Sky-High Status: The Allure and Impact of the Gulfstream G650 in Celebrity Culture

Jet-Setting in Style: How the Gulfstream G650 Became the Ultimate Status Symbol for the Rich and Famous

The Gulfstream G650 has captured the imagination of the wealthy elite, standing as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity in the world of private aviation. With powerful Rolls-Royce BR725 A1-12 engines, the G650 soars to an impressive 51,000 feet and cruises at a speed nearing Mach 0.925, far surpassing commercial airliners. With an astonishing range of 8,000 miles, it can effortlessly connect the Americas to Europe. Recently, Gulfstream Aerospace announced the end of production for this model, which has logged over a million flight hours and set more than 125 records before making way for its successor, the G800. Even with a price tag ranging from $60 million to $70 million, it remains a go-to option for celebrities and billionaires seeking discreet travel.

Prominent athletes have embraced the G650 as a preferred mode of transport. For instance, boxing champion Floyd Mayweather prides himself on his 1994 model, aptly named "Air Mayweather 2." This lavish aircraft, which can accommodate 12 passengers, features Mayweather's surname emblazoned across the side, similar to Drake's "OVO" on his Boeing 767 and Jay-Z's "S. Cartier" on his Bombardier Challenger 850. Mayweather's jet has ferried him to glamorous locales like Paris, Bali, and Dubai and has even been used for humanitarian flights. The G650 also has the distinction of having one of the shortest recorded flights, a mere ten-minute hop to Las Vegas, which exemplifies the extravagance of its owner.

Not to be outdone, reality star Kim Kardashian owns a custom G650ER, reportedly costing around $150 million. This aircraft, affectionately dubbed "Kim Air," is tailored to her personal style with an elegant crème exterior and a luxurious beige-themed interior designed by top-tier decorators. Inside, guests are treated to two full bathrooms and a strict set of rules dictated by Kardashian, emphasizing a pristine and unblemished environment, which includes wearing exclusive Skims slippers aboard. Her jet made its first journey to Milan for a Prada fashion show, showcasing the intersection of celebrity culture and high fashion.

Tech mogul Elon Musk is another notable G650ER owner, flaunting his considerable wealth with a fleet that includes a Dassault Falcon 900B and G550 among others. Musk's extensive travels, often drawing scrutiny from climate activists, have highlighted the environmental footprint left by such private jets. At one point, his G650ER logged over 150,000 miles in a single year, leading to significant carbon emissions. This has sparked discussions regarding the balance between personal luxury and environmental responsibility.

In keeping with the trend, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos possesses two G650ERs, with the most recent model built in 2019. Unlike the vibrant customizations other celebrities opt for, Bezos's jets feature a more subdued décor in muted tones. The billionaire has faced his share of criticism regarding his aviation habits, especially given the profound environmental implications. Notably, he has also invested in a newer Gulfstream G700, which purports to be more fuel-efficient, signifying an effort to address concerns surrounding private jet emissions.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson also contributes to the glamour of jet-setting celebrities with his collection, which includes a G650 alongside a Bombardier Global 7500. Johnson's experience came into the limelight after a near-disaster in April 2025 when an overheating hydraulic system forced an emergency return during a flight. Such incidents highlight the risks inherent in private aviation, regardless of luxury, akin to the experience of Elton John, who faced mechanical failures mid-flight in early 2022.

Wealth and fame are not merely confined to athletes; entrepreneurs and entertainers are also in on the trend. Meta's Mark Zuckerberg is among the jet's illustrious owners, utilizing a G650 to traverse the globe for business and personal engagements. With flight records indicating extensive miles traveled, Zuckerberg's private jet also faced scrutiny for carbon emissions linked to its operations. Meanwhile, filmmaker Steven Spielberg and fashion designer Ralph Lauren have also climbed aboard the G650 bandwagon, each customizing their interiors to reflect their respective styles. Spielberg's aircraft, coated in off-white and strawberry pearl, includes features such as heated seats, while Lauren's jet boasts luxurious upholstery specifically designed to evoke his fashion brand’s aesthetic.

The allure of the G650 reaches a diverse cross-section of wealth, showcasing how private aviation has become a status symbol. The world’s first billionaire athlete, Michael Jordan, customized his G650ER to reflect his iconic basketball legacy, while other notable figures like David Geffen and Peter Jackson have embraced the aircraft within their own realms of success. Each of these celebrities, from tech giants to sports legends, contributes to the ongoing conversation about luxury, environmental stewardship, and the lifestyle that comes with being at the pinnacle of success.

As the G650 fades into the history of private aviation, its legacy will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the culture of celebrity travel. The aircraft has transformed how the ultra-wealthy traverse the globe, bringing them closer to their passions and responsibilities while navigating the complexities of public perception regarding pollution and luxury. The world of high-flying celebrities is fraught with both admiration and scrutiny, where every takeoff sparks discussions about privilege, environmental impact, and the relentless pursuit of the good life in the skies.