Photo Credit: Courtesy Flexjet

Step aboard Flexjet’s version of the Gulfstream G450 and we’ll understand if you have a hard time believing you’re on an aircraft that is part of a fleet available to fractional fliers. That was our impression too. This flying lounge is so luxurious you’ll swear you’re on a high-roller’s personal aircraft. We’re talking a custom cabin lined with zebrawood, fitted with cashmere sofas and 42-inch televisions, as well as fold-down ottomans and dedicated lounge areas that capitalize on every square inch of cabin space. You’ll sip from Waterford Crystal stemware, wrap yourself in Loro Piana throws, sashay up and down the aisle on plush carpeting and utilize cutting-edge multimedia features that allow you to stay productive in the air. Couple this custom, Flexjet-designed interior with an impressive maximum range and you’ll understand why we’re absolutely gaga for this world-class aircraft.

It’s a good thing Flexjet, which has an exclusive arrangement with Gulfstream to be the only fractional provider of new G450’s, recently announced it is speeding up delivery of this haute aircraft to meet the heavy demands from those who demand the finest in luxe travel. With the accelerated delivery schedule, six G450s will be flying in the Flexjet fleet by the end of this year, bolstering Flexjet’s ability to serve international routes nonstop.

Outfitted for 16 passengers, you can use this baby as a conference room in the air. The G450 can travel 4,350 nautical miles/8,056 kilometers with eight passengers. This haute jet, propelled by powerful twin Rolls-Royce engines, has a cruise speed of Mach 0.85, cruising altitude of 45,000 feet and low cabin pressure. Advanced sound suppression in the G450 improves cabin sound levels by 18 percent over its predecessor, the GIV. Rest assured that you’ll arrive to your destination refreshed and on time.

The cabin height is 6-foot-2, but truth be told, the carpeting is so thick that if you’re 6-foot-1, you will have to stoop just a tad. Regardless of your height, you’ll certainly appreciate the signature oval windows that provide a stunning view of the surrounding landscape and the other offerings.

Cabin amenities include:

Airshow System

Cabin Speakers

CD Stereo

DVD Player

Fully-Enclosed Aft Lavatory

In-Flight Service Attendant

Microwave

Power Outlets

Refreshment Center

Surround Sound

Talk-and-Text Technology

Telephone

Video Monitors

Warming Oven

Wi-Fi

The G450 is part of an order Flexjet originally placed in October 2014 for up to 50 aircraft, also including the G500™ and G650™, from Gulfstream’s iconic line of business jets.

“Since we took delivery of our first Gulfstream G450 aircraft in June, the response to these new long-range aircraft has been so robust that we have asked Gulfstream to move up delivery of our next two G450 aircraft to this fall, rather than mid-2016, as previously agreed to,” said Flexjet Chief Executive Officer Michael Silvestro. “Our sales for the year are up 20 percent and the marketplace clearly is hungry for extended-range products from Gulfstream. Stepping up our delivery schedule will help us to satisfy this appetite. Gulfstream’s willingness to make this change for us illustrates the type of strong partnership we have built during the past year.”

It’s no surprise that the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as the central California coast, is a top five region for Flexjet, based on flight activity and customers located here. The G450 can handle nonstop trips from New York to anywhere in Europe. We’re well aware that in our area, many of you corporate customers require enough range to make it non-stop from the west coast to Asia and Europe. While the G450 is capable of some of that flying, we’re know you are particularly interested in delivery of the G650, which has 7,000 miles of range. Your wait is almost over! The G650 will enter the fleet in early 2016, which should make those of you corporate owners who are looking to add the long range Gulfstream products to current contracts as a supplemental long-haul lift solution very happy.

“In the fractional jet industry, you hear a lot about orders for new planes being delayed or cancelled – not accelerated. Not only have we had strong demand for the Gulfstream G450, but we also are seeing tremendous enthusiasm for the G650. We are pleased to be able to take delivery of the G650 early next year, making us the only fractional provider offering this aircraft,” said Chairman Kenn Ricci. “With the G450, G650 and other advanced new aircraft entering our fleet, we are well-positioned to meet the needs and expectations of today’s fractional fliers.”

In addition to the Gulfstream G450 and G650, Flexjet will be the North American launch customer, and exclusive fractional provider, for the Gulfstream G500 expected to be delivered in 2018. The G500 will offer the finest in speed, wide-cabin comfort and efficiency. Outfitted for 12 passengers, the G500 will be capable of flying 5,000 nautical miles/9,260 kilometers.

Gulfstream’s G450, G500 and G650 will become part of Flexjet’s LXi Cabin Collection, which also includes the Learjet 75, the Challenger 350, Bombardier’s Global Express aircraft and the Embraer Legacy 450 and Legacy 500. The additions will further reduce the age of Flexjet’s fleet, already the youngest in the fractional industry, and give you plenty of options to make a statement wherever you land.

Photo Credit: Courtesy Flexjet