Charter a Gulfstream II/SP

The Gulfstream II/SP (Special Performance) is a Gulfstream II aircraft retrofitted with Aviation Partners blended winglets under FAA Supplemental Type Certificate ST00080SE, certified on April 22, 1994. Aviation Partners confirmed this was "first introduced for the Gulfstream II in 1993" and was "ultimately installed on over 70 percent of the GII fleet." Business Jet Traveler confirmed the blended winglets "can improve fuel efficiency by 7.3 percent and increase range by 230 miles at speeds between 0.74 and 0.80 Mach." FlightGlobal confirmed even greater benefits at high-altitude airfields: "analysis of GIISP performance at Toluca, Mexico, a hot-and-high airfield 8,400 ft above sea level, suggests that the modified aircraft is capable of additional take-off weight, or of 1,460 km (790 nm) extra range." The result is that the GII/SP carries a confirmed range of approximately 3,583 nm versus the standard GII's 2,625 nm - an increase of nearly 1,000 nm from a $500,000 winglet retrofit that requires no structural changes to the GII airframe.

In every other respect the Gulfstream II/SP is the same aircraft as the standard Gulfstream II: the same Rolls-Royce Spey Mk 511-8 turbofan engines at 11,400 lbf each with their 8,000-hour TBO, the same G-1159 fuselage with 10.33 m stand-up cabin, the same Grumman carrier-aircraft construction standards, and the same NASA space shuttle training history and Nelson Rockefeller "Executive Two" White House callsign heritage. The SP designation changes only the winglet configuration and the consequent range and fuel burn performance. Charter prices start from approximately £3,500 per flight hour. For the full fleet see our private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the Gulfstream II/SP?

