Can a Private Jet Fly Faster Than a Commercial Aircraft?

Many wonder whether flying by private jet can be faster than commercial air travel. The answer is a resounding yes. An aircraft dedicated to your flight taking off from an FBO, flying closer to your desired destination, avoids airport crowds and can save you hours of travel time. That’s why private jets are an essential resource for top business executives.

But what of the aircraft themselves? Can private jets fly faster than commercial jets? The answer may surprise you.

Taking the retired supersonic Concorde out of the equation, only the now-out-of-production Boeing 747 has broken the sound barrier, surpassing Mach 1 (1062 kph). The official top speed of the Queen of the Skies is an impressive Mach .99 (1051 kph)—a remarkable feat of engineering for such a large aircraft. By comparison, the Airbus A380 has a top speed of Mach .89 (945 kph).

On the narrowbody side, the newest Boeing 737 MAX can achieve top speeds of Mach .91 (967 kph) and has a typical cruise speed of .789 Mach (852 kph). The Airbus A320 has a top speed of Mach 0.82 (871 kph) and a standard cruising speed of Mach 0.78 (828 kph).

Three Super-Fast Business Jets

These three super-fast business jets may not match Concorde’s Mach 2.04 (2167 kph), but number one on our list gave the Boeing 747 a race for her crown, and all outperform commercial jets. Not only can these aircraft achieve impressive top speeds, but their cruising speed is also faster. Most importantly, they offer an exceptional flight experience.

1. The Bombardier Global 8000 

During a flight test in May 2021, the Bombardier Global 8000 broke the sound barrier, reaching Mach 1.015 (1243 kph), as confirmed by a NASA-operated Boeing F-18, which accompanied the aircraft during testing. It also reached this speed while flying on SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel).

The aircraft’s official top speed is Mach .94 (1151 kph). The Global 8000 also offers an ultra-high-speed cruise at Mach .92, a high-speed cruise of Mach .90, and a typical cruise of Mach .85 (1041 kph). The Global 8000 goes far, with a range of up to 8000 nautical miles (14816 km) and gets you where you want to be in ultimate luxury with well-appointed separate living areas, a fully equipped galley and everything you need for a comfortable long-haul flight.

2. Gulfstream G800

The Gulfstream G800 has a top speed of Mach .925 (983 kph), a high-speed cruise of Mach .90 and a long-range cruise of up to 14816 km at Mach .85, like the Global 8000. It also offers a sophisticated design and a soothing cabin environment.

3. The Dassault Falcon 10X 

Another top-speed luxury performer is the Dassault Falcon 10X. It matches the Gulfstream G800’s top speed of Mach .925 and a cruising speed of Mach .85 with a range of 13,900 km. The Falcon 10X also offers a roomy cabin cross-section at 2.03 m tall and 2.77 m.

Designed for Speed

Business jets are designed for speed, with powerful engines and optimised fuselage and wings. How fast an aircraft can go depends on several factors, including the weight onboard, which consumes fuel. To reach your destination, optimising an aircraft’s fuel consumption is essential, and higher speeds burn fuel faster.

But there are other travel factors to consider beyond the aircraft's speed. Why spend two hours or longer getting through security, walking to a gate and boarding a crowded plane on an airline’s schedule? Private jet flights put you in command, adapting to your needs.

Contact a LunaJets advisor to plan your next journey and maximise your most vital asset: time.