Imagine climbing aboard one of the fastest private jets at Teterboro Airport in the morning, spending the afternoon shopping at Harrods and strolling Oxford Avenue in London, grabbing dinner at one of the city’s 74 Michelin Star restaurants and getting back to the United States before bed.

A day trip to England from the US sounds fictional, but it’s closer to reality than we might think. From Spike Aerospace’s innovations to Bombardier’s exciting new business jet, manufacturers are making strides in the development of the fastest private jets.

While we dream of day trips across the Atlantic, here are four things to know about the fastest private jets and the future of supersonic aviation.

 

1. What is the fastest private jet you can buy?

Cessna’s popular Citation X+ remains one of the fastest private jets on the market and in the air today. With a top speed of Mach 0.935, or 717 mph, the Citation X+ reaches nearly supersonic speeds and is capable of chartering 12 passengers over 3,400 miles. 

Bombardier is currently developing the Global 8000, which the Canadian manufacturer says will reach top speeds of Mach 0.94 with room for 19 and a range of 8,000 nautical miles. Bombardier expects the Global 8000 will enter service in 2025.

Gulfstream’s G700 ultra-long-range business jet is also a contender with a record flight from Savannah, Georgia to Bahrain in just over 12 hours. The G700 soared at Mach 0.88 using sustainable fuel.

2. Is there a supersonic private jet?

US-based Spike Aerospace recently unveiled the Spike S-512. This supersonic business jet will fly at speeds of up to Mach 1.6, or 1,227 mph. According to the manufacturer, the Spike S-512 will be able to fly from New York to London in only three hours with between 12 and 18 passengers.

However, air travel at speeds beyond Mach 1 is currently outlawed in the United States, according to the FAA. The FAA and DOT are working to advance civil supersonic aircraft and will create new noise rules and restrictions for these aircraft.

3. Do private jets fly faster than commercial?

Often yes, though depends on the jet. Take the Boeing 737-800–one of the most popular commercial aircraft in the United States–for example. Capable of hauling up to 189 passengers depending on its configuration, the 737-800 boasts a cruising speed of 520 mph. 

With a higher cruising altitude and less weight on board, a popular private jet like the Challenger 3500 soars at 555 mph, the Citation X reaches 717 mph and a smaller turboprop Pilatus PC-12 reaches only 322 mph.

4. Is it possible to go Mach 10?

Private jets are far from reaching Mach 10. While some manufacturers are focusing their efforts on breaking Mach 1 in civilian aircraft, we’ll have to turn our attention to Tom Cruise and the Darkstar in Top Gun: Maverick to see Mach 10 speeds.

If we ever do see private planes reach Mach 10 speeds, or more than 7,600 mph, your private jet charter from Teterboro to London will take no more than 45 minutes.

Want to learn more about booking a fast, safe and reliable private jet for your next trip? Reach out to our private flight advisors at 1-888-593-9066 to learn how Stratos helps you soar higher.