately to carbon emissions. Yet, for the ultra-rich, the convenience and privacy of the G650ER outweigh public backlash. As Gulfstream continues to innovate—introducing models like the G700 and G800—the G650ER remains a timeless icon, a symbol of what’s possible when wealth meets engineering excellence. For Musk, Gates, and Bezos, it’s not just about getting from point A to B; it’s about doing so in a way that redefines luxury, speed, and power, 51,000 feet above the rest of the world.
