A Comparison Of These NBA Superstars Private Jets

admin February 5, 2025

0 20 5 minutes read

The two NBA icons individually own state-of-the-art Gulfstream jets to fulfill their travel needs to sporting events, business meetings, or other philanthropic commitments. These jets are symbols of excellence for their owners while ensuring a safe and efficient mode of air travel.

LeBron James

Gulfstream G280

Crew: 2
Capacity: seating for 10 passengers in the executive style
Payload: 4,050 lbs (1,840 kg)
Length: 66 ft 10 in (20.3 m)
Wingspan: 63 ft 0 in (19.2 m)
Height: 21 ft 4 in (6.5 m)
Wing area: 495 sq ft (46 m2)
Empty weight: 24,150 lb (10,954 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 39,600 lb (17,960 kg)
Powerplant: Two Honeywell HTF7250G turbofans, 7,624 lbf (33.91 kN) thrust each
Maximum speed: Mach 0.84
Cruise speed: 459 knots (528 mph, 850 km/h) normal cruise at altitude
Range: 3,600 NM (4,143 mi, 6,667 km) at Mach 0.80 with four passengers
Service ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Fuel consumption: 1,900 lb. per hour

The NBA star and a stellar performer, LeBron James, owns a Gulfstream G280 twin-engine jet. As one of the world’s most celebrated sports celebrities, James utilizes the jet to serve his demanding schedule that involves traveling for sports, business, and other commitments. The G280 combines superior performance, state-of-the-art technology, and cabin comfort, offering an unmatched reliability and travel experience to the star.

Photo: Gulfstream

The aircraft has an operational range of 3,600 nautical miles and can attain a maximum speed of 570 mph, enabling efficient and timely air travel across the nation and abroad for games and other engagements. According to Gulfstream Aerospace,

“Created to reimagine super-midsize performance, the G280 excels at blazing difficult trails. Certified for steep-approach operations, it makes nimble work of short runways, high-altitude airports, and low-visibility conditions.”

The G280 cabin and amenities

Cabin Height: 6 ft 1 In
Cabin Width: 7 ft 2 In
Cabin Length: 25 ft 10 In
Cabin Volume: 935 cu ft
Door Height: 6 ft 0 In
Door Width: 2 ft 9 In
Internal Baggage: 120 cu ft

The cabin of LeBron James’ G280 is designed to offer maximum comfort and ease of use. It features plush leather reclining seats, an exemplary entertainment system, and high-speed onboard WiFi. The customized interior has two living areas, ensuring convenience for business and leisure travel.

Photo: Challenge Jet Charter

The cabin features a fully functional kitchen where gourmet meals can be prepared during flights. The cabin also has plenty of storage space, offering a convenient and accessible stowaway for luggage.

Rest: With whisper-quiet engines and sleeping accommodations for up to five passengers, restorative rest is a given
Thrive: Arrive refreshed thanks to 100% fresh air, natural light from 19 large oval windows, and the lowest cabin altitude in the class.
Focus: Convene and establish your agenda in style, comfortably seating up to 10 passengers in a customized cabin configuration.

This industry-leading efficiency of the G280 is evident through its minimal fuel consumption, long range, and low environmental impact. The jet allows NBA stars to conveniently travel transatlantic routes, from New York to London or Dubai to Singapore.

What Type Of Gulfstream Jet Does LeBron James Fly?

A closer look at the basketball legend’s Gulfstream G280 super-midsize private jet.

Micheal Jordan

Gulfstream G550 and G650ER

Michael Jordan, winner of six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls, is the proud owner of two private jets: a Gulfstream G550 and the recently acquired G650ER. The G550, registration N239MJ, is a 2005 Gulfstream model that can accommodate up to 14 passengers. The brand-new G650ER is a 2024 model registered as N236MJ. The aircraft was delivered to Jordan at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) in October last year. The “23” in the registration represents Jordan’s jersey number. Additionally, the number “6” represents the number of times he has won NBA titles, followed by his initials “MJ” in his fleet.

