The Gulfstream G650ER is one of 12 owned and chartered by Qatar Executive.
I’ve never been on a private jet. I typically fly economy, usually low-cost regional carriers like Ryanair and easyJet where the idea of cabin luggage, or even guaranteeing sitting next to your friend comes with a fee.People board an easyJet flight at Gatwick Airport
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The idea of an exclusive, $65 million private jet with its own private bedroom and bathroom is a luxury. When I was given the chance to take a look at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow, I had to take a look.The Gulfstream G650ER is one of 12 owned and chartered by Qatar Executive.
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The airline has 12 Gulfstream G650ER jets, and has three set to be delivered by the end of 2022.The Gulfstream G650ER on display at Farnborough International Airshow.
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The 14.27-meter long by 2.49 meter-wide cabin was configured to carry up to 13 passengers, as well as two pilots and one flight attendant. If passengers plan to fly overnight there’s room for seven to sleep.The Gulfstream G650 can carry 16 people in total.
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After boarding the plane there’s an entrance to a crew rest area used on long-haul flights.The crew rest area would usually be tidier than this, but was being used by crew to store their bags during the airshow.
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It was being used by the Qatar crew on duty to store their bags.Flight attendants use the room to rest during long-haul flights.
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Opposite this was a restroom with its own sink and fold-down leather toilet seat.The lavatory on a Gulfstream G650ER private jet.
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The galley kitchen felt very similar to those on certain types of yacht.Passengers walk through the galley to enter the main cabin.
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It had a coffee machine…A business trip essential, the coffee machine.
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… and a coverable sink and space to prepare food.The sink can be covered during take-off and landing.
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We visited at a time when there were other tours on the flight.
There were six people on the jet when I toured. With a cabin width of just 2.59 m, it felt cramped and did lead to a few moments of awkward shuffles as we all tried to navigate our way around the plane.It took some navigating and patience to get a relatively person-free shot.
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I can imagine this is less of a problem if everyone is in their seats during the flight.The plane has a lounge area with four seats, arranged around a table. There was plenty of leg room.
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A door at the back of the cabin led through to a private bedroom. It contains and sofa and two individual seats that fold into a double and a single bed.The private cabin towards the aft of the plane leads through to a bathroom and cargo area.
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The bedroom had its own private seating area and automatic table that was released at the push of a button.
It takes around 35 minutes to convert all of the seating into beds, according to the flight attendant. Passengers have to wait in the available seats while the private bedroom towards the rear of the plane is sorted first.Passengers have to wait in the available seats while the private bedroom towards the rear of the plane is sorted first, the flight attendant told Insider.
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A screen aboard the Gulfstream, G650ER.
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The private bedroom has its own bathroom with a lavatory and a sink. There is no shower however.The private bedroom has its own bathroom, which is also connected to the cargo area at the aft of the plane.
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There’s a compartment for bags located at the aft of the plane, which can be accessed through a door in the private bathroom.The cargo bay is spacious and can also be accessed from a hatch outside the plane.
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Qatar installed an air conditioning unit to keep the jet cool while it was parked on the tarmac, which is another reason the jet may have appeared cramped.The airshow took place amid record UK temperatures.
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The airshow was held during a time when temperatures in the UK reached their highest on record, reaching a 40.3 degrees Celsius (104.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas of the country.
Maybe it’s my average UK salary talking, but given the context in which I’m touring the plane, I find it hard to see private jets as anything but a monumental waste of money.
Private jets are up to 14 times more polluting per passenger than commercial flights.The total impact depends on the distance flown.
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Source:Transport & Environment
The aviation sector has pledged to collectively cut its total carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. Carbon offsetting, investing in sustainable fuels, or switching electrically powered planes are some of the ways the industry plans to do so.The aviation industry used the Farnborough International airshow to talk up its green intentions.
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Source: IATA
But many argue that is not enough, and what will really make a difference is fewer flights.British Airways planes at Heathrow airport.
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I can see why super busy millionaires pay for the convenience and privacy offered by a private jet, and I’ll admit the cabin was impressive. Whether that can ever be worth it is something I’m yet to be convinced of.The Qatar plane was not the only Gulfstream on display at Farnborough.
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