Clean lines, sweeping wings, and wide oval windows: Gulfstream's G700 is among the most eye-catching aircraft at the Singapore Airshow, Asia's largest aviation and defence trade fair.
Parked in a quieter corner of the tarmac, it has drawn long queues of visitors waiting in the heat for a glimpse inside - a sign of the enduring interest in one of the world's leading private jet manufacturers.
The lines move slowly. Sales conversations still take place onboard, as customers consider aircraft that can cost tens of millions of dollars.
Step inside, and the appeal is immediate. Light streams in through almost panoramic windows onto pale leather seats and polished wood veneer.
Staff describe the cabin as having 'living areas': one with a sofa and TV console, while at the rear is a bedroom they call a 'grand suite with a shower.'
This is more than a touch of luxury. It reflects a broader shift in aviation. As commercial airlines continue to chase large volumes of passengers, private jet makers focus on a much smaller but far richer group of customers.
The numbers underline the trend. In 2025, global private jet flights reached roughly 3.7 million - up 5% from 2024 and around 35% higher than before the pandemic, according to aviation intelligence firm WingX.
Between 2020 and 2025, the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals globally - defined as those worth more than $30 million - has also grown by more than 70%.
'We are seeing a big shift of business aircraft for larger corporations and high net worth individuals,' said Scott Neal, Gulfstream's head of worldwide sales. 'More companies are doing business globally, and they need to travel to more places around the globe, and the most efficient way to do that is on a business aircraft.'
Gulfstream is not alone: rivals including Dassault, Bombardier, Embraer, and Textron Aviation are all competing in this space.
However, not everyone is cheering the trend, as environmental concerns are raised against the industry. Critics emphasize that private jets are among the most carbon-intensive ways to travel.
Nonetheless, plane manufacturers have sensed the business opportunity. Airlines are not as profitable, usually making only 2% to 4% on average. Conversely, private jets are sold at high prices, and manufacturer profits also come from support and maintenance programs.
Private jets may cost tens of millions of dollars, but they make sense for frequent travelers as they may save on multiple first-class tickets over time.
The aviation landscape in Asia, especially Southeast Asia, is particularly vibrant, with international traffic growing by 8% in 2025, outpacing global growth of 6.8%. Major markets like India, Thailand, and Laos see rising demand, while countries like Indonesia and the Philippines are tapping into business jets that can access airports with shorter runways.
However, environmental criticism continues to loom over the industry, highlighting the need for sustainable aviation solutions and increased efficiency in flight operations.
As the number of super-rich continues to grow, the demand for high-end air travel shows no signs of slowing.
