GULFSTREAM G550

• Passengers 14

The award-winning Gulfstream G550 is a spacious heavy jet that can fly 19 passengers non-stop from New York to Dubai.

About this aircraft

• The Gulfstream G550 (originally designated GV-SP) was first delivered in 2003 as an upgrade of the popular Gulfstream V (GV).
• The majority of G550s are configured for 12-16 passengers.
• Its baggage compartment can hold around 19 suitcases, meaning each passenger can bring an item of luggage even when the aircraft is at full capacity.
• With a maximum range of 12,501 km, the G550 links Washington D.C. with Dubai, London with Singapore, and Tokyo with Los Angeles.
• A shorter-range version, the G500, was first delivered in 2003 and upgraded in 2016 with newer engines and more modern amenities.
• More than 600 of the G550 were delivered before production ceased in 2021.

The Gulfstream G550 was once named the “best-in-value business aircraft” and won the 2003 Robert J. Collier Trophy for its technological and safety innovations. It’s a stand-out for performance, luxury and reliability in the long-range heavy jet class, which also includes the Bombardier Global 7500 and Dassault Falcon 8X.

Interior design

The G550’s cabin can be configured to carry up to 16 passengers and sleep eight. Up to four living spaces feature a mix of single and double leather seats, with one or more divans.

Despite its age, the G550 offers all the modern technology expected of a private jet. Most feature a personal audio/visual display at every seat, while a smartphone app allows passengers to control cabin settings like window shades, temperature and flight information.

The “Elite” configuration includes a forward galley with dual coffee makers, microwave, and water sterilisation system (some have a rear galley instead). Newer models have upgraded chairs with a heated massage function and powered back- and leg-rests.

Below are some typical configurations found on a Gulfstream G550.

Interesting facts to know before you fly

• Gulfstream’s large, oval signature windows flood the cabin with natural light and are positioned so you can see the world below from the comfort of your seat.
• The G550 can fly non-stop for up to 13 hours.
• Some configurations include a crew quarters for increased passenger privacy.
• A wireless network, satellite phone and fax/printer are all standard on the G550.

Technological features

The Gulfstream G550 is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710-C4-11 turbofans, delivering a maximum range of 12,501 km and a top speed of Mach 0.885.

Cockpit controls are completely fly-by-wire, with no mechanical link between the pilot and the flight surfaces, and the aircraft is equipped with a state-of-the-art Honeywell Primus Epic Gulfstream PlaneView system and Primus 440/660/880 series radar. The weather view system may be further enhanced with the Primus LSZ 860 weather radar.

Passengers benefit from 100% fresh air and low cabin altitude, as well as being able to tailor their inflight environment using the Gulfstream smartphone app. Wi-Fi is available throughout and there’s a spacious entertainment area that’s ideal for watching movies, corporate presentations and live streams.

History

The Gulfstream G550 is based on the original Gulfstream V, which was produced in the 1990s to compete with Bombardier’s Global Express. It offers several upgrades over its predecessor, including increased range, fuel efficiency and takeoff performance. The aircraft received its FAA type certificate in August 2003 and deliveries began soon after. Gulfstream ceased production in 2021, but still makes the ‘shorter-range’ G500.

Manufacturer

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation is an American aircraft company based in Savannah, Georgia and a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Dynamics. The company that evolved into Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. started in the late 1950s when Grumman Aircraft Engineering Co., known for military aircraft production, developed a twin-turboprop business aircraft at its facilities in Bethpage, New York, called the Grumman Gulfstream I (G-I).

Today, Gulfstream designs, develops, manufactures, markets and services the latest business jet aircraft and has produced more than 2,000 aircraft since 1958.

Cost

A new Gulfstream G550 can cost up to $60 million (USD) depending on the fit-out, while older models typically sell for between $15 and $23 million.

Charter rates

Charter rates for the G550 can vary greatly depending on the length of your journey and the airports you decide to fly in and out of.

Contact our offices to book a private charter flight on the Gulfstream G550. For information on other private jets to charter, browse our list of available aircraft.

Wet lease rates

ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) wet lease rates for the Gulfstream G550 can vary depending on the age of the aircraft, length of the lease term, the number of block hours being guaranteed and the average cycle ratio.