Charter a Gulfstream GIV-SP

The Gulfstream GIV-SP (Special Performance) is the production upgrade of the Gulfstream IV that replaced the original model in September 1992 at serial number 1214, incorporating the operational improvements that the GIV's service experience had identified as priorities. Compared with the GIV, it has higher payload and landing weights and improved payload-range performance. The key SP improvements: maximum takeoff weight increased by 1,400 lb to 74,600 lb; landing weight increased by 7,500 lb providing greater operational flexibility for round trips; the GIV's wire brake system replaced with a hydro-mechanical system for greater reliability; redesigned wheels and tires for improved taxiing performance. An ASC190 service bulletin allows existing GIV owners to upgrade to GIV-SP standards. Approximately 300 GIV-SP aircraft were built between 1992 and 2002, succeeding at serial number 1500 into the G400 designation (23 aircraft) and later the G450 (365 aircraft) - over 900 GIV, GIV-SP and G450 units were produced across the 30-year family production run ending January 2018.

The GIV-SP carries the same Rolls-Royce Tay Mk 611-8 engines at 13,850 lbf each as the original GIV, the same 45.1-foot (13.74 m) stand-up cabin, and Honeywell SPZ-8000/8400 avionics. The GIV was the first business jet with an all-glass cockpit. Charter prices start from approximately £5,000 per flight hour. For the full fleet see our private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the Gulfstream GIV-SP?

• SP = Special Performance: +1,400 lb MTOW; +7,500 lb landing weight; hydro-mechanical brakes replacing wire brakes; redesigned wheels and tires - the GIV refined by operational experience. The GIV-SP's maximum take-off weight is 74,600 pounds, 1,400 pounds more than the GIV, allowing for more passengers, luggage or office equipment. Landing weight increased by 7,500 pounds, giving greater operational flexibility and letting crews carry more fuel for round trips instead of making costly fuel stops. The GIV-SP also has better dispatch reliability thanks to the replacement of the GIV's brake-by-wire system with a hydro-mechanical one, and redesigned wheels and tyres improve taxiing and runway performance. For charter clients who specify the GIV-SP over the original GIV, these engineering refinements translate to greater operational reliability, higher payload flexibility and the ability to carry more fuel on round trips - reducing costs by avoiding fuel stops on sectors near the 4,000 nm range boundary;
• Rolls-Royce Tay Mk 611-8; 13,850 lbf each; 20-25% lower fuel burn than GII/GIII Spey; first business jet family with all-glass cockpit; 4,091 nm range; 45,000 ft ceiling. The GIV-SP uses Rolls-Royce Tay Mk 611-8 engines, each generating about 13,850 pounds of thrust and consuming around 415 gallons of fuel per hour. This 20-25% fuel burn improvement over the GII/GIII Spey engines, combined with the GIV-SP's 1,400 lb higher MTOW, gives a range of 4,091-4,109 nm. The GIV became the first business jet with an all-glass cockpit: the Honeywell SPZ-8000 EFIS with six colour CRT displays pioneered glass cockpit integration in the large-cabin category. Maximum cruise speed is 480 kt and the service ceiling 45,000 ft. The GIV family also set 22 world records in 1987 on a westbound circumnavigation in 45 hours 25 minutes. For charter clients who want the Rolls-Royce Tay efficiency advantage over the Spey-powered GII/GIII in a comparable-cabin aircraft, the GIV-SP provides it with the additional SP reliability enhancements;
• Stand-up cabin 45.1 ft (13.74 m) long, 7.4 ft (2.24 m) wide, 6.1 ft (1.86 m) high; three living areas; 1,658 cu ft; two lavatories; 169 cu ft baggage; Gulfstream signature oval windows; 13 passengers standard. The GIV-SP cabin measures 13.74 metres in length, 2.22 metres in width and 1.86 metres in height, with a volume of 1,658 cubic feet and two lavatories that allow greater separation between passengers and crew. The most common configuration seats 14 passengers, with a 4-place club arrangement in the forward section, a 2-place club and divan in the mid-cabin, and 4-place conference seating in the aft section. Standard amenities include DirectTV, Wi-Fi, satcom phone, DVDs, flat screen displays and Air Show, and baggage capacity is 169 ft³. The signature Gulfstream large oval windows provide natural light throughout and downward views that charter clients on European and transatlantic sectors find distinctive. For groups of 10 to 14 on intercontinental sectors requiring two lavatories, three living areas and full galley service, the GIV-SP provides the complete large-cabin specification;
• NOAA hurricane hunter GIV-SP N49RF; 45,000 ft operations around tropical cyclones; C-20F/G/H/J military variants; government and military operator confidence across 300+ aircraft fleet. The NOAA GIV-SP was modified to fly scientists and crew members at 45,000 ft around tropical cyclones, dropping dropsondes to measure wind speed, barometric pressure, humidity and temperature. In 2009 it was further modified with a side-scanning Doppler weather radar on the rear fuselage. Military variants C-20F, C-20G, C-20H and C-20J serve military and government operators around the world, from Chile to India and Sweden. Of 302 GIV-SP aircraft in operation, 265 (88%) carry ADS-B Out. The NOAA GIV-SP hurricane hunter role - flying at 45,000 ft around Category 4 and 5 storms at 4,000+ nm range - is the most extreme operational environment any business jet regularly encounters, providing a validation of GIV-SP structural and systems integrity that no commercial certification test programme can replicate;
• Foundation for G300/G350/G400/G450 family; ASC190 upgrade path for GIV to GIV-SP standards; 300+ built 1992-2002; pre-owned from $1.25 million (1992 models) to $6.4 million (2002 models); 295 active in fleet. The GIV-SP inspired the designs of the G300 and G400, as well as the G350 and G450. Approximately 295 GIV-SP aircraft are in operation worldwide. The ASC190 service bulletin allows GIV owners to upgrade to GIV-SP standards. Pre-owned GIV-SP prices have ranged from $1.25 to 5.2 million for 1992-1999 models. The 30-year Tay production run (from the original GIV in 1987 through the G450 to January 2018) established the Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8 engine as one of the most successful business jet powerplants ever built, with over 900 GIV-family aircraft delivered;
• London to New York; Chicago to Barcelona; New York to Frankfurt non-stop within 4,091 nm; 45,000 ft ceiling above all transatlantic traffic; the definitive 1990s-era large-cabin intercontinental business jet. The GIV-SP suits intercontinental flights from the UK to the East Coast of America or to the Middle East, with 4,091 nm range with IFR reserves. At 45,000 ft the GIV-SP clears all scheduled airline traffic on transatlantic and trans-European routing. The GIV-SP cruises at 882 km/h (476 knots), fast for its class, which brings London to New York down to approximately 7.5 hours and Dubai to London to under 7 hours. For charter clients whose intercontinental missions are within 4,091 nm at large-cabin stand-up Gulfstream specification, the GIV-SP provides this capability at below-GV rates.

