Last updated October 31, 2026 · By Seth Semilof
The Gulfstream G-IV family—G-IV, GIV-SP, the legacy G400 and the G450—remains one of the most common large-cabin types on the U.S. charter fleet. FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet A12EA still covers these airplanes as of Revision 54 (April 21, 2026). Confusingly, Gulfstream has also announced a brand-new G400 that is a completely different aircraft: new engines, new avionics and a new cabin. This page sorts the classic G-IV line from the new G400, compares the SP and G450 steps, and explains how to charter one without guessing at prices.
Haute Jets is a private jet charter broker. We arrange flights with Wyvern- and ARGUS-rated Part 135 operators and have access to 3,500+ vetted aircraft. No jet cards and no membership fees. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes.
Quick answer: which G-IV is which?
| Name | What it is | FAA note | Typical charter role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfstream G-IV | Original large-cabin twin, certified 1987 | Tay 611-8; serials 1000–1535 on TCDS | Transcontinental large cabin |
| GIV-SP | Higher-weight / improved G-IV | ASC 190; serials 1214–1499 (or earlier with ASC) | Most common classic G-IV in charter |
| Legacy G400 / G300 | Late G-IV brand names | G400 = ASC 440 (S/N 1500–1535); G300 = ASC 436 | Same airframe family; rare vs SP/G450 |
| G450 (GIV-X) | Next-generation G-IV family | Approved Aug 12, 2004; Tay 611-8C; S/N 4001+ | Newer large cabin still widely chartered |
| New Gulfstream G400 | All-new clean-sheet jet (not yet in service) | Separate program; PW812GA; Symmetry flight deck | Not available for charter yet |
Sources: FAA TCDS A12EA Rev. 54 (April 21, 2026); Gulfstream / General Dynamics and Aviation International News coverage of the new G400 (October 2026).
The name clash: classic G400 vs new G400
Gulfstream reused the G400 name. In the classic line, “G400” was a late G-IV configuration defined by ASC 440 for serial numbers 1500 through 1535 on the FAA type certificate. That airplane is still a Rolls-Royce Tay–powered G-IV. The new Gulfstream G400 is a different product: Pratt & Whitney PW812GA engines, the Symmetry Flight Deck, a published high-speed cruise of Mach 0.85 with a 4,200 nm range, and a maximum operating Mach of 0.90. Cabin figures published for the new jet include a 36 ft 4 in length, 7 ft 7 in width and 6 ft 2 in height. As of October 2026 the new G400 had flown its fourth outfitted test aircraft to NBAA-BACE; certification and entry into service were still ahead. It is not a charter option today.
When you search “Gulfstream G4” or “G400,” search engines and listing sites mix both meanings. For charter, ask whether the operator means a classic G-IV / GIV-SP / G450 or is talking about the future clean-sheet G400. Our quotes name the specific serial-family aircraft being offered.
G-IV and GIV-SP: the classic large cabin
The G-IV received FAA type approval on April 22, 1987. TCDS A12EA lists Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8 engines, a 45,000 ft maximum operating altitude and serial numbers 1000 through 1535 for the G-IV line. The GIV-SP designation is tied to ASC 190 and serials 1214–1499 (or earlier aircraft that received the ASC). In practice, charter travelers meet the SP more often than the earliest G-IVs: higher weights and refinements made it the durable workhorse of the 1990s and early 2000s large-cabin market.
Registry snapshots in 2026 still show hundreds of G-IV-family airframes on the U.S. register—on the order of about 357 G-IV / GIV-SP–class listings—so the type remains familiar to FBOs and Part 135 operators. Cabins typically seat 12–16 in a classic Gulfstream layout with a full galley and lavatory. Exact seat count, Wi-Fi and interior age vary by aircraft; we confirm the specific cabin before you book.
Related reading: our separate G4 private jet guide stays live as a complementary overview. This page is the comparison hub for the G-IV family and the G450.
G450 (GIV-X): the next step in the same family
The GIV-X, marketed as the G450, was FAA-approved on August 12, 2004. TCDS A12EA lists Tay 611-8C engines and serial numbers beginning at 4001. Compared with the classic G-IV/SP, the G450 brought a refreshed cockpit, updated systems and the production improvements of the mid-2000s. U.S. registry counts in 2026 put G450-class listings in the mid-200s (about 237 in one recent snapshot)—still a deep charter pool.
For travelers, the G450 often feels like a “newer G4”: same Gulfstream cabin philosophy, later avionics and typically younger interiors. Operators still quote both SP and G450 metal for many of the same city pairs. When range, runway or cabin age matters, we show both options side by side rather than forcing one label.
Performance snapshot (manufacturer / FAA basis)
| Item | G-IV / GIV-SP (classic) | G450 (GIV-X) | New G400 (not charter yet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engines | Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8 | Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8C | P&W PW812GA |
| Type approval | G-IV: Apr 22, 1987; SP via ASC 190 | Aug 12, 2004 | In flight test as of Oct 2026 |
| Max operating altitude (TCDS) | 45,000 ft | 45,000 ft class (see AFM) | Per future AFM |
| Avionics era | Classic Honeywell / SP updates | PlaneView generation | Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Published range (new G400) | Operator AFM / trip analysis | Operator AFM / trip analysis | 4,200 nm at Mach 0.85 (Gulfstream) |
| Mmo (new G400) | Per AFM | Per AFM | Mach 0.90 |
Classic G-IV and G450 trip performance always comes from the Airplane Flight Manual and the operator’s analysis for your date, weight and airports. We do not invent brochure ranges for charter quotes. New G400 figures are Gulfstream published design data via manufacturer and trade press, not in-service charter performance.
Where the G-IV family fits in charter
- Transcontinental U.S. trips with 8–14 passengers when a midsize cabin is too small.
