The raison d'etre of flying in a private jet isn't just to get you there quicker and in better comfort; it's also about getting you there in better shape, Paul Sillers reports.
Who wouldn't want to avoid the frenetic hassles and endless queues at major airports as you shuffle along the security, customs, and passport checkpoints? Onboard the big jets, even if you're sitting up front, who you'll be sitting next to is somewhat of a lottery. And though your noise-cancelling headphones might help you evade conversing with an exuberant neighbour, you won't be able to escape breathing the same recycled cabin air as them.
By contrast, flying by private aircraft – especially from regional airports and dedicated executive jet bases – alleviates or even circumvents many of these frustrations. But an equally significant benefit of private air travel is being able to arrive relaxed and rejuvenated, poised for whatever the day throws at you.
Savannah, Georgia-based Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (now a General Dynamics company) invented the first purpose-built business aircraft, the 12-seater Gulfstream 1, back in 1958. Sixty-six years on, over 3,000 Gulfstream business aircraft are currently in service around the world. The planemaker's latest model, the Gulfstream G400, marked a major milestone this September with the inking of a deal to supply the first of this type to German-based DC Aviation Group, which will deploy it for charter operations.
The G400 features Gulfstream’s next-generation avionics and technology, including the Gulfstream 'Symmetry Flight Deck' with the industry’s first active control sidesticks, incorporating extensive use of touch-screen technology and the award-winning Predictive Landing Performance System – a unique safety technology that prevents runway overruns.
It can fly non-stop between important business hubs like Munich to Mumbai; Zurich to New York; or Geneva to Dubai, at speeds faster than any aircraft in its market segment. Business jets can also fly higher than mainstream commercial aviation, so you can wave goodbye to turbulence.
These attributes are in themselves compelling selling points, but the G400 also offers a raft of cabin features that are conducive to the passenger's wellbeing.
"The G400 features the Gulfstream Cabin Experience with 100 per cent fresh, never recirculated air; a plasma ionisation clean air system; the lowest cabin altitude in its class; and 10 Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows, which allow an abundance of natural light to flood the cabin," Naveed Aziz, Gulfstream’s vice president of completions engineering, told BOAT. "The low cabin altitude," adds Aziz, "virtually eliminates jet lag."
Let's unpack these features and technologies further...
Plasma ionisation and 100% fresh air system
"The plasma ionisation system, which operates whenever the aircraft environmental control system is active, works by emitting positive and negative oxygen ions that actively seek out and inactivate harmful molecules in the air and on surfaces," says Aziz.
Gulfstream’s plasma ionisation operates in conjunction with a 100 per cent fresh air system, and this is a game-changer for cabin air quality. Unlike most commercial airliners, which circulate a blend of recycled and fresh air, the G400 uses fresh air that is renewed every two to three minutes. This system eliminates many airborne contaminants and allergens, offering passengers a cleaner and more comfortable environment.
The fresh air circulation reduces the risk of spreading airborne pathogens and minimises the symptoms of dry air, which are common in typical aircraft cabins that rely on air recirculation. The higher oxygen levels maintained by fresh air also reduce the likelihood of dehydration, fatigue, and headaches, creating an atmosphere where passengers arrive feeling more refreshed and alert.
Low cabin altitude
Another standout feature of the Gulfstream G400 cabin is its 'low cabin altitude', which is the lowest in its class. What this means is that the jet’s cabin pressurisation is set to simulate an altitude equivalent of 3,255 feet when the aircraft is actually flying at an altitude at 41,000 feet. This is a much lower pressure altitude than the industry standard of 6,000-8,000 feet in commercial jet aircraft.
The lower cabin pressure of the G400 puts less physiological stress on passengers, enhancing both comfort and wellbeing, meaning that passengers experience less dryness and dehydration, as well as reduced strain on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
This further helps to avoid altitude-related symptoms like fatigue and headaches, which can otherwise detract from the comfort of a long flight. The benefits of this feature are especially apparent on long-haul flights, where cabin altitude can greatly impact how passengers feel upon arrival.
Panoramic windows for natural light
In addition to superior air quality and cabin pressure, the G400 is designed with large panoramic windows that flood the cabin with natural light. The windows are 28.10 inches (71.37 cm) X 20.60 inches (52.32 cm) – three to four times the size of regular jetliner windows. These are positioned to provide all passengers with a view of the horizon, fostering a sense of openness and reducing the feeling of confinement often associated with air travel.
Exposure to natural light plays a vital role in regulating passengers' circadian rhythms, which can alleviate jet lag on long-haul journeys. This is because natural light signals the body’s internal clock, helping it adapt to new time zones more seamlessly. The increased natural light also reduces eye strain compared to artificial lighting and contributes to an improved mood and a sense of wellbeing.
With benefits like reduced jet lag, cleaner air, and natural light, the G400 exemplifies how private aviation can offer a seamless blend of luxury, functionality, and health-focused innovation, ensuring travellers arrive not just quicker, but feeling alert and relaxed – better prepared for that high-level business rendezvous.