Charter cost - Gulfstream GIV-SP prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £5,000 to £7,000 - above the Gulfstream III and GII/SP, reflecting the Tay engine fuel efficiency advantage, 4,091 nm range and the three-zone 45.1-foot cabin with two lavatories. In US dollar terms, charter runs from approximately $7,000 to $8,500 per hour. For groups of 10 to 14 on intercontinental sectors where the GIV-SP's range and large-cabin two-lavatory specification are the selection criteria, the GIV-SP is the appropriate choice at below-GV rates.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to New York - from £45,000 (12 passengers, approximately 7 hours 30 minutes non-stop);
• London to Dubai - from £38,500 (12 passengers, approximately 6 hours 30 minutes non-stop);
• London to Astana - from £31,500 (12 passengers, approximately 6 hours 15 minutes non-stop);
• London to Geneva - from £12,500 (12 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to Paris - from £12,500 (12 passengers, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes);
• London to Los Angeles - from £57,500 (12 passengers, approximately 11 hours with fuel stop);
• London to Chicago - from £52,500 (12 passengers, approximately 9 hours non-stop);

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

Ideal routes for the Gulfstream GIV-SP

Best matched to intercontinental missions where 4,091 nm non-stop range, 45,000 ft ceiling, three-zone 45.1-foot stand-up cabin and the 7,500 lb higher landing weight flexibility serve groups of 10 to 14:

• Transatlantic non-stop sectors (London to New York; London to Chicago; London to Boston) where 4,091 nm confirms non-stop capability at full charter load. At 476 kt cruise, London to New York takes approximately 7.5 hours. London to New York (approximately 3,450 nm) and London to Chicago (approximately 3,900 nm) are both within non-stop range. The 7,500 lb higher landing weight over the GIV means the GIV-SP can carry more fuel for a transatlantic round trip, reducing or eliminating fuel stops on the return sector. For groups of 10 to 14 whose transatlantic missions require two lavatories, three living areas and galley service, the GIV-SP provides the complete specification at below-GV rates;
• London to Dubai; London to Riyadh; London to Mumbai within 4,091 nm non-stop where the two-lavatory cabin configuration serves 10 to 14 passengers on 6 to 7-hour sectors. The GIV-SP suits flights from the UK to the East Coast of America or to the Middle East. London to Dubai (approximately 3,300 nm) and London to Riyadh (approximately 3,000 nm) are comfortably within non-stop range. At 45,000 ft the routing options above Middle East and South Asian airspace provide efficient non-stop direct tracks. Two lavatories on the GIV-SP provide a genuine service standard for 10 to 14 passengers on 6-7 hour Gulf sectors;
• Groups of 12 to 14 where the three-zone layout - forward club, mid divan, aft conference - provides the full corporate aviation working environment for intercontinental sectors. The most common configuration seats 14 passengers, with a 4-place club arrangement in the forward section, a 2-place club and divan in the mid-cabin, and 4-place conference seating in the aft section. For corporate groups of 12 to 14 whose intercontinental missions involve working forward, relaxing mid-cabin and conducting client meetings in the aft conference zone, the GIV-SP's three-zone layout provides the environment. Two lavatories ensure separation between passengers and crew;
• Round-trip intercontinental missions where the 7,500 lb higher landing weight allows heavier fuel loads on departure, reducing fuel stops on the return sector. The higher landing weight gives greater operational flexibility and lets crews carry more fuel for round trips instead of making costly fuel stops. For charter clients whose itinerary involves a round trip from London to New York or London to Dubai where a mid-trip fuel stop adds cost and time, the GIV-SP's higher landing weight enables the operator to load more fuel on departure and complete the return sector without stopping;
• Time-sensitive transatlantic missions where 476 kt cruise and direct 45,000 ft routing provide the fastest available large-cabin option within the GIV price bracket. The GIV-SP cruises at 882 km/h (476 knots). At 476 kt and 45,000 ft the GIV-SP is directly comparable to the original GIV in speed while providing the SP's improved payload, landing weight and dispatch reliability. For clients who have previously chartered the original GIV and want the reliability improvements of the SP variant at the same large-cabin specification, the GIV-SP is the current standard.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The Gulfstream GIV-SP cabin measures 13.74 m (45.1 ft) long, 2.22-2.24 m (7.3-7.4 ft) wide and 1.86 m (6.1 ft) high - a full stand-up large cabin with Gulfstream's signature large oval windows positioned to provide downward views as well as lateral views. There are two lavatories: the main aft lavatory, which provides separation from the passenger cabin, and an additional forward one. Standard amenities include DirectTV, Wi-Fi, satcom phone, DVDs and flat screen displays and Air Show. A full galley provides hot meal service. The typical three-zone configuration - forward 4-place club, mid 2-place club and divan, aft 4-place conference seating - seats 13 to 14 in corporate configuration. High-density layouts accommodate up to 19. Internal baggage is 169 ft³. The pressurisation differential of 9.5 psi maintains a sea-level cabin altitude at cruise levels through 45,000 ft.

• Cabin. 13.74 m x 2.22 m x 1.86 m; full stand-up; 1,658 cu ft; 3 living areas; 2 lavatories;
• Layout. 13-14 standard (4 club + 2 club/divan + 4 conference); 19 maximum;
• Amenities. Full galley; DirectTV; Wi-Fi; satcom phone; DVDs; flat screens; AirShow;
• Baggage. 169 ft³ internal; accessible during flight;
• Engines. 2 x Rolls-Royce Tay Mk 611-8 (13,850 lbf each; 415 gph combined);
• Avionics. Honeywell SPZ-8000/SPZ-8400 EFIS (6 colour CRT displays); Collins radios; dual Honeywell laser IRSs; FMS; first all-glass cockpit in business aviation;
• SP improvements over GIV. +1,400 lb MTOW; +7,500 lb landing weight; hydro-mechanical brakes (vs wire brakes); redesigned wheels and tires.

