4 Fast Facts About Michael Jordan’s New Gulfstream G650ER

admin January 2, 2025

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One of the longest-range private jets
- Operational range: 7,500 NM

The six-time NBA champion and basketball legend Michael Jordan has become a proud owner of the Gulfstream G650ER jet. It is one of the fastest, longest-range, and most luxurious jets in business aviation. The global icon has a net worth of $3.5 billion, and the latest addition only costs a fraction of his wealth. We look at some fascinating facts about Michael Jordan’s newest purchase.

1

A hefty price paid

A sum of $70 million

Exterior Height: 25 ft 8 in
Exterior Length: 99 ft 9 in
Overall Wingspan: 99 ft 7 in
Maximum Takeoff: 103,600 lb
Maximum Landing: 83,500 lb
Maximum Zero Fuel: 60,500 lb
Basic Operating (including four crew): 54,000 lb
Maximum Payload: 6,500 lb
Maximum Payload/Full Fuel: 1,800 lb
Maximum Fuel: 48,200 lb

Just weeks after spending a couple of million dollars on a fancy Italian sports car, Michael Jordan has paid a whopping $70 million to acquire a state-of-the-art Gulfstream G650ER. It is one of the fastest and most luxurious business jets, offering the highest comfort, efficiency, and reliability levels. While pre-owned G650ERs range between $34-$58 million, a new 2024 model can cost upwards of $70 million.

According to the New York Post, the NBA legend spent a whopping $500,000 on the jet’s custom paint job. His popular elephant-paint sneakers inspired the exterior paint.

It is not the only cost the NBA icon has considered; the annual operating cost of a Gulfstream G650 varies anywhere between $1.5 million and $3.5 million, depending on the use. Liberty Jet states that flying a Gulfstream G650ER for 200 hours a year costs approximately $1.86 million, and flying 400 hours yearly runs just under $3 million.

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Notably, the jet’s fixed costs include crew fees and training, jet storage, insurance, and jet management fees. Moreover, the direct operating costs include the cost of fuel, airport and landing fees, and maintenance.

According to Liberty Jet,

“The maximum speed of the Gulfstream 650 is 595 mph, but with slower climb, cruise and descending speeds it is more likely to average 476 mph which would equate to an average cost per mile of approximately $19.55 at 200 hours per year. If you fly 400 hours per year, you can spread the total fixed costs over more flight hours which reduces your cost per mile to $15.73. These budgets do not include the cost to purchase the jet, depreciation or the cost of capital (interest payments).”

2

A flamboyant livery

Michael Jordan’s jet boasts iconic colors and symbols

The exterior of Michael Jordan’s brand-new Gulfstream G650ER is painted in sleek silver and black design. The jet also boasts his signature Jumpman logo on the tail (rudder) of the aircraft. The aircraft’s registration (N236MJ) is painted on the engine on the rear fuselage. The aircraft is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, each generating 16,900 lbf (75.2 kN) of thrust at takeoff. According to Gulfstream Aerospace,

“Pairing Gulfstream’s aerodynamic wing and advanced avionics with Rolls-Royce engines, the clean-sheet design of the G650 and G650ER represents a bold leap ahead in high-speed efficiency and fuel-economy. Gulfstream leads the industry in sustainability innovation, from new aircraft technology to environmentally responsible practices.”

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Michael Jordan’s jet’s tail number has a special significance altogether, which is a blend of the legend’s jersey number, his championship titles, and initials.

The aircraft registration: N236MJ

N: All aircraft registered in the United States begin with the letter N
23: Michael Jordan’s jersey number
6: Number of championship titles won
MJ: Michael Jordan’s initials

According to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),

“The U.S. received the “N” as its nationality designator under the International Air Navigation Convention, held in 1919. The Convention prescribed an aircraft-marking scheme of a single letter indicating nationality followed by a hyphen and four identity letters (for example, G-REMS). The five letters together were to be the aircraft’s radio call sign.”

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3

One of the longest-range private jets

Operational range: 7,500 NM

High-Speed Cruise: Mach 0.90
Long-Range Cruise: Mach 0.85
Maximum Operating Mach Number (Mmo): Mach 0.925
Takeoff Distance (SL, ISA, MTOW): 6,299 ft
Initial Cruise Altitude: 41,000 ft
Maximum Cruise Altitude: 51,000 ft

Legends like Michael Jordan generally use their private jets for short travel. Whether it is attending a quick business meeting or appearing in a formal event, the basketball legend is known to make frequent private jet trips. However, as a global sport icon, his popularity spans across horizons, which means he needs all the range he could to fly longer distances.

Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace

Gulfstream Aerospace states,

“With more than 500 aircraft in service and 125-plus world speed records, the G650 and G650ER are among the most trusted business jets in the world. The G650ER holds the record for the farthest fastest flight in business aviation history.”

The latest addition to Michael Jordan’s private jet collection can fly for 7,500 NM (13,900 km) without refueling. That enables direct flights from Florida to Tokyo, Buenos Aires to Dubai, and New York to Cape Town. The typical cruise speed of the G650ER jet is Mach 0.9, with a maximum speed of Mach 0.925, close to the sound barrier. The advanced jet from Gulfstream Aerospace offers unmatched performance, efficiency, and reliability, which is precisely what Micheal Jordan needs.

According to Gulfstream Aerospace,

“Innovation powers the G650 family. Gulfstream’s aerodynamic wing increases speed, range and efficiency. Fly-by-wire technology creates a comfortable flight. The streamlined displays of the PlaneView™ II flight deck increase safety and reduce pilot workload.”

4

A luxurious interior

Seating for up to 19 passengers

Finished Cabin Height: 6 ft 3 in
Finished Cabin Width: 8 ft 2 in
Cabin Length (excluding baggage): 46 ft 10 in
Total Interior Length: 53 ft 7 in
Cabin Volume: 2,138 cu ft
Baggage Compartment Volume: 195 cu ft
Living Areas: Up to 4
Seats: Up to 19
Sleeps: Up to 10
Cabin Altitude: 3,290 ft at 41,000 ft
Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows: 16
Galley: Forward or Aft
Vacuum Lavatory: Forward and Aft

Michael Jordan’s Gulfstream G650ER is equally exclusive on the inside, with comfortable seating, fixtures, living areas, and amenities. The cabin has room for 19 passengers with a comfortable sleeping configuration for 10. The aircraft boasts plush leather recliner seats, wooden-finish sidewalls and folding tables, a private dining area, a fully stocked kitchen and bar, and a private bedroom for added comfort on long-haul flights.

With a maximum range of approximately 7,500 NM, the jet can fly nonstop for up to 15 hours without refueling. According to Gulfstream Aerospace,

“The spacious interior is a refined getaway above the clouds where supreme comfort meets high design and innovation. Gulfstream’s clean air system delivers 100% fresh air every two to three minutes, and our air-ionizing technology neutralizes allergens and viruses.”

What Is The Price Of A Gulfstream G650ER Private Jet?

The annual operating cost of the aircraft is approximately $2 million.

Relax: Designed to be the quietest in business aviation, the cabin provides a peaceful environment.
Thrive: Arrive alert and refreshed, thanks to optimized cabin altitude.
Bask: Sixteen panoramic oval windows–the largest in business aviation–offer abundant natural light.