Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The Gulfstream G650ER private jet is the largest currently in service.
Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, billionaires, use the aircraft to travel the world in luxury and speed.
Qatar Executive, a private airline, allows the wealthy to charter an aircraft rather than buying it.
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Although Elon Musk might be a rival space cowboy, Jeff Bezos is a billionaire entrepreneur and they share a love for the Gulfstream G650ER private jet made in America.
REUTERS/Aly Song
Read more: Tech billionaires' most extravagant spending sprees, starting with Richard Branson's private island and ending with Jeff Bezos $65 million private jet
Gulfstream introduced the private jet into passenger service for the first time in 2014. It's been the company's flagship since then.
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Only one aircraft in Gulfstream's line-up surpasses it in size, the soon-to-be-passenger-ready G700.
The G700, Gulfstream's latest model. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Read More: Gulfstream has just unveiled its new ultra-long-range, $75 million plane. It's also the largest private aircraft purpose-built for this purpose: Meet the G700
The G650ER is a dream jet-setter's dream. It boasts a range up to 7,500 nautical miles, and Mach.925 speeds thanks to Rolls-Royce BR725 engine. This range allows a traveler to fly between any two cities around the globe in one or less stops.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Musk is a perfect example of the jet’s capabilities. He flew nearly 160,000 miles in 2018 on the jet. The longest flights of Tesla CEO Musk included hops from Texas and Israel to California, Northern Ireland to California and California to Thailand via Alaska.
Elon Musk. Xinhua via Getty Images
Source: The Washington Post
Qatar Executive invited journalists to fly on a G650ER demonstration flight while they were in Doha, Qatar. Here's how it went.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Qatar Executive, a private jet division of Qatar Airways in the Middle East, caters to clients who want something more than first class. After a $1 million order for 14 planes, the G650ER is the company’s flagship private aircraft.
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Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Source: Qatar Airways
Qatar Executive passengers are able to bypass the commercial terminal and be chauffeured straight up to their plane. The Bombardier Global 5000, Global XRS and Global XRS are also available in the Qatar Executive jet fleet.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The cabin is 46 feet long and 10 inches wide, and can hold 13 passengers. It's also divided into three living areas.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The first living space is made up of two pairs of club chairs, which total four seats. Each window has its own window.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
For takeoff and landing, the best seating area is in the forward section. This is also where the principal passenger usually sits.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
This type of seating is common and can be found in nearly all wide-cabin private jets.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The dining and conference area, which is a four-seat section with a large table, is directly behind.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Here, passengers can enjoy meals and share them with each other just as if they were at home.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
It can also be used as a conference table, which is great for holding meetings and getting work done at a larger table. Qatar Executive's charter rate includes in-flight WiFi. This means customers can surf the internet or give presentations without worrying about how much data they are using.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
To keep your devices charged, you can also use power outlets.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The seats can be rearranged completely flat when it is time to sleep.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
A credenza is located opposite the table with a built in television monitor. You can use the credenza as a buffet table at meal times. The drawers of the credenza can be used to store extra items.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The private section at the rear of the living area is for five people.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The space can be customized to suit the owner's preference. Qatar Executive chose to split it between club seats, and a 3-place divan.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
You can also use a pocket door to provide privacy and seal off this area from the rest. This can be anywhere from a private office for an executive to a living area.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Insider was told by a private jet expert that this area could be used as an office, and the forward sections as a waiting room. This would allow an executive to call subordinates one by one for in-flight meetings.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
During downtimes, both the club seat pair and divan can be transformed into beds. This stateroom can accommodate up to three people.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Although the G650ER doesn't have a shower, owners can choose to have one. A shower would make the G650ER a complete flying apartment. It would allow flyers to arrive at long-haul flights clean and refreshed.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The club seats are equipped with tables so that they can be used for work, meals, and playing cards.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Instead of sticking out from the sidewalls, the tables can be raised or lowered by pressing a button.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The button can be used to control the window shades of the aircraft. The galley has a master control panel that allows flight attendants to access the controls.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
On longer flights, an extra seat can be found in the crew rest area.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
All 12 passengers were on board, so it was time for the flight above Qatar.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Before departure, every passenger was given a towel.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The pre-departure beverage was next. On Qatar Executive flights, as well as Qatar Airways, a full bar, including juices and soft drinks, is available.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
As the first drinks were being served, our pilots began the engines. The door was shut just minutes before the engines were launched.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Private flying is a great way to enjoy the freedom of seeing what happens in the cockpit.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
We were soon on the runway, with downtown Doha in view. At 28 inches in width, the oval windows of Gulfstream are the largest. They allow for truly panoramic views without needing to crane another.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The aircraft's true test was takeoff. The G650ER is more powerful than a traditional airliner when it comes to takeoff. This was warned to passengers before they boarded.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The force of the speeding aircraft down the runway was so strong that any object not secured was thrown backwards. Some passengers ended up drinking or spilling their drinks.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Quickly we were in the air and flying over Hamad International Airport's main terminal. It was a reminder of the fact that private flying does not mean you have to wait in line for check-in or pass through security checks.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
It was discovered that we weren't flying aimlessly above Qatar once we were airborne. The route was programmed by the pilots to reveal a message in the sky after the flight.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
While the plane was on its unique route, it was time for us to take a look at what dining looks like on a G650ER.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
This flight featured hot and cold options like Mongolian beef casserole, rigatoni Pesto, and hummus.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Two cabin attendants were on the flight and quickly got up to serve, setting the tables with flatware, dishes, and white cloths. The atmosphere transformed from private jet to five-star restaurant in a matter of seconds.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
This flight's credenza served as the buffet table, and passengers were able to eat whatever they wanted throughout.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The forward galley is where meals are prepared. Cabin attendants have easy access to large countertops, ovens and microwaves that can be used to make restaurant-quality meals.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Although menus can be tailored to each customer's preference, it can be expensive. Private airlines can charge a similar amount for in-flight catering as a five-star restaurant.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Our invisible painting in the sky took us around two hours. It was revealed to be QE, which stands for Qatar Executive. Only anyone on the ground could see the flight tracking software's details.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The G650ER is a smooth plane to fly, but I did feel a little uneasy due to jetlag and the constant turning of the sky.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
It was not yet time to go back to Hamad International. Qatar Executive surprised us with a flight to 50,000 feet.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Even the most skilled private jet pilots will not use this altitude when they are carrying passengers. We were actually going to be at least 1,000 feet from 51,000 feet, which is the highest possible altitude for a G650ER.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
It was the first time anyone had ever been that high. Sam Chui, a travel YouTuber, was also present onboard and said that he hadn’t been above 50,000 feet since flying in the famous Concorde.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Pilots carefully climbed up the plane, through all the flight levels, and then leveled off at 50,000 feet. To confirm, I walked up to cockpit and saw it clearly.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Although we were not in Blue Origin territory, it felt like we were.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
I was expecting to feel lightheaded in the rarefied atmosphere, but the cabin pressure system made us feel closer to the surface than it actually was. I was still a little woozy from all the turns, but I was fine.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
After a few minutes at 50,000ft, it was time for us to return to the ground. Although we could have easily glided to the runway, we chose to make a normal approach to it instead. We passed by the newly built 2022 World Cup stadiums in Qatar.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
As we passed Doha’s skyscrapers, the oversized windows were once more very useful.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
We also passed by the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium which was constructed from modified shipping containers.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
After taking a flight like this, I can see why Musk's companies spent approximately $700,000 on the jet to make most of his 2018 flights.
Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider
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