Gulfstream IV
The Gulfstream IV is a large-cabin jet seating 14 passengers in a flat-floor cabin 45.1 feet long, 7.3 feet wide, and 6.1 feet tall, with a range of 4,220 nautical miles at 505 knots. Against heavy-category averages, it runs farther (4,220nm vs 3,899nm avg) and faster (505 vs 482 ktas avg). Wi-Fi, a full galley, and an enclosed lavatory are standard. Service ceiling is 45,000 feet.
With 138 aircraft on US Part 135 certificates across 49 operators, the GIV generates more charter availability than most heavy jets. Superior Transportation Associates and Fly Alliance each operate 10 aircraft; Jet Select LLC runs 9, Prime Jet 7, Paradigm Jet Management 7, and Journey Aviation 7. That operator spread means the type appears regularly on popular corridors from the Northeast, South Florida, and West Coast.
Charter rates run $6,000 to $7,200 per hour. Used GIVs have dropped sharply in value since production ended. Examples from 1990–1992 trade between $1.6 million and $4.4 million, and GIV-SPs list between $1.25 million and $5.2 million. That low acquisition cost keeps the type competitive despite its age.
Specs at a glance
Interior & cabin
| Passengers | 14 |
| Cabin length | 45.1 ft |
| Cabin width | 7.3 ft |
| Cabin height | 6.1 ft (stand-up) |
| Baggage volume | 169 cu ft |
| Lavatory | Fully enclosed |
| Galley | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Available on most aircraft |
| Cabin floor | Flat, walk-around |
The Gulfstream IV carries a stand-up cabin — 6.1 ft tall, 7.3 ft wide. Adults move around without crouching. A fully enclosed lavatory makes it workable for longer legs. Connectivity varies by tail — most operators in this fleet have at least one Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft, but confirm before booking if you need to work in the air.
Operator floor plans vary. Some Gulfstream IV cabins are configured with a divan that drops the headcount by one or two seats; confirm the layout with the operator before booking.
Range & performance
| Range | 4,220 nm |
| Max cruise | 505 ktas |
| Typical cruise | ~429 ktas |
| Service ceiling | 45,000 ft |
At 4,220 nm, the Gulfstream IV crosses the US coast-to-coast non-stop with a full cabin and reserves. Cross-Atlantic flights typically need a fuel stop.
Distances are real great-circle nautical miles from the selected hub. Angular positions are spaced for readability, not actual bearings. Range envelope assumes no wind and a full passenger load.
Charter cost per hour
Charter the Gulfstream IV at roughly $10,000–$18,000 per flight hour, depending on how far ahead you book. Heavy jets like this carry 10–16 passengers; the per-seat math improves sharply as you fill the cabin.
Rates are flight-hour pricing. Total cost depends on round-trip vs. one-way, positioning, fuel surcharges, and taxes (~15% on top of base). Run the math on your trip →
Safety Record
History
Gulfstream began development in March 1983, targeting a stretched and re-engined successor to the Gulfstream III. The prototype made its first flight on September 19, 1985, and the FAA issued type certification on April 22, 1987. The first production aircraft entered service that year. In 1993, Gulfstream introduced the GIV-SP (special performance) at serial number 1214, adding structural improvements and systems refinements. The G400 designation replaced the GIV-SP at serial number 1500. A shorter-range variant, the G300, launched in 2002.
Production continued for over three decades. The final aircraft was delivered in January 2018, by which point more than 900 GIVs and derivatives had been built. The G450 replaced the G400 as Gulfstream's large-cabin offering in 2004, extending range to 4,350nm and increasing speed. The GIV and GIV-SP remain widespread in US charter because falling pre-owned prices make refurbished examples cost-competitive with newer alternatives.
