Growth that outpaces the market
Ultra long range jets were the second-fastest-growing aircraft category in 2025 at +9.67% year-over-year, recording 375,934 flights globally. That growth rate exceeds the 6.21% global market average by more than three percentage points — a meaningful spread that confirms intercontinental demand is structurally accelerating.
The ULR category encompasses aircraft capable of non-stop missions exceeding 6,000 nm — the Gulfstream G650, G550, Bombardier Global 6000/7500 and Dassault Falcon 8X among them. These are the airframes that make London to New York and similar corridors possible without fuel stops.
The G550 leads the category
The Gulfstream G550 was the most-flown ultra long range jet in 2025 with 59,708 departures — 15.88% of ULR category volume. The Bombardier Global 6000 ranked second with 49,395 departures (13.14% ULR share). These two models alone account for nearly 30% of all ULR traffic worldwide.
The G550's continued leadership despite newer G650 and G700 deliveries reflects a large installed base, proven dispatch reliability and operator familiarity. For charter buyers, G550 availability is typically deeper and pricing more competitive than for the newest ULR entrants.
At +9.67%, ultra-long-range is where the growth curve bends upward — and the G550 is still the aircraft at the front of the queue.
Europe's ULR fleet concentration
Ultra long range jets represent 27.35% of Europe's registered business jet fleet — more than double North America's ULR share. That concentration reflects European principal bases, cross-border wealth management hubs and the continent's dependence on intercontinental connectivity for global business.
European ULR growth interacts directly with the transatlantic distance band, which expanded 10.94% in 2025 with 40,459 departures in the 3,000–5,000 nm segment. The two data points — category growth and distance-band growth — tell the same story from different angles.
Charter economics for ULR missions
ULR charter pricing reflects aircraft capital cost, crew training requirements and low fleet availability relative to light jets. Hourly rates on a G650 typically run 3–4× those of a light jet, making empty-leg diligence especially valuable on intercontinental missions.
Our private jet rental cost guide breaks down category pricing tiers. For ULR missions, we recommend requesting quotes from at least three operators and monitoring empty-leg feeds for 48–72 hours before committing to full charter pricing.
Outlook through 2026
With G700 and Global 7500 deliveries accelerating and existing G550/Global 6000 fleets maintaining high utilisation, ULR category volume is likely to continue outpacing the market average. Buyers planning New York or Middle East missions should expect deeper inventory but also tighter peak-season availability as demand follows supply.
Verified data & source
Figures in this briefing are drawn exclusively from the Avi-Go Global Business Aviation Annual Report 2025 (RD200). Key verified statements:
- Ultra long range jets were the second-fastest-growing aircraft category in 2025 at +9.67% YoY (375,934 flights).
- The Gulfstream G550 was the most-flown ultra long range jet in 2025 with 59,708 departures (15.88% of ULR category).
- The 3,000–5,000 nm intercontinental segment showed the strongest distance-band growth in 2025 at +10.94% YoY.
Frequently asked questions
How fast did the ULR category grow in 2025?
Ultra long range jets grew 9.67% year-over-year in 2025 — the second-fastest-growing aircraft category globally.
How many ULR departures were recorded in 2025?
Avi-Go RD200 records 375,934 ultra-long-range departures globally in 2025.
Which ULR model flew most in 2025?
The Gulfstream G550 led the category with 59,708 departures (15.88% of ULR volume).
Why is Europe's ULR fleet share so high?
Ultra long range jets represent 27.35% of Europe's registered fleet — more than double North America's ULR share — reflecting European principals' dependence on intercontinental connectivity.