Charter a Gulfstream G100

The Gulfstream G100, originally the Astra SPX and formerly designated the C-38 Courier by the United States Air Force, is a twin-engine midsize business jet with a range of 5,400 km at 850 km/h. It was manufactured by Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and produced for Gulfstream Aerospace Corp between 2002 and 2005. The G100 traces its lineage from the Rockwell Jet Commander, for which IAI acquired the production licence in 1968, through the IAI Westwind and the Astra series — three decades of IAI development behind the Gulfstream G100 name.

The Gulfstream G100 was designed for long-distance high-speed operations in the midsize category. At 5,400 km range and 850 km/h cruise it covers sectors such as London to Riyadh non-stop, London to Cairo non-stop and London to the Canaries without a fuel stop. The 4.2 m cabin seats 6 passengers. The US Air Force selected the G100 as the C-38 Courier, validating the aircraft's reliability and performance standards across a range of operational demands. Charter prices start from approximately £2,900 per flight hour. For the full fleet see our private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the Gulfstream G100?

• 5,400 km range at 850 km/h - long-distance high-speed in the midsize category. The Gulfstream G100 combines 5,400 km range with 850 km/h cruise - a combination that covers London to Riyadh non-stop (4,500 km), London to Cairo non-stop (3,500 km) and London to Canary Islands non-stop (3,000 km) at midsize charter rates. The range exceeds many competing midsize jets and approaches the lower end of the super-midsize category while staying in the midsize price bracket;
• US Air Force C-38 Courier - military procurement validation. The United States Air Force selected the G100 as the C-38 Courier, providing independent military validation of the aircraft's reliability and performance standards. Military procurement processes apply rigorous airworthiness, systems reliability and performance criteria that commercial certification alone does not require. For corporate clients selecting on reliability credentials, the USAF C-38 designation is a meaningful endorsement;
• IAI lineage from Rockwell Jet Commander (1968) through IAI Westwind and Astra. The G100 descends from the Rockwell Jet Commander production licence that IAI acquired in 1968, through the IAI Westwind and the Astra SPX series. This lineage represents over three decades of continuous development of the same fundamental design by a defence and aerospace manufacturer known for precision engineering. The G100 brings this heritage under the Gulfstream brand;
• Galaxy Aerospace Corp and IAI performance standards. The G100 was produced to the reliability and performance standards that Galaxy Aerospace Corp and IAI have established across their product range. Galaxy Aerospace Corp - a Texas-based sales and support organisation - and IAI's combination brought Israeli aerospace precision to the North American business aviation market through the Gulfstream distribution network;
• 13,720 m maximum altitude - above all commercial airline traffic. At 13,720 m (45,000 ft) the G100 cruises above the majority of commercial airline traffic, enabling direct routing and weather avoidance on medium and long-range sectors. This altitude is standard for the midsize category but the combination with the 5,400 km range and 850 km/h speed places the G100 at the performance ceiling of its class;
• 6 passengers at midsize rates for super-midsize range. For groups of up to 6 passengers on Near East and Gulf sectors that would otherwise require a super-midsize or large-cabin jet, the Gulfstream G100 provides comparable range at midsize charter rates. The 850 km/h cruise also means total sector time is competitive with aircraft in higher rate categories.

Charter cost - Gulfstream G100 prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £2,900 to £3,600 - in the midsize category, above the Citation XLS and comparable to the Learjet 60. For up to 6 passengers on Near East and Gulf missions, the G100's 5,400 km range at midsize rates delivers consistent value over shorter-range midsize competitors.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to Dubai - from £24,000 (6 passengers, non-stop, approximately 6 hours 30 minutes);
• London to Geneva - from £7,500 (6 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to New York - from £34,000 (6 passengers, one fuel stop, approximately 9 hours total);
• London to Cairo - from £18,000 (6 passengers, non-stop, approximately 4 hours 30 minutes);
• London to Riyadh - from £22,000 (6 passengers, non-stop, approximately 5 hours 45 minutes);
• Edinburgh to Istanbul - from £14,000 (6 passengers, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes);
• London to Canary Islands - from £11,000 (6 passengers, non-stop, approximately 3 hours).

Empty Leg flights appear on repositioning routes. See our Empty Legs page for current availability.

Ideal routes for the Gulfstream G100

The Gulfstream G100 is best matched to to Near East, Gulf and European missions where the 5,400 km range, 850 km/h speed and midsize charter rates combine for groups of up to 6:

