Gulfstream IISP

The Gulfstream IISP is a Gulfstream II converted by Aviation Partners with upturned winglets at the wingtips; at the same time the vortex generators and the wing fence at mid-span were removed. SP stands for Special Performance. Cabin, engines and interior stay as in the GII: 1.85 m high, 2.21 m wide, usually ten seats.

Only several dozen aircraft went through the conversion, which makes the IISP one of the rarest large Gulfstreams. The loud Rolls-Royce Spey engines are unchanged, and in offers from European operators the type practically never appears, so a GIV-SP is the realistic alternative.

Same cabin as the GII

The conversion changed nothing inside. The cabin is about 10.3 m long, usually with two groups of club seats and a divan, the galley at the entrance and the toilet at the rear. Six to eight people travel most comfortably; with ten every seat is usually taken.

Baggage: 4.45 m³ in the heated cabin

The IISP baggage area lies behind the toilet in the heated, pressurised part of the fuselage. Large cases for six to eight people fit, and a smaller group can add skis or golf bags.

What the winglets change, and what they do not

The IISP needs about 1,800 m of runway, so Cannes-Mandelieu and small Alpine airports drop out: the Riviera means Nice, and for Courchevel the 537 m sloped altiport is far too short and needs a special qualification.

Noise and avionics in Europe

Without a hushkit the Gulfstream IISP meets only Chapter 2 of the ICAO noise rules. Austria, Belgium and Switzerland do not admit such aircraft, and many European airports restrict them at night or charge higher fees. EASA approved the QS3 hushkit for the type as well, but few aircraft carry it, and European airspace also requires updated avionics with ADS-B.

• Without Chapter 3, Geneva, Zurich, Sion, Vienna and Salzburg drop out.
• A passenger leg within one EU country, such as Paris - Nice, needs an EU operator.
• With any offer we check the noise certificate, ADS-B and the age of the interior.

Gulfstream IISP routes from European hubs

The routes run from short city hops to Marrakesh, the Canaries and Tel Aviv and show how far an IISP reaches without a fuel stop. Prices are one way for the whole aircraft with crew, without airport fees and passenger taxes; flight time includes taxi, climb and approach.

City hops and the islands in under two hours

Two to four hours: Iberia, the Aegean and Morocco

Four hours and more: the outer part of the range

The calculator gives an indicative price for a large jet of this type on the route you choose.

Gulfstream IISP charter prices

The rate starts at EUR 8,300 per flight hour for the whole aircraft with two pilots and fuel. Short legs carry a fixed share for positioning, minimum charge and handling, so Amsterdam - London Farnborough takes 0:58 h and starts at EUR 15,000.

Further out, the fixed share counts for less: London - Palma starts at EUR 24,000 and London - Tenerife at EUR 40,000 one way, for any number of passengers up to the cabin limit. A GIV-SP has the same hourly rate in our table, quieter engines, a longer cabin and more range, and it is more often parked near European hubs, so the total for the trip is often lower.

Split between the passengers, London Farnborough - Palma costs per person:

Cheaper ways to get a large cabin

• Accept a GIV-SP or Challenger 604, often based closer to your departure airport.
• Fly out and back on the same day if the crew's duty time allows.
• Keep the departure time flexible by a few hours.
• For up to six people on a short leg, consider a super-midsize jet.

Empty Legs

Empty Legs on the IISP practically do not exist in Europe. On other large jets they appear from time to time and can cost 30-60% less than a normal charter, but date and route are fixed and the leg can be cancelled. Send your route and dates to empty-legs@jets.flights or through the Empty Legs page.

Alternatives to the IISP

The closest alternatives come from the same Gulfstream family, and the Challenger 604 suits groups of up to eight.

Requesting the aircraft

Send the route, date and number of passengers, and say if you want this type in particular. We check free aircraft with operators holding an AOC, their noise certificate and the date of the last cabin refit, and we always try to send alternatives in the same reply; each case depends on the operator's schedule and contract.

Questions about the Gulfstream IISP

• • What does SP mean?

  • Special Performance. It is a Gulfstream II with Aviation Partners winglets, approved as a modification by the US Federal Aviation Administration.

• • Can I charter an IISP in Europe?

  • In practice it is very hard. Only part of the GII fleet was converted, and European charter operators do not have the type. We usually quote a GIV-SP, G450 or Challenger 604.

• • How much does a flight cost?

  • From EUR 8,300 per flight hour. Paris - Olbia starts at EUR 21,000 and Frankfurt - Lisbon at EUR 29,000 for the whole aircraft one way. Airport fees, passenger taxes and the flight from the aircraft's base come on top.

• • What makes up the price?

  • Flight time, positioning from the base, landing and handling fees, possible noise surcharges, passenger taxes, catering, de-icing and the crew's hotel on overnight trips.

• • How do I pay less, and are there Empty Legs?

  • Accept a GIV-SP or Challenger 604 based nearer to you. Empty Legs on the IISP practically do not occur, but on other large jets they can be 30-60% cheaper on a fixed date.

• • Is the IISP quieter than a Gulfstream II?

  • No. Winglets do not change the engines. Only with the EASA-approved QS3 hushkit does the aircraft reach Chapter 3; without it, it cannot fly to Austria, Belgium or Switzerland.

• • How many passengers fit?

  • Usually ten, up to twelve in a VIP layout. Six to eight travel most comfortably, and on long legs fuel weight limits the number.

• • How far can it fly without a stop?

  • About 5,800 km in catalogue data, less with a full cabin: all of Europe, Marrakesh, the Canaries and Tel Aviv from most hubs.

• • Can I bring my dog?

  • Yes, in the cabin next to you once the operator has agreed. The EU requires a microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel and a pet passport; the UK, Ireland, Malta, Finland and Norway also require tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before entry.