Technical specifications

Gulfstream GIV-SP vs similar aircraft

• Gulfstream GIV-SP vs Gulfstream IV (original). The GIV-SP adds +1,400 lb MTOW (74,600 vs 73,200 lb), +7,500 lb landing weight, hydro-mechanical brakes replacing the wire brake system, and redesigned wheels and tires. Range increases slightly from 4,220 nm (GIV) to 4,091-4,109 nm (GIV-SP at NBAA IFR standards). An ASC190 service bulletin allows GIV owners to upgrade to GIV-SP standards. For charter clients who have previously flown the original GIV, the GIV-SP's SP engineering refinements provide better dispatch reliability and round-trip fuel flexibility at the same Tay engine and large-cabin specification;
• Gulfstream GIV-SP vs Gulfstream GV. The GV (1997) uses Rolls-Royce BR710A1-10 engines at 14,750 lbf each, has 6,250-6,500 nm range (vs GIV-SP's 4,091 nm), 51,000 ft ceiling (vs 45,000 ft), a longer 15.27 m cabin with four living areas (vs GIV-SP's 13.74 m with three zones) and higher charter rates. For missions within 4,091 nm where the GIV-SP's three-zone cabin is adequate, the GIV-SP provides the full intercontinental large-cabin specification at approximately 15 to 20% lower rates than the GV. For missions beyond 4,091 nm or requiring 51,000 ft ceiling, the GV is the necessary choice;
• Gulfstream GIV-SP vs Dassault Falcon 900. The Falcon 900 is a three-engine large-cabin jet from the same 1980s-1990s era with 4,000-4,500 nm range, a slightly narrower cabin (2.34 m vs GIV-SP's 2.22 m), tri-engine safety at comparable charter rates. The GIV-SP counters with a wider cabin cross-section at 7.4 ft floor, the 22 world records set by the GIV family in 1987, the NOAA hurricane hunter operational validation and the Honeywell SPZ-8000/8400 glass cockpit that was pioneered on the GIV family. For groups who specify twin-engine large-cabin Gulfstream heritage at transatlantic rates, the GIV-SP is the selection.

Frequently asked questions - Gulfstream GIV-SP charter

How much does it cost to charter a Gulfstream GIV-SP?
Charter rates run from approximately £5,000 to £7,000 per flight hour. London to New York costs from £45,000 for 12 passengers. London to Geneva costs from £12,500. In US dollar terms, charter runs from approximately $7,000 to $8,500 per hour. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

What does the SP mean in Gulfstream GIV-SP?
SP stands for Special Performance. The GIV-SP replaced the original GIV in September 1992 at serial number 1214, with key improvements: maximum takeoff weight increased by 1,400 lb to 74,600 lb; landing weight increased by 7,500 lb providing greater round-trip fuel flexibility; the GIV's wire brake system replaced with a more reliable hydro-mechanical system; and redesigned wheels and tires. An ASC190 service bulletin allows existing GIV owners to upgrade to GIV-SP standards.

What is the range of the Gulfstream GIV-SP?
Range is 4,091-4,109 nm (approximately 7,576-7,609 km) at NBAA IFR standards with 4 passengers and available fuel. This enables London to New York (approximately 3,450 nm), London to Chicago (approximately 3,900 nm) and London to Dubai (approximately 3,300 nm) non-stop. The 7,500 lb higher landing weight over the original GIV allows the GIV-SP to carry more fuel on departure for round trips, reducing fuel stop requirements.

How many passengers can fly on a Gulfstream GIV-SP?
The standard executive configuration seats 13 to 14 passengers across three living areas: 4-place club forward, 2-place club and divan mid-cabin, and 4-place conference seating aft. High-density layouts can accommodate up to 19. Two lavatories serve passengers separately from crew. Internal baggage holds 169 ft³, sufficient for at least one bag per passenger at standard capacity.

How does the GIV-SP differ from the G400?
The G400 is the designation for GIV-SP aircraft from serial number 1500 onwards (23 aircraft built 2003-2004). The G400 has a slightly longer fuselage and 1,400 lb higher MTOW. The G450 (GIV-X; 365 built 2004-2018) is the direct successor with Tay 611-8C engines with FADEC, PlaneView cockpit with four 14-inch LCD displays and additional range. The GIV-SP (serial numbers 1214-1499) represents the production-standard 1992-2002 variant.