Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Airspace Structure; Weather
A Gulfstream G650ER was scheduled from ZZZ to ZZZZ. The flight was planned close to the aircraft maximum range which depart from ZZZ with 48;200 lbs of fuel and land at ZZZZ with 6;728 lbs of fuel. At 955 NM from destination; ATC advised crew to descend from FL143 to FL116; which was 2 hours prior to their planned descend. Crew explained to ATC several times that they were unable to descend due to fuel performance but ATC repeatedly advised them to follow the level restriction. As aircraft was only allowed to enter the next airspace by lowering to the desired altitude; crew followed ATC instruction and expected the contingency fuel to be used up. Estimated landing fuel was calculated to be around 5;200 lbs upon arrival.At 450 NM from destination; crew were instructed to slow down by ATC which further reduced the estimated landing fuel. They continue explained that further delay would put the aircraft into a fuel critical position. At 100 NM from destination with; ATC instructed the aircraft to make a right orbit and they were number 7 for arrival. Accepting the clearance from ATC would put aircraft in a position to forfeit the diversion option to alternate airport. As the weather was closing in with an active cumulonimbus clouds; lightning activity and gusting ground winds; PIC signified the urgency to avoid critical fuel situation. Aircraft were then expedited to number 3 for arrival and landed uneventful with 4200 lbs arrival fuel. Brief event description was provided to ZZZZ airport and crew submitted an occurrence report to Company Safety Department.The Operational Flight Plan was reviewed and arrival fuel was close to the margin on the Company Minimum Reserve quantity. Chief Pilot performed a briefing to subject crew on Operations Manual Policy and Procedures for In-Flight Fuel Management.
A Safety Manager reported the crew of a Gulfstream experienced a low fuel situation.