Elite Traveler September-October 2015

DISCOVER

elite traveler SEPT/OCT 2015 ISSUE 5 58

We love… CHALLENGER 350 VistaJet's latest acquisition, the plush Challenger 350 jet, is fitted with a new type of bulkhead door for total privacy in the cabin. It comes with the VistaJet staples, including Nobu catering. vistajet.com

Aviation

JET OF THE MONTH The jet Gulfstream G650ER

Homely on high A leather recliner. A walnut desk. A dash of gold trim. Once, this was as opulent as private jet interiors got. But designers are now ever more keen to create slick and stylish, rather than purely functional, decor. Lufthansa Technik designed flame-free fireplaces, which meet aviation authorities' requirements while looking like a crackling log fire. Mercedes-Benz collaborated with Lufthansa Technik on a concept interior that looks more akin to a spaceship (below). And Jet Aviation Basel Design Studio set the trend with their white, spa-like interior for a B787 with a marble bar, delicate mosaic floor and striking feature light (above). Helicopter interior designers are also following suit with MAG Design Studio recently unveiling its VIP interior for the first Bell 429 executive helicopter with retro red trim seats. Read the full report about the future of jet interiors by Ian Dryburgh, CEO of Acumen Design Associates on elitetraveler.com

What’s so special? It’s the popular Gulfstream G650 business jet with extended range, due to its capacity for an extra 4,000lb of fuel. (Current G650 owners can convert their jet to a G650ER for roughly $2 million.) Time to circle the globe 25 hours Passengers 18 Sleeps 10 Cruising speed 600mph APP, APP & AWAY Private jet app Jetsmarter has raised $20m in a new round of funding and attracted a clutch of high-profile investors including the Saudi Royal family, executives from Goldman Sachs and Twitter and rapper Jay Z. Dubbed the Uber of private jets, the app allows travelers to book single seats or entire jets. It can also arrange other services including helicopter transfers from the runway to their final destination. Membership is $9,000 a year. jetsmarter.com Cabin length 47 feet Price $66.5 million gulfstream.com

Words Laura Powell