Public figures prefer flying in private, which allows flexibility and prevents missing flights. Private aviation offers smooth embarking without complications or being chased by people. There are no standard check-ins or security queues, making the process smoother. However, this privilege comes with a higher cost, mainly acquired by corporations or top celebrities.

In the US, private aviation is widely popular, thanks to the vast number of airports nationwide. Focusing on celebrities, they are gaining international fame, and traveling around the world is part of their routine. The leading business jets, whether the Gulfstream G650 or the G650ER, have come forward as the preferred option for luxury travel.

The G650 retains a high record for the fastest flight in business aviation history. Its cutting-edge technology improves handling and performance. The G650/ER redefines performance with over 560 jets flying around the world and over 125 world speed records. This jet ranks among the most trusted business jets in the world.

The Gulfstream G650 and G650ER aircraft, which entered service in 2012 and 2014, respectively, have award-winning interiors, a prime low cabin altitude, and abundant natural light from the 16 panoramic oval windows. These aircraft demonstrate Gulfstream's trustworthy manufacturing, state-of-the-art design, and commitment to continuously improving the flight experience.

On May 16, 2024, Gulfstream announced that the G650/ER surpassed one million flight hours. In 2025, the G650 is listed for around $70 million, with a pre-owned model estimated to cost $53 million. The G650ER is also available at $75 million, with the pre-owned model valued at $57,000,000.

The Gulfstream G650 and G650ER are designed with exceptional features, including outstanding speed and range. Even so, they enclose a few differences, as the ER boasts a maximum range of 7,500 NM (8,631 mi, 13,890 km), surpassing the G650's 7,000 NM (8,055 mi, 12,964 km), making it the ideal choice for ultra-long-haul flights such as connecting New York to Tokyo nonstop.

Further distinctions, the G650ER is designed to take off with a maximum weight of 103,600 pounds compared to the G650's 99,600 pounds, carrying more fuel to achieve this extended range. For that reason, it takes off at a longer distance of 6,299 feet, as opposed to the G650's 5,858 feet, potentially limiting its access to shorter runways.

Concentrating on high-end comfort and interior refinement, the Gees are designed for comfort and productivity, featuring handcrafted seats that convert into beds. It is designed to fit up to four Living Areas, accommodating up to 19 passengers or 10 sleeping travelers. It has two forward and aft galleys and lavatories. It also features a remarkable Cabin Altitude of 3,290 ft at 41,000 ft.

These better qualities are among the primary explanations why the following business executives and celebrities turned to private aviation to acquire Gulfstream Gees. However, in the future, tracking celebrities' private jet details will be difficult.

The Federal Aviation Administration FAA will consider additional privacy ownership information, applying new rules that allow private jet owners to conceal their registration information.

5 Bill Gates

Owns two Gulfstream G650ER jets, registered N887WM and N194WM

These jets are used for domestic and international travel, often from Seattle to common destinations like India, Switzerland, Japan, and France. Gates uses private air travel to maximize time and impact across global ventures. He also spends on plant-based aviation fuel, electric cars, and solar panels and offsets his carbon footprint with a $7 million annual expenditure.

Bill Gates, a 69-year-old software icon, co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975, owning about 1.3% of the company's shares as of March 2020. After donating billions of Microsoft shares to the trust that funds the Gates Foundation in 2022, his Microsoft stake is now less than 1%, according to Forbes estimates, worth $107.7 Billion.

The Gates Foundation serves the public and private sectors, with the private sector focusing on product development and the public sector delivering solutions. Its goal is to protect individuals who lack the necessary resources for healthy, productive lives. Gates' fortune has been diversified into various holdings, including waste disposal firm Republic Services and tractor maker Deere & Co.

4 Cristiano Ronaldo

CR7 purchased a private jet worth $75 million, upgrading from a Gulfstream G200 to a customized G650

The plane allows the former Manchester United star to smoothly transition between Saudi Arabia, where he joined Al Nassr football club in December 2022, and the Portuguese national team. Ronaldo topped Forbes' 2024 highest-paid athletes list with $260 million. He also has the most-followed Instagram account, with 641 million followers.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, has amassed around $1 billion in career earnings. Ronaldo's income comes from his CR7-branded clothing, accessories, hotels, and gyms. His financial success is also attributed to his investments, endorsement deals, and football contracts. His humanitarian efforts demonstrate his ability to balance wealth with his dedication to helping others.

3 Elon Musk

SpaceX has requested the FAA to block flight tracking data for Musk's jet, registered as N628TS

Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, has a $70 million private jet, the G650ER. The jet was built in 2015 and acquired in 2016, and Musk spent $700,000 on it in 2018 alone, flying around the US, Europe, and Asia. In 2022, Musk said that he didn't own a home, but only a plane.

"It's not as though my personal consumption is high. I mean, the one exception is the plane, but if I don't use the plane then I have less hours to work," said Elon Musk.

His 19-seater jet has a customizable interior, with a forward galley and four living areas. The main cabin comprises 10 seats and a sofa. The seats have a footrest and can be partially reclined, and the jet typically has two television screens in the main cabin.

Musk is leading his key companies, Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter or X. Since 2025, he has been designated as a Senior Advisor to the US President. However, Musk announced that he would depart from the government role amid the sales decline of his electric vehicle company, according to The Economic Times.

2 Kim Kardashian

The American media personality and businesswoman owns the ER, registered as N1980K

Kim Kardashian purchased a Gulfstream jet in 2022 for $95 million, which she fitted with custom modifications, increasing its worth to $150 million. The aircraft made its first public appearance on her family's Hulu reality show, "The Kardashians."

Kim Kardashian's private jet, affectionately named "Kim Air," is customized to reflect her signature and luxurious preferences. The interior features light wood accents and cashmere surfaces on the overhead baggage compartments, ceilings, and seats, all of which have their own phone chargers. Kardashian added personal touches to make the jet feel like an extension of her home, including the two lavatories.

1 Oprah Winfrey

The media icon travels frequently, empowering people worldwide

The prominent media figure and producer utilizes the jet for her extensive travel needs. This high-end private jet, bearing the registration N540W, represents a significant investment and features additional dedicated interior and customizations.

The TV producer's travel frequencies, as reflected in her use of the G650ER, registered as N540W, indicate a highly demanding and mobile lifestyle. According to Celebrity Private Jet Tracker, the fact that the jet was flown 20 times during the first three months of 2025 points to a pace that suggests a mix of business, philanthropic, and personal travel.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., headquartered in Savannah, Georgia, is a leading business jet manufacturer that supports global connections and enables specialized aircraft for research and humanitarian purposes. With over 3,000 aircraft in operation worldwide and 65+ years of innovation, Gulfstream is backed by investment under General Dynamics's umbrella, aiming to lead the way towards more advanced flight.

Founded in 1958 to develop the world's first business-oriented aircraft, the Gulfstream I™, marking the beginning of the business aviation era. Today, Gulfstream's prominent fleet is the most advanced in private aviation history, offering a range of aircraft for every purpose. The fleet is built on next-generation technology and specializes in meeting different business aviation needs.

The upcoming G800 is the world's longest-range business jet for extended flights. The G700, the industry's largest and most spacious cabin, provides a superior high-speed range. The G500, powered by highly efficient aerodynamic innovations, is designed for an eco-friendly shortened range, according to Gulfstream.