Jordan’s Gulfstream G550

Crew: 2 pilots
Capacity: 14 passengers / 6,200 lb (2,812 kg) payload
Length: 96 ft 5 in (29.39 m)
Wingspan: 93 ft 6 in (28.50 m)
Height: 25 ft 10 in (7.87 m)
Empty weight: 48,300 lb (21,909 kg)
Gross weight: 54,500 lb (24,721 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 91,000 lb (41,277 kg)
Maximum landing weight: 75,300 lb (34,156 kg)
Fuel capacity: 41,300 lb (18,733 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Rolls-Royce BR710 C4-11 turbofan engines, 15,385 lbf (68.44 kN) thrust each

Gulfstream Aerospace states that the G650 and G650ER are “certified for steep approach and equipped with Gulfstream’s Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS), the G650 and G650ER utilize state-of-the-art technology to maximize handling and performance. Planned enhancements include our award-winning Predictive Landing Performance System, which is designed to help pilots avoid runway overruns.”

Range: 6,750 NM (7,770 mi, 12,500 km)
High-Speed Cruise: M0.85 at 41,000 ft (12,000 m)
Long Range Cruise: M0.80 at 41,000 ft (12,000 m)
Maximum Mach Operating (MMO): M0.885 at 41,000 ft (12,000 m)
Service ceiling: 51,000 ft (16,000 m)
Take-off run: 5,910 ft (1,800 m)
Landing run: 2,770 ft (840 m)

The NBA star acquired the G550 in August 2016, and it is currently worth approximately $60 million. The aircraft has an operational range of 6,750 nautical miles, nearly twice that of the LeBron James’ G280 jet. That means flights of up to 12 hours, such as transpacific routes from the US west coast to Asia-Pacific, are possible. The aircraft has a maximum speed of 570 mph, enabling fast and timely air travel to fulfill the celebrity’s needs to catch business or sporting events. According to Gulfstream Aerospace,

“The long-range G500 gives you back time with a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90. Fewer flight hours means longer periods between scheduled maintenance visits, higher potential aircraft value and fresher crews.”

Cabin height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Cabin width: 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
Cabin length: 43 ft 11 in (3.39 m)
Length including baggage hold: 50 ft 1 in (15.27 m)
Cabin volume: 1,669 cu ft (47.26 m3)
Usable baggage compartment volume: 170 cu ft (4.81 m3)
Cabin altitude: 6,000 ft (1,829 m)

Jordan’s Gulfstream G650ER

Maximum 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): 6,000 ft
Initial Cruise Altitude: 41,000 ft
Maximum Cruise Altitude: 51,000 ft

Photo: Noah Cooperman | Simple Flying

Last year, the NBA legend upgraded its fleet with a brand-new Gulfstream G650ER, a state-of-the-art ultra-long-range business jet. The “Extended Range” version of the G650 has a range of nearly 7,500 nautical miles, making possible nearly 15 hours of nonstop flights. According to Gulfstream Aerospace,

“In our more than 60-year history, our commitment to serving you over the lifetime of your aircraft has never wavered. We’re ready to support you anywhere you operate your G650 or G650ER—today, tomorrow and far into the future.”

Jordan’s G650ER features a luxurious interior, with premium leather reclining seats, a stylish bar and cigar station, a private bedroom with a bathroom, and a dining area. The cabin is equipped with a high-tech entertainment system and mood lighting.

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

What Type Of Gulfstream Jet Does LeBron James Fly?

A closer look at the basketball legend’s Gulfstream G280 super-midsize private jet.

G650ER Maximum Takeoff: 103,600 lb
Maximum Landing: 83,500 lb
Maximum Zero Fuel: 60,500 lb
Basic Operating (including 4 crew): 54,000 lb
Maximum Payload: 6,500 lb
Maximum Payload/Full Fuel: 1,800 lb
G650ER Maximum Fuel: 48,200 lb

The sporting stardom

The two sportsmen’s aircraft are more than a means of transport; they serve as crucial elements of their multifaceted careers. The aircraft’s design, comfort, and usability are the extension of their lifestyle. While both legends chose Gulfstream as their choice for private jets, Michael Jordan’s aircraft are larger and have a much greater range. Nonetheless, these aircraft reflect their status as global icons and their commitment to excellence in all aspects of their lives.