July 28, 2020
Our Guide to the Gulfstream G550
Award-Winning Large Private Jets for Sale
The Gulfstream G550 was built for excellence, first and foremost, and is the most successful model in company history, as well as the safest and most capable.
This impressive heavy, long-range business jet was first produced in 2003 and continues to be manufactured today due to its large cabin and award-winning avionics technology. Organizations that choose the Gulfstream G550 to transport their executive leaders are in good company; this model is a large private jet of choice for transporting heads of state and conducting government business all over the world.
An award-winning aircraft, this business jet is surprisingly efficient, boasts exceptional safety features, and provides a high level of cabin versatility and comfort for up to 19 passengers.
Gulfstream G550 Business Jet Specifications
Powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710 C4-11 engines, the Gulfstream G550 has set more than 50 city-pair speed records, and its long-range capability makes nonstop trips from Los Angeles to Shanghai, New York to Dubai, and London to Tokyo all possible. The G550 flies farther than any aircraft in its class.
On the exterior, the Gulfstream G550 is 25 feet, 10 inches tall, 96 feet, 5 inches long, and has a wingspan of 93.5 feet.
With its agile handling, in part thanks to its advanced avionics and precision engineering, when fueled for a short trip -- coast-to-coast in the United States, for example -- capable pilots can land the aircraft in as little as 3,500 feet.
Please see the table below for more technical specifications.
Gulfstream G550 Range Maximum Range: 6750 nm | Gulfstream G550 Performance Normal Cruise: 488 kts |
Gulfstream G550 Operating Weights Maximum Landing Weight: 75300 lb Operating Weight: 47900 lb Empty Weight: 48000 lb Fuel Capacity: 41300 lb Payload with Full Fuel: 1800 lb | Gulfstream G550 Distances Balanced Field Length: 6170 ft Landing Distance 2770 ft |
Heavy Jet Cabin Features
The Gulfstream G550 seats two pilots, up to two attendants, and 14 to 19 passengers, depending on cabin configuration and number of flight crew members present. If configured for sleeping, the aircraft is suitable for eight passengers.
The bespoke cabin of the G550 is the perfect balance between work and entertainment with up to four living areas and a choice of three configurations. Passengers enjoy a panoramic view from 14 signature oval windows and the benefits of a spacious and well-equipped galley. Depending on the configuration, the G550 is outfitted with a dedicated crew rest area, private stateroom, conference area, and entertainment area. High-speed Jet ConneX empowers productivity during working hours and fun afterward for the duration of your flight.
A full-height cabin of 6 feet, 2 inches is comfortable for most passengers, and a total interior length of 50 feet provides adequate space for every business need, as well as 170 cubic feet for storage accessible from the cabin. Aside from the spaciousness and premium furnishings of the G550, a maximum cabin pressure differential of 10.2 psi keeps the cabin altitude at or below 6,000 feet, which is 2,000 feet lower than most other aircraft in its class. Lower pressure is noticeable and makes for a more comfortable travel experience.
The Gulfstream G550 Cockpit
Pilots resoundingly love flying the Gulfstream G550, and for several good reasons, many of which earned the aircraft the 2003 Robert J. Collier Trophy. This award is given each year “for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles.” The G550’s features topped each award criteria category.
The G550’s most impressive safety feature is Gulfstream’s Enhanced Vision System, or EVS. The system allows pilots to see the runaway and surrounding area despite conditions of limited visibility by using a forward-looking infrared camera that projects the view on the cockpit’s head-up display, giving pilots unmatched situational awareness in less-than-ideal conditions.
Gulfstream achieved the “glass” cockpit with the G550. Four 14-inch displays mounted horizontally across the instrument panel provide more viewing area than any other business jet. The Honeywell Primus PlaneView modular avionics replaces dials and gauges with easy-to-read graphic interfaces and shows only the information needed, rather than displaying all flight information simultaneously.
PlaneView is integrated into every system on the airplane and is operable with keyboards, knobs, and an exclusive ergonomic cursor control device. Also standard are a head-up guidance system by Rockwell Collins, an enhanced vision system by Elbit, laser inertial reference systems, communications and navigation receivers, air data computers, dual GPS receivers, autothrottles, dual-channel autopilot, and triple flight management systems. Built-in redundancies on all avionics add an additional layer of safety for your very important passengers.
Gulfstream G550 Cost
Purchasing a brand-new Gulfstream G550 costs about $61.5 million, depending on the configuration of the cabin.
Because there are currently 16 model years to choose from, the price for a used private jet will vary by age. For earlier models, expect to pay between $18 and $21 million, but newer models will cost between $28 and $31 million. Prices also are dependent on total airtime and engine hours, maintenance, condition, and how meticulously-kept aircraft records are.
Businesses seeking to fly 200 hours per year should expect a total operational budget of $1.5 million, and those seeking to fly 400 hours per year should allocate about $2.4 million toward aircraft expenses, including flight time, fuel, maintenance, storage, and more.
Find Gulfstream Jets for Sale
Financially savvy businesses are more inclined to choose a used business jet over new for substantial cost-savings and improved return on investment. It would behoove organizations seeking to purchase a used private jet to work with an aircraft dealer accredited by the International Aircraft Dealers Association. This prestigious accreditation helps to guarantee ethical business practices when purchasing an aircraft for sale, as well as connects you to the most reputable private aviation service providers in the industry, with whom your dealer already has an established working relationship built on trust.
You can find IADA Accredited Aircraft Dealers on AircraftExchange, the only online marketplace that vets and verifies the aircraft listed for sale. Find an accredited dealer.