When Flexjet recently reached out asking if I would like to tour their first Gulfstream G500 (N200FX), how could I refuse? I tried to act cool, but of course I was giddy to have the opportunity to check out one of the most premium private jets on the market today (I guess the cool kids are calling them “PJs”).
Long ago, I had the opportunity to fly in the Very Light Jet Phenom 100 and also on the Executive Airliner Boeing Business Jet. Those were glorious experiences, but the aircraft are on opposite ends of the private jet spectrum. The G500 is considered a Heavy Jet and lies somewhere in between the two.
I met up with the Flexjet representatives at the FBO at King County International Airport (KBFI) and we walked out to the tarmac where N200FX awaited us. Of course there was no security, no lines, we just walked out to the plane when we were ready to go. I have to say that Flexjet has a beautiful livery and the fact that part of its paint design has “chameleon” paint that changes color depending on the sun’s angle, made it all that more special.
After spending some quality time with the outside of the G500, I was delighted to board and check out the interior firsthand!
Walking up the stairs, I couldn’t help but notice the shiny chrome railing on each side. With the livery and the railings alone, I was already feeling that I was having a high-end experience.
Once I boarded, my attention first went to the left — the flight deck. I spent some time chatting with the first officer and then he asked if I would like to sit in his seat. “Yes please,” I replied with a grin on my face. The setup was beyond impressive. Side sticks, glass readouts everywhere — with very few buttons, and even a tail camera was on one of the displays. I was told that she flies like a rocket ship and that the G500 model has the best power-to-weight ratio among all of the Gulfstream fleet.
After I had my time in the front of the aircraft, it was time to head to the back. The first thing I noticed was how spacious the cabin was. I am 6’1” and my head did not touch the ceiling and it was easy to walk up and down the aisle without having to turn sideways.
The furnishings of the G500 were high-end, luxurious, but not pretentious. It didn’t feel like I was touring a stuffy museum where I wasn’t allowed to touch anything. That said, I still knew I was someplace very special. The colors, textures, and materials all worked together to create a wonderful, bespoke-like atmosphere.
From the inside, the long oval windows were taller and wider than I expected – they were impressive. They are one of the things that make Gulfstream aircraft easily identifiable from the outside (at least for me). There are two sets of shades for each window: one to filter out some of the light, the other to make the cabin totally dark. You can control them at your seat or use the app.
Yes…an app. Called Gulfstream My Cabin, it can work with the not only the shades, but also the lights and temperature based on your seat location.
A FEW FLEXJET & G500 FACTS WORTH SHARING:
- The aircraft offers a range of about 5,200nm and cruises at Mach 0.90
- The G500 has a cabin altitude of only 3,255ft while flying at 41,000ft (the Boeing 787 is about 6,000ft)
- The current plan is for the G500s to replace the G450s in Flexjet’s fleet.
- Have some fun and view all the different aircraft layouts
- Each of Flexjet’s aircraft offer Starlink internet
- Flexjet offers more than 340 aircraft, with expectations to surpass 400 by 2027
- They currently serve around 2,100 clients
One of the cool things about all the G500s coming into the fleet is they will all be a part of Flexjet’s Red Label program. One aspect of the program that caught my attention is dedicated crewing. That means the same crew will be assigned to one particular aircraft and that seems to make good sense to me. That way the crew will get to know the aircraft, learn its idiosyncrasies, and bond with the plane. Then it is more likely that the crew will go above and beyond taking care of their aircraft. Heck, I get it… I wasn’t even on N200FX for 45min and I was already bonding with her!
How much does it all cost? Well it depends. Flexjet breaks down their different programs on their website, but pricing isn’t listed — you have to work with a representative. Just be prepared — I assume that it will cost more than your Basic Economy ticket.
As Ferris Bueller wisely said: “It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.” And if you do end up setting up a ride in a G500 (or any other PJ for that matter), I kindly ask that you swing by Seattle and pick me up for a ride!
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