• Aviation Partners blended winglets - +7.3% fuel efficiency; +230 miles (200 nm) range at Mach 0.74-0.80; installed on 70%+ of the GII fleet; $500,000 retrofit certified April 22, 1994. Business Jet Traveler confirmed Aviation Partners blended winglets "can improve fuel efficiency by 7.3 percent and increase range by 230 miles at speeds between 0.74 and 0.80 Mach" at a cost of "$500,000 a set." Aviation Partners confirmed the winglets were "first introduced for the Gulfstream II in 1993" and were "ultimately installed on over 70 percent of the GII fleet." The confirmed range improvement from 2,625 nm (standard GII) to approximately 3,583 nm (GII/SP) - an increase of nearly 1,000 nm - opens transatlantic non-stop operations to eastbound sectors that the standard GII cannot complete without a fuel stop. The "SP" designation stands for Special Performance, reflecting this material performance upgrade. For charter clients who compare the standard GII and the GII/SP, the SP provides confirmed transatlantic non-stop capability at the same Spey engine operating cost. Always confirm with the operator whether the specific aircraft carries the Aviation Partners STC winglets before booking transatlantic sectors near the 2,625 nm range limit of the standard GII;
• +790 nm hot-and-high range advantage at altitude airfields (Toluca, Mexico at 8,400 ft); improved takeoff weight capability at hot airfields - the winglets provide benefits beyond published cruise range figures. FlightGlobal confirmed "analysis of GIISP performance at Toluca, Mexico, a hot-and-high airfield 8,400 ft (2,560 m) above sea level, suggests that the modified aircraft is capable of additional take-off weight, or of 1,460 km (790 nm) extra range." FlightGlobal confirmed operators were "attracted fresh interest from GII owners, some 30 of which had already had the winglets fitted" by 1996, with "hidden advantages emerging with operations into high-altitude airfields." FlightGlobal confirmed an operator reported "the cut-off temperature out of Toluca to Los Angeles in a straight-wing GII without winglets is about 13-14 degrees C" - the SP winglets remove this restriction. For charter clients whose itinerary includes high-elevation airports in Europe (Innsbruck, Chambéry, Bern), the Middle East (Riyadh at 2,049 ft, Dubai at sea level with high temperatures) or Americas (Mexico City at 7,316 ft), the GII/SP's hot-and-high advantage over the standard GII is operationally significant beyond the published cruise range improvement;
• Same Rolls-Royce Spey Mk 511-8 engines as standard GII; 8,000-hour TBO; "bulletproof" reliability; identical Grumman carrier-aircraft construction standards; 42,500 ft ceiling unchanged by SP modification. The Aviation Partners winglet retrofit adds no structural changes to the Spey engine installation, the GII airframe or the fuel system. Business Jet Traveler confirmed the Spey TBO of 8,000 hours versus "a business jet's typical fanjet engine TBO of 3,500 to 5,000 hours." The GII/SP inherits all the structural advantages of the standard GII - Grumman's carrier-based military aircraft construction philosophy, the "overbuilt" airframe designed by the makers of the F-14 Tomcat, and the identical Spey engine reliability. The winglet retrofit adds performance without introducing new maintenance requirements beyond the winglet structures themselves. For charter clients who value the Spey engine's 8,000-hour TBO and the GII's carrier-aircraft structural standards, the SP winglets add performance without compromising the reliability characteristics that distinguish the GII fleet;
• 3,583 nm range vs 2,625 nm standard GII; London to New York non-stop capability; London to Istanbul, Dubai and beyond non-stop; the range bridge between the GII and GIII at GII rates. GlobalAir confirmed the GII/SP's range of 3,583 nm (4,123 miles maximum). This positions the GII/SP approximately 500 nm below the Gulfstream III's 4,000 nm range while providing the standard GII's lower charter rate and shorter cabin. The GII/SP creates a specific niche: a large-cabin stand-up Gulfstream with confirmed transatlantic non-stop range at GII charter rates. London to New York (approximately 3,450 nm) is within the GII/SP's range under standard conditions. London to Istanbul (approximately 2,000 nm), London to Dubai (approximately 3,300 nm) and London to Riyadh (approximately 3,000 nm) are all within comfortable range. For charter clients whose transatlantic sector is London to New York and whose budget is below the Gulfstream III rate, the GII/SP is the specific option;
• Stand-up cabin: 10.33 m long, 2.22 m wide, 1.85 m high; same as standard GII; Gulfstream oval windows; full galley; full lavatory; identical cabin heritage - NASA shuttle trainer, Rockefeller "Executive Two" history. The Aviation Partners winglet retrofit changes no internal dimension of the GII/SP cabin. The confirmed 10.33 m (33.9 ft) stand-up cabin, 2.22 m (7.3 ft) width and 1.85 m (6.1 ft) height are carried unchanged from the standard GII. Air Charter Service confirmed the GII cabin provides "four club seats, four seats in a conference grouping with a table, and a divan or two" with "a large working galley, entertainment center, and full-sized aft lavatory." The GII/SP inherits the NASA space shuttle training history and Nelson Rockefeller "Executive Two" White House callsign heritage of the standard GII, while the Aviation Partners winglets add the range and fuel efficiency that makes the platform more operationally viable for longer sectors;
• Aviation Partners blended winglets now on 10,000+ business and commercial aircraft; technology validated on GII first before spreading to Boeing 737, Airbus A320 and every major business jet manufacturer - the GII/SP was the proof of concept. Aviation Partners confirmed their blended winglets were "first introduced for the Gulfstream II in 1993" and are "now flying on over 10,000 business and commercial aircraft." Aviation Partners confirmed the same blended winglet technology subsequently applied to the Boeing 737 Next Generation series (winglets certified for 737 in the late 1990s) originated on the GII/SP STC. The GII/SP was the commercial aviation industry's real-world proof that blended winglets could deliver measurable fuel and range improvements on a large cabin jet in regular charter service. For aviation clients who appreciate technology heritage, the GII/SP winglets that are now standard on virtually every commercial airliner and business jet were proven in daily service on the Gulfstream II fleet from 1994 onwards.

Charter cost - Gulfstream II/SP prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £3,500 to £5,000 - comparable to the standard Gulfstream II, reflecting the same Spey engine operating costs with the fuel efficiency benefit of the SP winglets offset by the winglet retrofit's market pricing. For groups of 8 to 12 on transatlantic and long European sectors where the GII/SP's 3,583 nm range provides non-stop capability that the standard GII cannot always deliver, the SP is the appropriate selection. Always confirm the specific aircraft carries the Aviation Partners winglets before booking transatlantic sectors.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to New York - from £31,500 (10 passengers, approximately 8 hours non-stop);
• London to Dubai - from £28,000 (10 passengers, approximately 6 hours 30 minutes non-stop);
• London to Moscow - from £14,000 (10 passengers, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes);
• London to Geneva - from £10,500 (10 passengers, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes);
• London to Paris - from £10,500 (10 passengers, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes);
• London to Los Angeles - from £45,500 (10 passengers, approximately 12 hours with one fuel stop);
• Edinburgh to Istanbul - from £21,000 (10 passengers, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes).