• UK to Near East and Gulf non-stop (4.5 to 7 hours). Cairo, Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Beirut and Amman are all within non-stop range from UK airports. The G100's 5,400 km capability covers the full Near East and Gulf non-stop at midsize rates - a range more typically associated with super-midsize jets. At 850 km/h these sectors are completed more quickly than on slower competing midsize aircraft;
• UK to Mediterranean and Canary Islands (2 to 4 hours). The entire Mediterranean basin, Canary Islands, Morocco and Tunisia are well within range. The 850 km/h cruise speed means the G100 covers UK-to-Mediterranean sectors faster than most midsize competitors. For groups of 4 to 6 on leisure or corporate European missions, the G100 provides speed and range well above the standard midsize specification;
• Intercontinental with fuel stop (8 to 10 hours total). London to New York with one fuel stop is achievable. Seattle to New York non-stop is within range - the sector the source documentation specifically cites. For transatlantic missions where one fuel stop is acceptable, the G100 provides transatlantic coverage at midsize rates;
• Time-sensitive corporate missions where 850 km/h matters. At 850 km/h cruise the G100 is among the faster aircraft in the midsize category. On a 5-hour Near East sector the speed advantage versus a 750 km/h competitor reduces total sector time by approximately 40 minutes - meaningful for same-day return missions to Cairo, Riyadh or Istanbul;
• Groups of exactly 6 at midsize rates. The G100 maximum of 6 passengers matches the standard group size for midsize corporate charter. For groups of 5 or 6 on Gulf and Near East non-stop missions, the G100 provides optimal capacity at the midsize rate bracket without paying for unused seats in a larger aircraft.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The Gulfstream G100 cabin measures 4.2 m long, 1.5 m wide and 1.7 m high - a compact midsize specification that seats 6 passengers. The cabin width of 1.5 m is narrower than some midsize competitors but the 5,400 km range and 850 km/h cruise place the G100 at the performance top of its rate category. For groups of 4 to 6 on 4 to 7-hour Near East and Gulf sectors, the combination of range and speed in the G100 is the primary selection criterion over cabin width.

The Gulfstream G100 design heritage - Rockwell Jet Commander → IAI Westwind → Astra SPX → G100 - reflects continuous evolution of the same airframe over more than 30 years. At 13,720 m maximum altitude the aircraft operates above most commercial traffic. The US Air Force C-38 Courier designation validates the G100's systems reliability across demanding operational conditions.

• Cabin. 4.2 m × 1.5 m × 1.7 m; 6 passengers;
• Range. 5,400 km - near super-midsize at midsize rates;
• Speed. 850 km/h cruise;
• Altitude. 13,720 m (45,000 ft) maximum;
• Military. US Air Force C-38 Courier;
• Heritage. Rockwell Jet Commander (IAI licence 1968) → Westwind → Astra SPX → G100;
• Production. IAI for Gulfstream Aerospace Corp (2002-2005).

Technical specifications

Gulfstream G100 vs similar aircraft

• Gulfstream G100 vs Citation XLS. The Citation XLS has a bigger cabin (5.64 m long, 1.73 m wide) and more passengers (7-9). The G100 counters with greater range (5,400 km vs 3,408 km for the XLS) and comparable speed. For groups of up to 6 on Near East and Gulf non-stop missions beyond Citation XLS range, the Gulfstream G100 is the appropriate choice. For shorter European missions where cabin size matters more than range, the XLS is preferable;
• Gulfstream G100 vs Gulfstream G200. The G200 is the larger successor, with a longer cabin (7.13 m vs 4.2 m), more passengers (8-10) and greater range (6,297 km vs 5,400 km). Charter rates for the G200 run approximately 20 to 30% higher. For groups of up to 6 on missions within G100 range, it provides the Gulfstream standard at lower rates. For groups of 7 or more, or missions beyond 5,400 km, the G200 is necessary;
• Gulfstream G100 vs Learjet 60. The Learjet 60 has comparable range (4,422 km vs 5,400 km - G100 has more) and comparable speed. The G100 counters with 978 km additional range that enables direct Gulf non-stop routing not achievable on the Learjet 60. For missions specifically requiring Gulf non-stop from UK airports at midsize rates, the Gulfstream G100's range advantage is decisive.

Frequently asked questions - Gulfstream G100 charter

How much does it cost to charter a Gulfstream G100?
Charter rates for the Gulfstream G100 run from approximately £2,900 to £3,600 per flight hour. London to Dubai non-stop costs from £24,000 for 6 passengers. London to Geneva costs from £7,500. London to Cairo costs from £18,000. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

What is the relationship between the G100 and the Astra SPX?
The Gulfstream G100 is a rebadged and continued production version of the IAI Astra SPX. Israel Aircraft Industries developed the Astra series from the IAI Westwind, which itself derived from the Rockwell Jet Commander production licence IAI acquired in 1968. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp rebranded the Astra SPX as the G100 when Galaxy Aerospace Corp - the North American distributor - was acquired. Production ran from 2002 to 2005 under the G100 designation.

What is the US Air Force C-38 Courier?
The C-38 Courier is the USAF designation for the Gulfstream G100, selected for operational use, providing independent military validation of the G100's reliability and systems performance. Military procurement criteria are typically more rigorous than commercial certification standards.

Can the Gulfstream G100 fly London to Dubai non-stop?
Yes — the Gulfstream G100 covers London to Dubai (approximately 5,500 km great-circle) at or near the limit of its range. Depending on wind and payload, this sector may require a short fuel stop in some conditions. London to Riyadh (approximately 4,500 km) and London to Cairo (approximately 3,500 km) are well within comfortable non-stop range.

How many passengers can fly on a Gulfstream G100?
Six — both maximum and optimal on the Gulfstream G100. The 4.2 m cabin seats 6 comfortably. For groups of 4 to 6 on Gulf and Near East missions, the G100 provides non-stop range at midsize charter rates.