Gulfstream G500 Charter: Rent the fast Super Large Jet
The Gulfstream G500 (internal: GVII-G500) is a twin-engine super large jet for private business travel. The jet from U.S. manufacturer Gulfstream Aerospace is the smaller version of the G600 (GVII-G600) and has similar performance data with reduced external dimensions. The G500 was unveiled to the public for the first time on October 14, 2014, at Savannah/Hilton Head Airport in the U.S. state of Georgia. The first customer handover took place on September 27, 2018. The G500 stepped up to fill the gap between the G280 and G650 after production of the G450 ceased in early 2018. In the second quarter of 2017, the G500 or G600 accounted for about 80% of Gulfstream orders, underscoring the models' market success for the eager Savannah-based aircraft builder. The one hundred percent owned subsidiary of General Dynamics develops and manufactures all business jets at the company's headquarters. More than 2,000 aircraft have been produced since 1958.
The Gulfstream G500 is the updated version of the G450, with the successor flying faster and farther with more passengers and/or baggage than its predecessor.
In terms of range and speed, the G500 ranks in the middle of the existing Gulfstream portfolio. It also adds several new features to the Gulfstream private aircraft family, including fly-by-wire flight controls, a more pressure-optimized cabin, and contemporary in-cabin technical controls for comfort and entertainment. Compared to its predecessor, it surprises with stable operating costs despite improved performance: This is primarily due to the more efficient engines from Pratt & Whitney Canada, which replaced the Rolls-Royce engines of the G450.
The cabin is an impressive 12.65 meters long and features an open layout with enough space for 12 seats and a comfortable 3-seater sofa. The spacious swivel leather seats are equipped with a simple touchscreen control interface that can be used to control the lighting, temperature, and entertainment system. Alternatively, cabin control is also available via the Gulfstream app. The 14 large oval-shaped windows provide abundant daylight and offer breathtaking views.
Gulfstream jets such as the G500 are also in service as so-called "Special Mission Aircraft" in around 40 countries. According to the manufacturer, more than 200 aircraft have been delivered to date for medical or military use.
Advantages of a Gulfstream G500 as a rental aircraft:
Comfort-optimized: With 12 seats spread across three separate areas and up to eight sleeping accommodations, travelers will find optimal conditions for a comfortable flight. The G500's cabin is considered the quietest in business aviation, allowing relaxation or concentration in a quiet environment. Thanks to 100 percent fresh air and optimal cabin pressure, passengers arrive at their destination awake and refreshed.
Fast: With a maximum speed of 956 km/h, the agile Gulfstream puts many competitors in their place. In addition to the minor thrill of takeoff, the powerful engines have one practical benefit above all: They shorten travel time. For charter flights over long distances, this eliminates crew costs that would have to be budgeted additionally for slower or multi-stop flights.
Risk-taking: The G500 is a completely new development, replacing the G450 and its aging GIV platform. Together with its longer-range and larger sibling, the G600, it was the first new jet from the American aircraft manufacturer after almost 7 years of development. Consequently, expectations of commercial success for the luxury jet were high. Full order books soon gave the aircraft manufacturers the certainty that their willingness to take risks had paid off.
Best views: The fourteen oval windows, considered the largest in business aviation, provide the cabin with natural light and allow for sweeping views of the landscape. Whether travelers are gazing at the stars on night flights or at clouds and impressive terrain during the day, the modern business jet offers the best occasion to fully enjoy vistas as they present themselves.
No competition: With the G500, Gulfstream landed in a previously largely unoccupied market segment: Its closest competitor, the Bombardier Global 5000, offers a comparable range and cabin size but is slower on the road. It also costs several million U.S. dollars more than the $47.5 million Gulfstream.
