The Best Heavy Jets
When it comes to coast-to-coast or even transatlantic journeys, heavy jets are often the preferred choice for business travelers. With an emphasis on speed, range, and efficiency, these jets have become the go-to option for long-distance flights, particularly those requiring travel across vast distances such as from the U.S. to Europe. The heavy-jet category sits between ultra-long-range jets—known for their exclusivity and high price tags—and the more commonly available super-midsize jets, although the lines between these categories occasionally blur.
Evolution of the Heavy Jet Category
The heavy jet category has come a long way since the 1966 debut of the 65,500-pound Grumman Gulfstream II, which relied on Rolls Royce Spey turbofans for its nonstop transcontinental flights. Today, the latest additions to the heavy jet family, such as the Dassault Falcon 6X, push the envelope with larger cabins, superior avionics, and cutting-edge technology designed for comfort and safety. Typically accommodating between five and 14 passengers, heavy jets offer a variety of features like a full galley, spacious baggage compartments, the latest in entertainment systems, and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring that passengers experience the highest standards in air travel.
The continued evolution of heavy jets means increasing range, faster speeds, and improved onboard technology. Manufacturers now focus not just on performance but on enhancing cabin comfort and passenger convenience, ensuring that these jets remain at the forefront of business aviation.
Dassault Falcon 7X – The New Standard in Heavy Jets
The Dassault Falcon 7X, which entered service in 2007, has set a new standard in long-range business aviation with its advanced technology and unmatched performance. With a range of 5,950 nautical miles, this tri-engine jet effortlessly connects cities like New York to Dubai or Paris to Singapore. Its 6.2-foot cabin height and 7.7-foot width offer a spacious and luxurious environment, designed to maximize comfort on long-haul flights. The 7X features 28 large windows, flooding the interior with natural light and enhancing the flying experience.
Equipped with a rear lounge area, the cabin can be configured for business meetings, dining, or rest, providing ultimate flexibility. In terms of technology, the Digital Flight Control System (DFCS)—derived from Dassault’s military expertise—enhances flight stability, efficiency, and safety. The three Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307A engines ensure excellent fuel efficiency, reduced noise, and superior short-field performance, allowing access to challenging airports. Additionally, the 7X is fully compatible with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), reinforcing Dassault’s commitment to eco-friendly innovation.
Bombardier Global 6500 : Innovation and Long-Range Comfort
The Bombardier Global 6500 is a high-performance business jet designed to offer exceptional range, speed, and comfort. With a 6.2-foot cabin height and nearly 8 feet in width, the aircraft provides a spacious and luxurious environment for long-haul travel. Capable of flying up to 6,600 nautical miles, it effortlessly connects cities like Hong Kong to London or Dubai to New York, making it a preferred choice for executives and world travelers.
Inside, the Nuage seats redefine comfort with deep recline, a floating base for effortless movement, and a tilting headrest for optimal relaxation. The Nuage chaise further enhances the cabin experience, transforming from a lounge chair into a fully flat sleeping surface. The jet’s cutting-edge avionics include the Bombardier Vision flight deck, featuring the Combined Vision System, which integrates infrared and synthetic vision for enhanced situational awareness. Equipped with next-generation Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 engines, the Global 6500 delivers higher fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and a quieter cabin, while remaining fully compatible with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), reinforcing Bombardier’s commitment to sustainability.
Dassault Falcon 2000LXS – A Legacy of Excellence
Introduced in 1994, the Dassault Falcon 2000 series quickly became a favorite among business jet owners. Over the years, it has evolved into the current Falcon 2000LXS, which blends performance and cost-effectiveness with exceptional reliability. The 2000LXS can accommodate between eight to 10 passengers and offers a range of 4,000 nautical miles. It has a maximum speed of Mach .86 and can reach altitudes of up to 47,000 feet.
The Falcon 2000LXS’s cabin is designed for comfort, with a length of 26.17 feet and a height of 74 inches. Its wide interior provides ample space, and the aircraft boasts 130.6 cubic feet of baggage capacity. It is popular in fractional ownership programs and is also frequently used by governments worldwide, including the French government, which operates the Falcon 2000EX and 2000LX in its presidential fleet.
Gulfstream G550
Introduced in 2000 and receiving FAA approval in 2003, the Gulfstream G550 is an evolution of the highly successful GV model. Offering both comfort and long-range capability, the G550 can travel up to 6,750 nautical miles—enabling nonstop flights from New York to Beijing. Its maximum operating altitude is 51,000 feet. The cabin, measuring 44 feet in length, can comfortably seat 14 to 16 passengers and is divided into three distinct zones, tailored to the specific needs of each flight. With 14 large windows, the cabin enjoys abundant natural light. Two lavatories are located at either end of the aircraft, and there’s 175 cubic feet of luggage space available for passengers. Powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl (BR710C4-11) engines, the G550 delivers 15,385 pounds of thrust, offering a maximum cruising speed of Mach .85 and a long-range cruising speed of Mach .80. Although its production ended in 2021, the G550 remains a highly sought-after business jet, with 611 units in operation worldwide, continuing to serve both charter and resale markets.
Takeaway
Heavy jets have proven themselves as the ultimate solution for long-range, high-performance air travel. Whether it’s the luxurious Dassault Falcon 6X, the comfortable and innovative Bombardier Global 5500, or the reliable Dassault Falcon 2000LXS and Gulfstream G550, these jets offer passengers exceptional comfort, cutting-edge technology, and impressive performance. With advanced avionics, spacious cabins, and extended range capabilities, the best heavy jets continue to set the standard in business aviation, providing a seamless and sophisticated travel experience for those who demand the best.
