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 6X – The New Standard in Heavy Jets
The Dassault Falcon 6X, which entered service in 2023, has redefined what it means to fly in luxury and comfort. With a range of 5,500 nautical miles, this jet can effortlessly connect Los Angeles to Geneva or São Paulo to London. The cabin features a remarkable 6.5-foot height and 8.5-foot width, the largest in its class, providing passengers with exceptional space and comfort. The 6X is equipped with 30 large windows and a skylight, allowing for natural light and the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the sky, day or night.
The jet also includes a rear privacy suite, which can be configured for either business meetings or as a rest area for sleeping. In terms of avionics, the FalconEye system integrates multi-sensor camera images and worldwide synthetic-vision databases for enhanced safety and navigation. The Pratt & Whitney Canada 812D turbofan engine ensures that the Falcon 6X delivers not only exceptional fuel efficiency but also a quieter and smoother flight, thanks to the TALON X combustor technology. The 6X is also compatible with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), highlighting its eco-friendly design.
Bombardier Global 5500 – Luxury and Performance
Bombardier’s Global 5500 is another standout in the heavy jet category. This jet is designed for maximum comfort on long-distance journeys, with a cabin height of 6.2 feet and nearly 8 feet in width, making it a highly spacious option for passengers. It can seat up to 16 passengers and has a range of 5,900 nautical miles, making it an ideal option for transoceanic flights.
In the cockpit, the Combined Vision System merges infrared and synthetic terrain data, allowing pilots to operate with a greater level of precision. The cabin is equally impressive, featuring Bombardier’s proprietary Nuage seats, which provide ergonomic comfort for overnight flights. The seats feature deep reclining capabilities, a floating base for easy swiveling, and a tilting headrest for optimal resting. The Nuage chaise is another innovative feature, transforming from a lounge chair to a flat surface for sleeping or bench seating. With multiple living spaces, including a cross-aisle work surface and a conference suite, the Global 5500 is equipped with 4K-enabled connectivity and an intuitive cabin-management system, ensuring a smooth and comfortable flight experience for all passengers.
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.
