Winging It

Spontaneous travelers now have a Gulfstream at their beck and call.

text by: Michelle Keith

photos by: Courtesy ACP Jets.!

June 1, 2006

A last-minute visit to top executives at a far-flung office or the need to squeeze in a couture fitting over the weekend is more doable than ever. "With just four hours’ notice anywhere in the U.S., and within eight hours worldwide, our G550 could be picking you up and winging its way to your destination," says Suran Wijayawardana, vice president and director of charter operations for ACP Jets. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at $8,000 per hour, "our jet provides our clients with unparalleled flexibility and reliability for their intended mission."

Based in West Palm Beach, Fla., ACP Jets manages the $51 million aircraft—one of only five in the country designated solely for individual charter. The 2005 Gulfstream 550 is the star of the Gulfstream fleet, able to fly at a longer range and at a higher altitude than any other jet in its class. The luxurious interior—outfitted with 16 kid glove–soft, butterscotch-colored leather seats, two sofas that convert to beds and a conference center—is ideal for anyone who values quality, comfort and speed. This tiny segment of the market, requiring prompt transport between a multitude of homes (seven or eight is common, according to Wijayawardana) or businesses on a regular basis, is pampered with every convenience, not to mention the jet’s Mach .885 speed, which is equal to nine miles a minute.

The 96-foot, 91,000-pound machine guarantees passengers privacy with a designated crew galley with a lavatory, and a full aft galley with an espresso machine, oven and microwave. Continuing the top-of-the-line luxury into the dietary department, the plane comes equipped with its own executive chef who prepares fresh meals on board. Whether working during the flight or relaxing, guests can enjoy such technological amenities as high-speed Internet access and wireless LAN, a Bose Wave sound system throughout the cabin, live airborne video, dual 17-inch Airshow 4000 DVD monitors and five Rosen 5.6-inch individual LCD monitors.

Meeting the highest safety standards and able to launch from a 3,500-foot airstrip, the jet is rarely challenged by short runways, high elevations, extreme heat or gusting headwinds. And, because it is equipped with the revolutionary Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System, a cutting-edge instrument landing program, pilots are afforded maximum situational awareness.

"Since its inception," says Wijayawardana, "the aircraft has circumnavigated the globe six times." He points out that it is "capable of traveling between two of the farthest points on the globe with just one fuel stop." (And at times, as between Palm Beach and Tokyo, with none.) With access to over 7,500 airports in the U.S. alone, and an extensive network of carrier aircraft, ACP Jets’ G550 has quickly become known as the ultimate in state-of-the-art private air travel.