Whenever I hop inside a plane, I’m amazed at the fact that it flies through the air at all.

In other words, I’m pretty easy to please.

For those who appreciate the finer things in air travel, the new Gulfstream G700 is a pretty big deal and could end the longstanding rivalry between two of the biggest names in aviation.

Gulfstream and Bombardier have been trying to outdo one another for years, writes Robb Report, but the G700 has just edged Gulfstream out in front.

The roughly 109-foot G700 is a foot shorter than Bombardier’s Global 7500, but the jet will have a cabin two feet longer than its competitor, which is said to the number that matters:

The soon-to-be behemoth, known as the G700, was unveiled at the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) annual corporate aircraft show in Las Vegas. Gulfstream Aerospace President Mark Burns said the flagship G700, priced at $75 million, would be the “tallest, widest cabin in our industry,” according to Reuters.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, the gargantuan jet will match the industry-leading maximum speed of Mach 0.925—set by its predecessor the G650—and can fly 7,500 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 and while that’s slightly less than Bombardier’s 7,700 nautical miles, 200 miles is not a huge difference when it comes to flying time and reach.

The G700 will seat up to 19 passengers and features five living areas, a six-seat dining area (or conference room), a 10-foot galley and a master bedroom suite with shower. The advanced circadian lighting system fitted throughout recreates sunrise and sunset, with the aim of reducing jet lag. Meanwhile, the jet will be pressurized to ensure the lowest cabin altitude in the industry—less than 4,000 feet at most cruising altitudes. The cabin is also whisper-quiet, featuring the largest oval windows in aviation. Even better, it circulates 100 percent fresh air.

Sure beats cattle class on the red-eye flight to Jozi.

Time for a look around the interior:

Isn’t that lovely?

Again, that price tag is a cool $75 million, and orders made now will be delivered in 2022.

Treat yourself.

[source:robbreport]