Gulfstream Bids Farewell to an Icon: The End of the G650 Era
February 14th, 2025 — Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced earlier this week that the final Gulfstream G650 has completed production, marking the end of an era for one of the most iconic aircraft programs in business aviation.
This milestone not only highlights the end of a storied production run but also cements the G650 and its extended-range variant, the G650ER, as benchmarks for performance, safety, and innovation in the industry.
A Storied Legacy in the Skies
Since its entry into service in 2012, the Gulfstream G650 quickly redefined business aviation. With the introduction of the G650ER in 2014, Gulfstream established a fleet that has collectively surpassed 1 million flight hours and now boasts more than 560 aircraft in service worldwide. This impressive record is a testament to the high utilization, exceptional dispatch reliability, and enduring appeal of the G650 family.
The aircraft has not only garnered industry accolades but also earned the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy in 2014—a recognition of its groundbreaking advancements in performance, safety, and efficiency.
Over the years, the G650 and G650ER have set more than 125 city-pair speed records and achieved feats that include a 2015 world circumnavigation with just one stop and the fastest-ever circumnavigation of Earth during the “One More Orbit” mission in 2019, as recognized by Guinness World Records.
“Since their inception, the G650 and G650ER have become the industry standard that all others have followed,” remarked Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream. “This milestone is a true testament to our precision manufacturing, state-of-the-art design, and world-class customer support.”
Cutting-Edge Innovation and Technological Excellence
The G650 family has long been synonymous with advanced technology. Equipped with Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, these aircraft have pushed the envelope of what business jets can achieve. In 2022, a G650 became the pioneering platform for the industry’s first flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), underscoring Gulfstream’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Gulfstream’s focus on continuous improvement is evident in the recent introduction of the Honeywell Primus Epic Block 3 avionics upgrade. This state-of-the-art system enhances the capabilities of the Gulfstream PlaneView II flight deck, providing pilots with improved situational awareness, advanced communication tools, and enhanced navigation features across all phases of flight.
The cabin experience in the G650 is equally impressive. Designed for luxury and comfort, the cabin features an award-winning interior that offers 100% fresh air, an ultralow cabin altitude, and abundant natural light streaming through 16 panoramic oval windows. These design choices not only elevate passenger comfort but also contribute to the overall flying experience for up to 19 passengers.
Precision Manufacturing and a Seamless Transition
The final G650, having completed its production run at Gulfstream’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, will now move to the completions process at the Appleton, Wisconsin facility. Here, the aircraft will receive its final outfitting before making its official delivery to a customer later this year.
Although production on the G650 has ended, Gulfstream’s commitment to its legacy continues as the company actively researches and deploys advanced technologies and retrofit upgrades—ensuring that the fleet remains at the cutting edge of business aviation long into the future.
Looking Ahead: The Dawn of a New Era with the G800
While the G650 family leaves behind an impressive legacy, Gulfstream is not resting on its laurels—the all-new Gulfstream G800 is poised to succeed the G650 series, promising even greater performance, efficiency, and cabin comfort.
Designed as an ultralong-range business jet, the G800 is capable of flying 8,000 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 or 7,000 nautical miles at Mach 0.90. Powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and featuring innovative technologies such as the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck and the new Combined Vision System (CVS), the G800 is set to redefine what’s possible in business aviation.
With a cabin configuration designed to accommodate up to 19 passengers and certification anticipated in the first half of 2025, the G800 represents the next leap forward in Gulfstream’s storied legacy.
Conclusion
The conclusion of G650 production marks the end of an era defined by record-breaking achievements, advanced technologies, and a relentless commitment to excellence.
The Gulfstream G650 and G650ER have not only set the benchmark in business aviation but have also paved the way for future innovations.
As Gulfstream transitions to the G800, the legacy of the G650 will continue to influence and inspire the next generation of high-performance business jets, ensuring that Gulfstream’s mark on aviation history continues into the future.
With the final G650 now complete and ready for its journey to a customer, the industry celebrates not just the end of a production line, but the enduring impact of a program that has reshaped the standards of business aviation worldwide.