Avion Luxury International Airport Magazine
The Wings of Levity
Outside, they streak and trace impregnable trails along a dense network of routes. Inside, they seem like luxurious living rooms: a subdued atmosphere, air conditioning, revolving leather armchairs, television and minibar. Jets for business and personal use are now a constant presence in the skies all over the world. Business moguls, elite globetrotters and special travellers use them to sail over the clouds and savour a sense of speed aboard these modern flying machines, which would have impressed even Leonardo. Firstly, we admire the aerodynamic fuselage of the Bombardier Global 7000, with a wingspan exceeding 31 meters, defending its record for the largest and longest business jet ever built. Once airborne, its spacious interiors seduce with their soft, luxurious comfort. They are divided into four luxurious living spaces with modern accents, a full-size multifunctional kitchen (top of its range) and a large bedroom with a static bed, in addition to a special entertainment system inside the cabin, as well as ultra-fast connection speeds with Ka band. All these luxuries are set amongst ergonomic seating and the soft glow of a smart lighting system. After the success of an extremely rapid test program, the aircraft is now ready for production. It features powerful General Electric TechX high-efficiency engines, capable of supplying 16,500 pounds of thrust and reduce polluting emissions (NO2), and a fuel consumption (expected) 8% lower than the industry leader. The nextgeneration transonic wings stretch out from the unique fuselage and are able to improve flight (speed, flow and control). By combining these features, and with a maximum operating range of 7,700 nautical miles, the aircraft is able to fly farther than any other commercial jet, non-stop from New York to Hong Kong, or from Singapore to San Francisco. Instead the
Dassault Falcon 8X, a high-end business jet, is equipped with a new aluminium wing surface, reinforced landing gear, fuselage and extended cabin. It uses the boosted version of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307 engines, which increase the flying distance of this aircraft in the Falcon line, making it possible to connect Beijing with New York, Hong Kong with London and Shanghai with Los Angeles (including London City airport - which is normally off limits for business jets) without a stop-over, thanks to a range of 11,945 km (945 km more than the 7X). It holds 8 passengers and 3 crew members. The cabin, which is virtually noise free, offers a myriad of cutting-edge options, from high-speed Ka-band connectivity to the FalconEye combined vision system, the industry's first head-up display that combines the functionality of synthetic and advanced vision and guarantees improved information in all flying conditions, day and night. The advantage this brings in low visibility landing situations is obvious. The Gulfstream G500 is an aircraft of peak performance. It is able to travel considerable distances at a high cruising speed, easily connecting Moscow to New York or London to Dubai. A jet that maintains the unmistakable style of Gulfstream’s clean-cut design, from the cabin to the large oval windows and the sleek wings, with their bold 36-degree sweep. The calibrated angles of the wings and the PW814GA turbofan engines, certified by Pratt & Whitney, allow it to fly faster and at higher altitudes, with a maximum Mach speed of 0.925 and range of
5,000 nautical miles, with control guaranteed by pilot inputs through five Honeywell touchscreens. The new cabin seats are equipped with controls in the armrests. The large luggage compartments are accessible during the flight, but there are also foldaway shelves and spaces for storing golf clubs, ski equipment or large suitcases. The comfortable spacious 3-zone cabin seats up to 14 passengers in the "day" configuration or up to 7 passengers in the "night" configuration, and features advanced entertainment technology with WiFi connection, and a fully equipped on-board kitchen located in the bow which can also be configured in the aft. The kitchen boasts a fridge, microwave and standard oven, as well as a large sink; all embellished, in the inner cabin, by a refined and functional design that adorns cabinets, upholstering and various fittings, using a combination of exclusive materials and accessories generally found in luxury homes. In addition, a team of interior design experts is always ready to advise and satisfy customer requests. Gulfstream offers a product support network (active communications, improvements, repairs, certifications, renovations) with approximately 4,100 strategically positioned professionals worldwide. Jet, Jet, Jet. Three manufacturers, three leading companies. And, at the centre of it all, the new prince, the passenger, always comforted and stimulated by innovative products and possibilities. On the wings of levity, naturally. Because flying is truly a breath of freedom.