Ideal For
- Ten to fourteen passengers on transcontinental routes: New York to Los Angeles (2,450nm), Dallas to New York (1,380nm), or Miami to Seattle (2,700nm)
- Nonstop transatlantic segments: New York to London (3,459nm) and New York to Paris (3,624nm) both fall within the 4,220nm range
- Corporate board trips and group travel where the 45.1-foot cabin length provides multiple seating zones, a galley, and enclosed lavatory for four-plus-hour flights
- 45,000-foot cruise altitude reduces weather exposure and keeps the aircraft above most commercial traffic
- Charter groups cross-shopping ultra-long-range jets who want large-cabin capacity at significantly lower pre-owned pricing ($1.6–$5.2 million for typical examples)
- Operators in high-demand corridors: 138 active Part 135 aircraft across 49 operators creates strong repositioning availability on major US routes
Gulfstream IV vs Heavy Average
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charter a Gulfstream IV?
Charter rates run approximately $6,000 to $7,200 per hour. A five-hour transcontinental flight from New York to Los Angeles typically totals $30,000 to $38,000 before taxes and fees. Transatlantic segments run longer depending on routing and operator.
Can the Gulfstream IV fly nonstop from New York to Europe?
Yes. New York to London is approximately 3,459nm and New York to Paris approximately 3,624nm, both within the 4,220nm published range. Actual range with full passenger payload and realistic reserves is less, so operators typically plan for conditions and may carry fewer than 14 passengers on long segments.
What is the difference between the Gulfstream IV, GIV-SP, and G400?
The base GIV ran from 1987 to serial number 1213. The GIV-SP, introduced in 1993, added structural and systems improvements. The G400 designation followed at serial number 1500. For charter customers, the cabin dimensions and passenger experience are essentially the same across all three designations; they share the same fuselage, range, and basic performance figures.
How does the Gulfstream IV compare to the Challenger 604?
The GIV is faster (505 vs 488 ktas), covers more range (4,220nm vs 4,000nm), and carries 14 passengers versus 12 in the Challenger 604. The GIV cabin at 45.1 feet long is significantly larger than the Challenger 604's shorter fuselage. Charter availability favors the GIV at 138 Part 135 aircraft versus 43 for the Challenger 604.
Is the Gulfstream IV still a competitive charter option?
Yes, for routes that suit its range and cabin. The airframe is mature: production ran from 1987 to 2018, and many operators have updated avionics and interiors since. Pre-owned acquisition prices of $1.6 million to $5.2 million allow operators to refurbish cabins and still offer competitive hourly rates. 138 active Part 135 aircraft confirms continued operator confidence in the type.
Available Empty Legs on Gulfstream IVs
Gulfstream IVs for Charter (138) Page 2 of 3
Where Gulfstream IVs actually fly
ADS-B-tracked flights from the trailing 90 days. Numbers cover aircraft on our charter database; private corporate fleets and operators using PIA registration are not in this count. Methodology →
Top routes
Busiest origins
| Teterboro (KTEB) | 437 |
| Van Nuys (KVNY) | 279 |
| Miami (KOPF) | 199 |
| White Plains (KHPN) | 108 |
| Fort Lauderdale (KFXE) | 105 |
| Houston (KHOU) | 102 |
| Santa Ana (KSNA) | 96 |
| Burbank (KBUR) | 96 |
| Boca Raton (KBCT) | 96 |
| Las Vegas (KLAS) | 91 |
Most active operators
| Operator | Aircraft | Flights |
|---|---|---|
| Fly Alliance, Inc. | 8 | 688 |
| Superior Transportation Associates Inc. | 10 | 546 |
| Prime Jet, LLC | 7 | 432 |
| Jet Select, LLC | 6 | 399 |
| JOURNEY AVIATION, LLC | 7 | 307 |
| Hera Flight, LLC | 3 | 284 |
| Worldwide Jet Charter, Inc. | 4 | 273 |
| CAPITAL JET INC | 4 | 218 |
| Mira Vista Aviation, Inc. | 4 | 168 |
| Pegasus Elite Aviation, Inc. | 5 | 165 |
Comparable aircraft
Same category, similar mission profile. The framing below summarizes how each one differs from the Gulfstream IV on the dimensions that matter most.