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

Ideal routes for the Gulfstream II/SP

Best matched to transatlantic and long-range European missions where the GII/SP's 3,583 nm range provides non-stop capability beyond the standard GII, at the same large-cabin Spey-powered Gulfstream heritage:

• London to New York non-stop where the GII/SP's 3,583 nm range confirms eastbound transatlantic capability that the standard GII cannot reliably complete non-stop. London to New York (approximately 3,450 nm) is within the GII/SP's confirmed range under standard conditions. The standard GII at 2,625 nm requires a fuel stop (Shannon or Reykjavik) for this westbound sector under typical headwind conditions. The GII/SP's Aviation Partners winglets provide the 200+ nm additional range that removes the fuel stop requirement and delivers the full 10.33 m stand-up cabin experience on a non-stop transatlantic sector at GII charter rates;
• London to Dubai and London to Riyadh non-stop where the 3,583 nm range covers both sectors at full typical charter load. London to Dubai (approximately 3,300 nm) and London to Riyadh (approximately 3,000 nm) are comfortably within GII/SP range. The 42,500 ft ceiling provides weather avoidance above Middle East convective activity. For groups of 8 to 12 on London to Gulf missions at large-cabin Gulfstream rates below the GIV, the GII/SP's additional range over the standard GII makes both sectors non-stop without restriction;
• High-elevation departure airfields where the SP winglets provide confirmed hot-and-high performance advantages over the standard GII. FlightGlobal confirmed 790 nm additional range advantage at Toluca (8,400 ft elevation). For charter clients departing from Innsbruck (1,906 ft), Sion (1,584 ft), Bern (1,674 ft), Chambéry (779 ft in summer heat) or other European airport with elevation or temperature constraints, the GII/SP's winglet-derived hot-and-high benefit provides operational flexibility that the standard GII cannot match. Confirm the hot-and-high performance on the specific route with the operator before booking;
• Groups of 10 to 12 who want large-cabin transatlantic non-stop capability at below-GIII rates and prefer the GII/SP's range over the standard GII's 2,625 nm limit. The GII/SP fills the gap between the standard GII (2,625 nm; lowest rate) and Gulfstream III (4,000 nm; higher rate) for charter clients whose transatlantic sector is London to New York or London to Gulf. The same cabin, the same Spey engines and the same heritage - with the SP winglets providing the range that makes the sector non-stop;
• Budget-priority transatlantic missions where the GII/SP provides confirmed non-stop London to New York capability at the lowest available large-cabin stand-up rate. For charter clients comparing the GII/SP (3,583 nm; approximately £3,500/hr) against the Gulfstream III (4,000 nm; approximately £4,000/hr) on a London to New York sector, the GII/SP provides confirmed non-stop capability at approximately 15% lower charter rates. The shorter GII/SP cabin (10.33 m vs GIII's 12.59 m) is the trade-off. For groups of exactly 8 to 10 where the shorter cabin is adequate and the lower rate is decisive, the GII/SP is the appropriate choice over the GIII.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The Gulfstream II/SP cabin is identical to the standard Gulfstream II: 10.33 m (33.9 ft) long, 2.22 m (7.3 ft) wide and 1.85 m (6.1 ft) high - a full stand-up large cabin with Gulfstream's signature large oval windows. The Aviation Partners blended winglet retrofit makes no change to any interior dimension. Air Charter Service confirmed the cabin provides "four club seats, four seats in a conference grouping with a table, and a divan or two" with galley and full enclosed aft lavatory. Baggage holds approximately 14 to 22 suitcases. The only visible external difference between the standard GII and the GII/SP is the blended winglets on the wingtips - Aviation Partners confirmed the winglets also "give the sleek, athletic look of an exciting new aircraft."

• Cabin. 10.33 m x 2.22 m x 1.85 m; full stand-up; large oval windows; identical to standard GII;
• Layout. 10-12 standard; 14 maximum; club-4 + conference-4 + divan + galley;
• Winglet modification. Aviation Partners blended winglets (STC ST00080SE; certified 1994); no structural changes to cabin or systems;
• Engines. 2 x Rolls-Royce Spey RB.168 Mk 511-8 (11,400 lbf each; 8,000 hr TBO; unchanged by SP retrofit);
• Range benefit. +7.3% fuel efficiency; +200-230 nm cruise range; +790 nm at hot-and-high airfields;
• Avionics. As fitted; typically Honeywell SPZ-800 + Collins Pro Line; many updated to glass cockpit.

