Gulfstream G550: Rent the most popular Gulfstream of the 21st century
The Gulfstream G550 is a business jet manufactured by General Dynamics' Gulfstream Aerospace division in Savannah, in the US state of Georgia. The certification designation is GV-SP. A version with lower fuel capacity was marketed as the G500.
Compared to the predecessor models Gulfstream V and G IV, aerodynamic optimisations allowed the reduction of drag, better fuel efficiency and as a result an increased range of 460 kilometres. Thanks to its improved take-off performance, the G550 can take off with a 230-kilogram higher maximum take-off weight.
As soon as you board, you will notice the added seventh pair of windows and the slightly forward-shifted boarding door: passengers also benefit from the increased usable cabin length. In the cockpit, the popular business jet features the PlaneView flight deck with Cursor control devices, Honeywell Primus Epic avionics, a standard Rockwell Collins head-up guidance system and an enhanced vision system from Elbit. The latter improves so-called situational awareness in poor visibility conditions.
Known as a mature ultra-long-range private jet, the G550 combines its impressive speed and range with superb interior design. The fast long-haul jet has set over 40 route records for popular city pairs, including New York to Dubai, London to Hong Kong and Tokyo to Paris. The cabin offers four separable areas: Thanks to modern multimedia equipment, it provides excellent entertainment even during long intercontinental flights.
Winner of the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy, the G550 was named "Best Business Aircraft" in 2003. It was also named one of the most reliable aircraft for business travellers by the National Business Aviation Association, thanks to its 99.9 per cent handling reliability.
Advantages of a Gulfstream G550 as a rental aircraft:
Large and versatile cabin: The Gulfstream G550's large and versatile cabin is especially beneficial on long charter flights. The interior can accommodate up to 19 passengers. There is also plenty of storage space for luggage. Flexible seating options allow passengers to choose the exact configuration that best suits their travel purpose. The cabin also features a number of other amenities, including a large galley, two comfortable lavatories and an advanced in-flight entertainment (IFE) system.
A guarantee of reliability: The G550 was developed to shine even under the greatest loads. It has proven its outstanding reliability time and again in thousands of operations. Modular avionics units and redundancies in the cockpit ensure optimal safety on board. Pilots can rely completely on the Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) when landing, allowing access to more airports.
Long-range champion: The Gulfstream G550 is a proven long-range flying champion. With its ability to fly further and faster than most other private jets, the is perfect for travelling to transatlantic destinations. Whether you're travelling to a meeting in Japan or a holiday destination in the US, the popular Gulfstream will get you there comfortably, safely and efficiently.
Award-winning technology: The Gulfstream G550 was awarded the Robert J. Collier Trophy in 2003 for its technological and safety advances. Innovations include a new wing design, improved navigation and an advanced autopilot system. Thanks to these state-of-the-art safety features, travellers can expect a smooth and quiet journey.
Prestige aircraft: Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, is known for his wealth and his penchant for luxury cars and jets. It should therefore come as no surprise that he owns a G550 from the American manufacturer. This jet is obviously very important to him, because he has gone to great lengths to protect it from theft. Musk had a security system installed that allows the location of the aircraft to be tracked at all times.
Disadvantages of a Gulfstream G550 as a rental aircraft:
Catchable: The Gulfstream G550 was long considered the fastest long-haul business jet in the world. But in the meantime the competition has caught up. If absolute cruising speed is an important factor, then Bombardier's faster Global 6000 could possibly be the preferred charter jet option.
Retirement model: Similar to the original Game Boy and the Volkswagen Beetle, Gulfstream's G550 also suffered a fate in 2021: it was sent into retirement to clear the way for bigger and better successor models. This means that the jet is largely decoupled from future developments.
As an alternative to the Gulfstream G550, business travellers can consider the Bombardier Global 6000 or the Dassault Falcon 8X. Both aircraft offer slightly less space, with 12 and 13 seats respectively, but are comparable to the Gulfstream in terms of many other features. The Bombardier Global 6000 is the fastest of the three aircraft, while the Dassault Falcon 8X has the lowest operating costs per hour. The latter could translate into a lower charter price.
The bottom line is that the Gulfstream G550 is a great option for a business or private long-haul charter flight. The massive business jet offers many luxurious features that make the journey even more enjoyable and pleasant. These include a large cabin with plenty of room to move around, comfortable seats and high-quality audio and video systems. In addition, the G550 is known for its excellent performance and reliability, making it a good choice for those who need to travel long distances with minimal time investment.
Aircraft data
Technical data
| Aircraft category | Long Range Jet |
| Manufacturer | Gulfstream Aerospace |
| Model | G550 (2000-2002: GV-SP) |
| Number of units produced | > 600 |
| Production period | 2003 - 2021 |
| Engine | 2 x Rolls Royce BR710 C4-11 |
| Price | 62 million US dollars (list price at launch) |
| Crew | 2 Pilots |
| Toilet | 2 (1 x front, 1 x rear) |
Performance
| Take-off route | 1.801 m |
| Landing distance | 844 m |
| Maximum speed | 904 km/h |
| Range | 12.501 km |
| Maximum flight altitude | 15.545 m |
Capacity
| Passenger capacity | 19 Personen |
| Maximum payload with full tank | 816 kg |
| Capacity of the most common rental variant | 14 Personen |
Cabin
| Cabin volume | 47,26 m³ |
| Cabin (length x width x height) | 15,27 m x 2,24 m x 1,88 m |