- Coast-to-mountain ski missions into fields that accept large-cabin Gulfstreams (for example Eagle County for Vail—see our Vail & Beaver Creek ski guide).
- International legs within the aircraft’s real payload-range for the day, confirmed by the operator.
We do not publish charter prices on this page. Hourly rates move with fuel, demand, positioning and how long the aircraft waits. For broad context see charter cost in 2026. A real quote names a specific tail, operator and itinerary.
Buyers and charter clients sometimes ask about the short-lived G300 and G400 nameplates from the mid-2000s. On the FAA certificate those are still G-IV airplanes with specific ASCs—not step-changes to a new type. In today’s charter market you will almost always be offered a GIV-SP or a G450. If a listing says “G400,” ask whether it means the legacy ASC 440 airplane or someone loosely using Gulfstream’s new program name. We clarify that in every quote.
Cabin and passenger experience
Classic G-IV and G450 cabins share the Gulfstream oval cross-section that made the family famous: a flat floor, tall aisle and seating that usually divides into a forward club, a mid-cabin conference or dining group and an aft stateroom or divan. Typical charter layouts seat 12–14, though some interiors are denser. Expect a full-service galley, a forward or aft lavatory and baggage accessible in flight on many configurations. Wi-Fi, monitors and cabin management systems vary widely by refurbishment date—another reason we send cabin photos with the quote rather than promising a generic “G4 interior.”
Noise and ride quality on the Tay-powered airplanes are familiar to frequent large-cabin travelers. The G450’s later cockpit and systems updates do not radically change the passenger feel, but younger G450 interiors often score better on finishes and connectivity. If you care about a specific seat count, pets in cabin or a true flat-floor conference group, say so up front so we filter the fleet before you see options.
Airports and mission planning
G-IV-family jets need real runway. They are comfortable at major business airports—Teterboro, Westchester, Van Nuys, Dallas Love, Palm Beach, Eagle County—when weight and temperature cooperate. Hot-and-high or short fields may force a fuel stop or a different type. We never treat a brochure range as a promise: the operator runs the AFM for your payload, alternate and forecast. For ski markets, confirm the destination airport accepts the wingspan and weight; Aspen’s 95 ft limit, for example, rules out many large Gulfstreams that Eagle County can take.
Empty-leg and one-way pricing sometimes appears on G450 and GIV-SP metal because the fleet is large, but availability is day-specific. If flexibility helps, tell us. If the schedule is fixed, we quote round-trip or one-way with positioning stated clearly.
How Haute Jets books a G-IV or G450
- You send dates, airports, passenger count and any cabin preferences (pets, Wi-Fi, flat floor vs older interior).
- We search Wyvern- and ARGUS-rated operators that hold G-IV-family or G450 aircraft.
- We confirm the exact model name (SP vs G450 vs legacy G400 label) so there is no confusion with Gulfstream’s new G400 program.
- Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes. No jet cards and no membership fees.
G-IV family vs other large cabins
Travelers comparing a GIV-SP or G450 often also look at Challenger 650, Falcon 2000-series and newer Gulfstreams (G500/G600) when budget and cabin age allow. The classic G-IV family usually wins on fleet depth and one-way availability; newer types win on cabin altitude, quietness and fuel burn. We will not push a G450 when a Challenger 650 fits better, or the reverse. The goal is the trip, not the logo on the tail.
For ski and mountain work, confirm destination performance before you fall in love with a specific cabin photo. A beautiful G450 that cannot leave Aspen at weight helps nobody—redirect that trip through Eagle County or choose a different type. Our Vail & Beaver Creek and Aspen guides spell out the airport constraints.
Book with Haute Jets
Need a G-IV, GIV-SP or G450 for your next trip? Request a quote or call (800) 257-5661. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes.
FAQs
What is the difference between a Gulfstream G-IV and a GIV-SP?
Both are classic Tay 611-8 G-IVs under FAA TCDS A12EA. The GIV-SP is the higher-weight / ASC 190 configuration associated with serials 1214–1499 (or earlier aircraft that received the ASC). In charter, “G4” and “GIV-SP” are often used interchangeably; we confirm the specific aircraft.
Is the new Gulfstream G400 the same as the old G400?
No. The legacy G400 was a late G-IV configuration (ASC 440, serials 1500–1535). The new G400 is a clean-sheet Gulfstream with PW812GA engines and the Symmetry Flight Deck. It was still in flight test as of October 2026 and is not available for charter.
How does the G450 compare with the GIV-SP?
The G450 (GIV-X) is the next-generation airplane in the same family, FAA-approved in 2004 with Tay 611-8C engines and serials from 4001. It generally offers newer systems and interiors while filling a similar large-cabin charter role.
How many G-IV and G450 aircraft are still flying?
U.S. registry snapshots in 2026 still show on the order of about 357 G-IV-class and about 237 G450-class listings. Exact availability for a given date depends on Part 135 operators, maintenance and positioning.
Can I charter a Gulfstream G4 through Haute Jets?
Yes. We arrange G-IV-family and G450 flights with Wyvern- and ARGUS-rated operators. Request a quote at https://www.hautejets.com/request-a-quote or call (800) 257-5661. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes.
Why does Haute Jets avoid listing prices on this page?
Charter pricing depends on the specific aircraft, routing, dates and wait time. Publishing a fake number helps nobody. We send a real quote for your itinerary instead.
Sources
- FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet A12EA, Revision 54 (April 21, 2026): drs.faa.gov
- Aviation International News, Gulfstream G400 at NBAA-BACE (October 19, 2026): ainonline.com
- Gulfstream / General Dynamics new G400 program materials (range, cabin, engines) as reported via manufacturer site and trade press, October 2026
- U.S. civil aircraft registry snapshots for G-IV and G450 counts (2026)