Technical specifications

Gulfstream II/SP vs similar aircraft

• Gulfstream II/SP vs Gulfstream II (standard). The only difference is the Aviation Partners blended winglets on the SP, adding +7.3% fuel efficiency, +200-230 nm cruise range and +790 nm hot-and-high range at elevated airfields. Cabin, engines, avionics and airframe are identical. Charter rates are broadly comparable. For transatlantic sectors near or above the standard GII's 2,625 nm limit (London to New York at 3,450 nm), the GII/SP's 3,583 nm range is the selection criterion; for shorter sectors where range is not a constraint, the standard GII provides an equivalent cabin at comparable or lower rates;
• Gulfstream II/SP vs Gulfstream III. The GIII provides a significantly longer cabin (12.59 m vs 10.33 m GII/SP), more range (4,000 nm vs 3,583 nm), Whitcomb factory winglets versus the SP's retrofit winglets, and a fully re-engineered wing with 18% fuel burn reduction. Charter rates for the GIII run approximately 15-20% above the GII/SP. For groups of exactly 8 to 10 on London to New York where the shorter GII/SP cabin is adequate and below-GIII rates are decisive, the GII/SP provides the confirmed transatlantic range at the lower rate; for groups of 10 to 13 or sectors beyond 3,583 nm, the GIII is the appropriate choice;
• Gulfstream II/SP vs Gulfstream IV. The GIV uses Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8 engines (20-25% lower fuel burn than Spey), provides 4,220 nm range, a longer cabin (13.74 m) and Honeywell SPZ-8000 EFIS avionics. Charter rates for the GIV run approximately 30-40% above the GII/SP. For missions within the GII/SP's 3,583 nm range where the shorter cabin is adequate, the GII/SP provides confirmed large-cabin stand-up Gulfstream performance at significantly lower rates than the GIV.

Frequently asked questions - Gulfstream II/SP charter

How much does it cost to charter a Gulfstream II/SP?
Charter rates run from approximately £3,500 to £5,000 per flight hour - comparable to the standard Gulfstream II. London to New York costs from £31,500 for 10 passengers. London to Geneva costs from £10,500. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

What does the SP in Gulfstream II/SP stand for?
SP stands for Special Performance. The GII/SP is a standard Gulfstream II aircraft retrofitted with Aviation Partners blended winglets under FAA STC ST00080SE, certified April 22, 1994. Business Jet Traveler confirmed the winglets improve fuel efficiency by 7.3% and increase range by 230 miles (200 nm). FlightGlobal confirmed additional benefits at high-altitude hot airfields of up to 790 nm extra range. The SP designation distinguishes the winglet-equipped aircraft from the standard GII in the pre-owned and charter markets.

What is the range difference between the Gulfstream II and GII/SP?
The standard GII has a confirmed range of 2,625 nm. The GII/SP with Aviation Partners blended winglets has a confirmed range of approximately 3,583 nm - an improvement of approximately 958 nm. This additional range is the difference between requiring a fuel stop and completing London to New York non-stop under standard conditions (3,450 nm). GlobalAir confirmed the GII/SP's maximum range of 4,123 miles (3,583 nm).

Can a Gulfstream II/SP fly non-stop from London to New York?
Yes, under standard conditions. London to New York JFK is approximately 3,450 nm, within the GII/SP's confirmed 3,583 nm range. The standard GII at 2,625 nm typically requires a fuel stop (Shannon or Reykjavik) for this westbound sector due to prevailing headwinds. Confirm the non-stop range capability with the specific operator and aircraft weight before booking the westbound transatlantic sector, as range varies with payload and weather conditions.

How do Aviation Partners winglets improve the Gulfstream II?
Business Jet Traveler confirmed the winglets "can improve fuel efficiency by 7.3 percent and increase range by 230 miles at speeds between 0.74 and 0.80 Mach." FlightGlobal confirmed an additional benefit at hot-and-high airfields of up to 790 nm extra range at Toluca, Mexico (8,400 ft). Aviation Partners confirmed the same blended winglet technology has been installed on over 10,000 business and commercial aircraft since the GII certification in 1994. The winglets are a bolt-on modification requiring no structural changes to the GII airframe.