Posted on September 18th, 2025
The Gulfstream IV (also known as G-IV or GIV) is a large-cabin, twin-engine business jet designed and manufactured by Gulfstream Aerospace, a General Dynamics company headquartered in Savannah, Georgia. First flown in 1985 as the successor to the Gulfstream III, the GIV introduced a new wing design, upgraded systems, and more efficient Rolls-Royce Tay turbofan engines. Production continued until 2003, with more than 500 aircraft delivered worldwide.
The Gulfstream IV set a new standard in private aviation with its combination of range, speed, and cabin comfort. With a maximum range of more than 4,000 nautical miles and a top speed approaching Mach 0.85, the GIV enabled nonstop transcontinental and select transatlantic flights. Its spacious cabin can accommodate up to 19 passengers in customized executive layouts, making it a preferred option for corporate flight departments, charter operators, and private owners.
The aircraft was among the first business jets to feature a fully digital EFIS flight deck, improving pilot situational awareness and reducing workload. Systems upgrades across the production run enhanced reliability and set new benchmarks for business aviation technology during the late 1980s and 1990s.
The original GIV platform led to several important derivatives, including the Gulfstream IV-SP (Special Performance), which offered extended range and payload improvements. Later developments evolved into the Gulfstream G350 and G450, continuing the legacy of the GIV’s design. Many aircraft remain active in service today with corporations, governments, military operators, and private charter fleets.
The Gulfstream IV helped establish Gulfstream as a leader in the long-range, large-cabin segment of business aviation. Its design innovations influenced the next generation of Gulfstream jets, including the G500, G550, and the flagship G650. The model’s reputation for performance and reliability ensures its continued presence in the skies more than three decades after its first flight.
Looking to charter a Gulfstream or a similar large-cabin private jet?
JetOptions offers ARGUS and Wyvern-rated aircraft across every category, including Gulfstream heavy jets for transcontinental and international flights.
The Gulfstream IV (also known as G-IV or GIV) is a large-cabin, twin-engine business jet designed and manufactured by Gulfstream Aerospace, a General Dynamics company headquartered in Savannah, Georgia. First flown in 1985 as the successor to the Gulfstream III, the GIV introduced a new wing design, upgraded systems, and more efficient Rolls-Royce Tay turbofan engines. Production continued until 2003, with more than 500 aircraft delivered worldwide.
The Gulfstream IV set a new standard in private aviation with its combination of range, speed, and cabin comfort. With a maximum range of more than 4,000 nautical miles and a top speed approaching Mach 0.85, the GIV enabled nonstop transcontinental and select transatlantic flights. Its spacious cabin can accommodate up to 19 passengers in customized executive layouts, making it a preferred option for corporate flight departments, charter operators, and private owners.
The aircraft was among the first business jets to feature a fully digital EFIS flight deck, improving pilot situational awareness and reducing workload. Systems upgrades across the production run enhanced reliability and set new benchmarks for business aviation technology during the late 1980s and 1990s.
The original GIV platform led to several important derivatives, including the Gulfstream IV-SP (Special Performance), which offered extended range and payload improvements. Later developments evolved into the Gulfstream G350 and G450, continuing the legacy of the GIV’s design. Many aircraft remain active in service today with corporations, governments, military operators, and private charter fleets.
The Gulfstream IV helped establish Gulfstream as a leader in the long-range, large-cabin segment of business aviation. Its design innovations influenced the next generation of Gulfstream jets, including the G500, G550, and the flagship G650. The model’s reputation for performance and reliability ensures its continued presence in the skies more than three decades after its first flight.
Looking to charter a Gulfstream or a similar large-cabin private jet?
JetOptions offers ARGUS and Wyvern-rated aircraft across every category, including Gulfstream heavy jets for transcontinental and international flights.
The Gulfstream IV (also known as G-IV or GIV) is a large-cabin, twin-engine business jet designed and manufactured by Gulfstream Aerospace, a General Dynamics company headquartered in Savannah, Georgia. First flown in 1985 as the successor to the Gulfstream III, the GIV introduced a new wing design, upgraded systems, and more efficient Rolls-Royce Tay turbofan engines. Production continued until 2003, with more than 500 aircraft delivered worldwide.
The Gulfstream IV set a new standard in private aviation with its combination of range, speed, and cabin comfort. With a maximum range of more than 4,000 nautical miles and a top speed approaching Mach 0.85, the GIV enabled nonstop transcontinental and select transatlantic flights. Its spacious cabin can accommodate up to 19 passengers in customized executive layouts, making it a preferred option for corporate flight departments, charter operators, and private owners. For more details on newer Gulfstream aircraft, see our Gulfstream G450 charter page.
The aircraft was among the first business jets to feature a fully digital EFIS flight deck, improving pilot situational awareness and reducing workload. Systems upgrades across the production run enhanced reliability and set new benchmarks for business aviation technology during the late 1980s and 1990s.
The original GIV platform led to several important derivatives, including the Gulfstream IV-SP (Special Performance), which offered extended range and payload improvements. Later developments evolved into the Gulfstream G350 and G450, continuing the legacy of the GIV’s design. Many aircraft remain active in service today with corporations, governments, military operators, and private charter fleets.
The Gulfstream IV helped establish Gulfstream as a leader in the long-range, large-cabin segment of business aviation. Its design innovations influenced the next generation of Gulfstream jets, including the Gulfstream G550 and the flagship G650. The model’s reputation for performance and reliability ensures its continued presence in the skies more than three decades after its first flight.
| Model | Passenger Capacity | Range (nm) | Top Speed | Production Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfstream IV (GIV) | Up to 19 | ~4,220 | Mach 0.85 | 1985 – 2003 |
| Gulfstream G450 | Up to 16 | ~4,350 | Mach 0.88 | 2004 – 2018 |
| Gulfstream G550 | Up to 19 | ~6,750 | Mach 0.885 | 2003 – 2021 |
Looking to charter a Gulfstream or another long-range private jet?
JetOptions offers a full selection of large-cabin and ultra-long-range aircraft, including the Gulfstream G450, G550, and G650. Each flight is backed by ARGUS and Wyvern-rated safety standards.
