Traveling by air is quite a noisy experience, as one would expect; a commercial airliner’s noise has been measured between 79 – 84 dB (decibels). Of course, noise in the cabin can be detrimental to our well-being, causing stress, affecting sleep, and even how we eat, especially when flying long-haul. There is always the engines’ hum, the air conditioning’s swish, and various ambient noises.
Whilst traveling by private jet, the expectation is that there will be less noise and that the experience should be more relaxing, that you can sleep if you wish, or that you can work productively in a calm and quiet cabin. Private jets have lower noise than commercial aircraft at around 62 dB. Aircraft manufacturers are constantly finding new soundproofing technologies to make the private jet cabin a quieter and more tranquil place. But which aircraft have the quietest cabins?
1 Gulfstream Aerospace G650ER
The G650ER is well known for its exceptional performance and innovation. It has an advanced soundproofing system and materials that decrease cabin noise. The cabin is acoustically insulated, resulting in the quietest Gulfstream aircraft ever at just 45 dB, equivalent to having a conversation at home.
2 Bombardier Global 7500
Bombardier‘s Global 7500 is an ultra-long-range jet prized for its range and luxurious features. It has a state-of-the-art noise reduction system and advanced insulation materials, among additional soundproofing measures.
Photo: Bombardier
Its noise cancelation system uses microphones and speakers to eliminate outside noise. Noise levels have been reduced to around 50 dB for a quieter cabin experience.
3 Dassault Falcon 8X
The Falcon 8X has a cutting-edge extensive soundproofing system using advanced insulation materials and techniques to reduce external noise inside the cabin to between 52 and 57 dB. Effective acoustical insulation isolates noise where the volume is loudest. Using this material reduced noise by an extra 2 to 3 dB and enhanced weight savings.
4 Embraer Lineage 1000E
The Lineage 1000E features advanced sound insulation materials and engineering to reduce noise. Embraer improved the acoustics package, including more efficient and balanced airflow, dampening materials, and the distribution of thermal acoustic insulation in the cabin.
5 Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) MAX 8
Boeing incorporated noise-reducing measures for a more serene cabin in its BBJ MAX 8. Noise levels were reduced inside the cabin to between 55 and 60 dB. They found that the air circulation system was a significant noise source and redesigned it; this culminated in an impressive 10 dB decrease. Noise-dampening materials were also used in the fuselage skin, cabin floors, and sidewalls.
6 Bombardier Challenger 650
The Challenger 650 is known for its reliability, comfort, and advanced features, and is one of Bombardier’s best-selling aircraft.
Photo: Bombardier
It has a quiet cabin featuring noise-dampening materials and technology, promising a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
7 Gulfstream Aerospace G550
This very popular private jet offers a pleasant environment with effective soundproofing and acoustic insulation facilitating a 53 dB cabin. Advanced sound suppression techniques keep engine noise outside the aircraft.
8 Cessna Citation Longitude
The Citation Longitude was designed especially to minimize noise and vibration for a comfortable and quiet cabin experience at 55 to 60 dB. This involved reducing window pane thickness and using specific furnishings to muffle sound. A walk-in baggage compartment was added as a barrier to engine noise.
9 Dassault Falcon 900LX
The aircraft features advanced soundproofing technology to ensure a peaceful, calm cabin of just 54 dB. Acoustical noise-reducing insulation has brought cabin noise to almost library levels, reducing noise levels by 3 to 7 dB.
Photo: Dassault
10 Embraer Praetor 600
Embraer’s Praetor 600 is a much smaller private jet but is known for its quiet and peaceful cabin. It offers a calm environment for passengers to sleep or work at 60 to 65 dB. The aircraft was designed to reduce engine vibration, and the air conditioning system was repositioned, moving noise away from the cabin.
