In the rarefied world of the ultra-wealthy, private aviation stands as a symbol of status, convenience, and technological prowess. Among the most coveted aircraft is the Gulfstream G650ER, a marvel of engineering that boasts near-supersonic speeds, a luxurious private cabin, and one of the longest ranges of any commercial aircraft. Priced at approximately $65 million, this jet has become a favorite among the world’s top billionaires, including Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Jeff Bezos. As of June 9, 2025, the G650ER’s presence in their fleets underscores a blend of extravagance and practicality, sparking both admiration and debate about the lifestyles of the rich and their environmental impact.
The Gulfstream G650ER: A Technological Marvel
Introduced by Gulfstream Aerospace in 2012, the G650ER (Extended Range) variant quickly established itself as a benchmark in private aviation. With a top speed approaching Mach 0.925—nearly supersonic—the aircraft can cruise at speeds up to 704 miles per hour, outpacing many competitors. Its range of 7,500 nautical miles allows nonstop flights from New York to Dubai or Los Angeles to Tokyo, making it ideal for global business tycoons with sprawling empires. The jet’s Rolls-Royce BR725 engines deliver 16,900 pounds of thrust each, ensuring both performance and reliability.
What sets the G650ER apart, however, is its interior. The cabin, often customized to the owner’s taste, spans up to 46.8 feet and can accommodate 19 passengers, with configurations including bedrooms, dining areas, and conference rooms. Large oval windows flood the space with natural light, while advanced air purification systems refresh the cabin every two to three minutes. For billionaires like Musk, Gates, and Bezos, this aircraft is not just transportation—it’s a mobile command center and a statement of prestige.
Elon Musk: The Trailblazer of Innovation
Elon Musk, the Tesla and SpaceX visionary with a net worth exceeding $400 billion, has long embraced the G650ER as part of his high-octane lifestyle. FAA records indicate he owns at least one G650ER, registered under his shell company Falcon Landing, alongside a Gulfstream G550. Musk’s jet is frequently spotted shuttling between SpaceX’s Starbase in Texas, Tesla’s Fremont factory, and his various residences. His use of the aircraft aligns with his relentless work ethic, enabling him to oversee global operations while pursuing his Mars colonization dreams.
Musk’s ownership of the G650ER reflects his penchant for cutting-edge technology, though it has drawn scrutiny. In 2022, a University of Central Florida student, Jack Sweeney, tracked Musk’s jet via a Twitter bot, sparking privacy debates and leading Musk to sue. Despite his public image as a frugal innovator—once boasting about staying in friends’ spare rooms—his jet fleet, valued at over $100 million, suggests a different reality. Critics argue the carbon footprint of his flights, estimated at thousands of tons annually, contradicts his environmental advocacy through Tesla.
Bill Gates: Philanthropy Meets Luxury
Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist with a net worth of around $150 billion, also counts the G650ER among his assets. While Gates is less public about his private aviation than Musk or Bezos, reports confirm he operates a fleet that includes this model, often used for travel related to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His jets facilitate trips to global health initiatives in Africa and Asia, aligning with his mission to eradicate diseases like malaria.
Gates’ use of the G650ER highlights a practical side to his wealth. The jet’s long range allows him to conduct foundation business without the delays of commercial travel, while its luxury cabin provides a space for meetings or rest during 14-hour flights. However, his ownership has not escaped environmental criticism. A 2021 report estimated that his flights produced carbon emissions equivalent to those of thousands of average Americans, prompting Gates to invest in carbon offset programs—a move some view as a partial mitigation, others as greenwashing.
Jeff Bezos: The Amazon Empire’s Sky King
Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder with a net worth of approximately $230 billion, has taken his G650ER ownership to another level. His fleet includes multiple G650ERs, one of which he recently listed for $39 million after upgrading to the even more luxurious Gulfstream G700, priced at $80 million. The G650ER, registered under his holding company Poplar Glen LLC, is a staple for travel between his Seattle headquarters, his Washington estate, and his Miami base.
Bezos’ jet is renowned for its custom interior, featuring three-seater divans, a credenza for luxury dining, and a conference room—details revealed when he put one up for sale in late 2024. His acquisition of the G700, delivered in July 2024, reflects his taste for the latest advancements, with the new model offering an 8,000-nautical-mile range and a cabin surpassing the G650ER’s already impressive design. Yet, his aviation habits have faced backlash. A 2023 Oxfam report claimed his two jets emitted as much CO2 as an average Amazon employee would in 207 years, fueling calls for sustainable aviation despite his investments in green tech.
The Billionaires’ Shared Choice
The G650ER’s appeal to Musk, Gates, and Bezos lies in its versatility. For Musk, it’s a tool for managing his interplanetary ambitions; for Gates, a means to extend his philanthropic reach; and for Bezos, a symbol of his retail and space exploration dominance. The jet’s price tag, starting at $65 million and often exceeding $70 million with customization, is a fraction of their wealth—less than 0.02% for Musk and Bezos, and about 0.04% for Gates. This affordability allows them to maintain fleets that rival small airlines, with operating costs ranging from $3 million to $5 million annually per jet, covering fuel, maintenance, and crew.
The aircraft’s popularity extends beyond these three. Mark Zuckerberg, Michael Jordan, and Eric Schmidt also own G650ERs, drawn by its record-breaking performance—over 120 world speed records, including a 2015 flight from Singapore to Tucson covering 8,379 nautical miles. Gulfstream’s production of over 500 units since 2012 underscores its status as the gold standard in ultra-long-range business jets.
Environmental Concerns and Public Backlash
The lavish use of G650ERs by billionaires has sparked significant environmental debate. Private jets are notoriously carbon-intensive, with a single hour of flight emitting two to three tons of CO2—far more than commercial flights per passenger. Musk’s frequent cross-country trips, Gates’ global foundation tours, and Bezos’ transcontinental jaunts contribute to a collective footprint that has drawn ire, especially as climate change remains a pressing global issue. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with some users labeling their jet use as hypocritical given their public stances on sustainability.
In response, all three have taken steps to offset their impact. Musk promotes Tesla’s electric vehicles, Gates funds clean energy research, and Bezos has pledged $10 billion through the Bezos Earth Fund. Yet, the effectiveness of these efforts is questioned, with critics arguing that offsetting does not negate the immediate emissions. The G650ER’s fuel efficiency—improved over older models—offers some defense, but it remains a drop in the bucket compared to the scale of their usage.
A Glimpse into Billionaire Life
The G650ER encapsulates the duality of billionaire life: unparalleled luxury paired with practical necessity. For Musk, it’s a lifeline to his sprawling ventures; for Gates, a tool for global good; and for Bezos, a reflection of his empire’s reach. As of June 9, 2025, their ownership of these $65 million planes highlights their shared reliance on speed and privacy, while fueling ongoing discussions about wealth, responsibility, and the planet’s future. Whether these jets remain symbols of innovation or excess depends on how these titans balance their ambitions with the world they inhabit.
