Gulfstream G550 Review: Cabin Layout, Range and Charter Price
Updated: 11 hours ago
The Gulfstream G550 entered service in 2003 and was built until 2021. Several hundred were delivered, flown by corporations, governments and private owners worldwide, which makes it one of the most proven long range business jets ever made.
Today it is a value choice: a large cabin and intercontinental range at a fraction of the price of a G650 or G700, both to charter and to buy.
Get a charter quote for the Gulfstream G550
Looking at the Gulfstream G550 or another long-range jet for an upcoming trip? Send your route and dates through the charter request form or message us on WhatsApp. We reply within one hour, 24/7, with available aircraft and an all-in price. For a quick estimate first, try the private jet cost calculator.
Verdict: who the G550 suits
The G550 suits 8 to 14 passengers on long sectors who want a proven aircraft and a comfortable cabin at a sensible price. It flies Europe to the US East Coast, the Gulf to Europe and Africa to Europe with ease. Its cabin is narrower and its windows smaller than the newer Gulfstreams, which matters less on a seven hour flight than many expect.
Gulfstream G550 specifications
Passengers: up to 16 on our charter listings (up to 19 in some layouts), typically 12 to 14
Range: 6,750 nm (12,500 km) at long range cruise with 8 passengers
Cruise speed: around 488 to 507 knots
Ceiling: 51,000 ft
Cabin: about 13.4 m (43 ft 11 in) long, 2.24 m (7 ft 4 in) wide, 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) high
Windows: 14 large oval windows
Baggage: room for roughly 18 to 22 suitcases, accessible in flight
Engines: two Rolls-Royce BR710
Cabin layout and floor plan
Most G550s use a three or four zone layout:
Forward galley and crew rest, with a forward lavatory on many aircraft
Club seating for four
Dining or conference area with a table for four, convertible to beds
Aft lounge with a divan that converts to a bed, and the main lavatory
Government and corporate aircraft sometimes use a more office-like layout with extra seats. On charter, ask for the floor plan of the specific aircraft: interiors were refreshed at different times and quality varies more than on newer types.
Range in practice
With a typical executive load, the G550 flies these nonstop:
London to New York (about 3,000 nm) and Geneva to New York (about 3,400 nm), with room to spare
Dubai to London (about 2,950 nm) and Dubai to Paris (about 2,800 nm)
Johannesburg to London (about 4,900 nm)
London to Tokyo (about 5,200 nm) with a lighter load
Nairobi to London (about 3,700 nm)
Dubai to New York (about 5,950 nm) is possible in good conditions but tighter than on a G650.
Charter price per hour
The G550 sits between our heavy jet and ultra long range bands, typically around €11,000 to €15,000 per flight hour, usually well below a G650 for the same trip. Positioning, crew overnights and peak season dates add to that. A Dubai to London flight of about 7 hours typically comes to €80,000 to €110,000 all in, before positioning.
Buying a pre-owned G550
With production ended in 2021, G550s trade widely on the pre-owned market. Indicative prices run from around US$10 million for older aircraft to the mid twenties for late, low hour examples with fresh interiors. What moves the price most:
Engine programme status (see our guide to engine programmes and a used jet's value)
When the major inspections were last done and when the next ones fall due
Avionics upgrades needed for current airspace rules
Interior and paint age
Our pre-buy inspection guide covers the checks to commission.
G550 vs its rivals
Gulfstream G650 and G650ER: wider, quieter cabin and more range, at a much higher price. See our G650 review.
Bombardier Global 6000: a slightly roomier cabin and similar range, comparable pre-owned prices. See our Global 6000 review.
Dassault Falcon 7X: three engines, lower fuel burn and short field ability, slightly less range. See our Falcon 7X review.
Frequently asked questions
How far can a Gulfstream G550 fly?
6,750 nm (12,500 km) with 8 passengers at long range cruise, enough for London to Tokyo or Johannesburg to London nonstop.
How many passengers does a G550 carry?
Up to 16 on most charter aircraft, typically configured for 12 to 14.
How much does a G550 cost to charter?
Around €11,000 to €15,000 per flight hour on typical pricing, plus positioning and overnights.
Is the G550 still in production?
No. Production ended in 2021, but the type remains widely flown and supported.
How much does a used G550 cost?
Roughly US$10 million to the mid twenties, depending on age, hours, programmes and interior.
Charter or buy a G550 with Jetvice
See the Gulfstream G550 charter page, compare aircraft in our private jet guide, or browse our aircraft for sale and lease. Email info@jetvice.net with your route and dates, or use the request form on our private jets page.
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