Gulfstream G550
Long-range Gulfstream with a three-zone cabin, beds for up to six and the reach to fly Delhi to New York non-stop.
- Passengers
- 14 to 18 (max 19)
- Range
- 6,750 nm
- Cruise
- Mach 0.8
- On charter in the US
- 106 aircraft
What is the Gulfstream G550?
The Gulfstream G550 is a long-range heavy business jet that seats 14 to 18 passengers in three cabin zones and flies about 6,750 nm non-stop. More than 600 were built between 2003 and 2021, so it is one of the most widely available large jets for charter.
Three cabin zones for 14 to 18 passengers: a forward club, a conference group and an aft lounge whose divans make up into beds.
6,750 nm of range at Mach 0.80 with 8 passengers: Delhi to New York or London to Singapore non-stop in still air.
Cabin pressurised to 3,680 ft while flying at 41,000 ft, with 14 large oval windows and a 226 cu ft hold you can reach in flight.
Enhanced vision as standard: an infrared camera image on the head-up display helps the crew see the runway lights in fog and haze.
106 fly with 42 operators on the FAA Part 135 list, the largest G550 charter fleet anywhere. Altivo Jets books them through these certified operators.
Gulfstream G550 specifications
Manufacturer and regulator figures for the G550, checked October 2026. Range assumes Mach 0.80, 8 passengers, 4 crew (Gulfstream); real range depends on payload, winds and temperature.
| Specification | G550 Gulfstream |
|---|---|
| Performance | |
| Range | 6,750 nm (12,501 km) |
| High-speed cruise | 488 kts (Mach 0.85) |
| Long-range cruise | 459 kts (Mach 0.8) |
| Maximum speed | Mach 0.885 |
| Maximum altitude | 51,000 ft |
| Take-off distance | 5,910 ft |
| Landing distance | 2,770 ft |
| Cabin | |
| Typical charter seats | 14 to 18 |
| Maximum seats | 19 |
| Beds (typical layout) | 6 |
| Cabin zones | 3 |
| Cabin length | 43 ft 11 in (13.39 m) |
| Cabin width | 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m) |
| Cabin height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Cabin volume | 1,669 cu ft |
| Baggage | 226 cu ft, reachable in flight |
| Windows | 14 |
| Cabin altitude | 3,680 ft at 41,000 ft |
| Engines and weights | |
| Engines | 2 × Rolls-Royce BR710 C4-11 |
| Thrust per engine | 15,385 lbf |
| Maximum take-off weight | 91,000 lb |
| Fuel capacity | 41,300 lb |
| Price and ownership | |
| First delivered | 2003 |
| In production | No |
| New price | $62M |
| Pre-owned price | $15M to $35M |
| Operating cost per hour | $8,163 |
Gold marks the best figure in each row. Take-off distance: At maximum take-off weight, sea level. Cabin length: Manufacturers measure cabin length differently; volume is the fairer comparison. Operating cost per hour: As reported; some sources quote variable cost only, others include fixed costs. See the basis under each aircraft.
Sources:GlobalAir: G650 vs G550 (Sep 2026)Aviation Safety Network: Gulfstream G550 occurrencesICAO Carbon Emissions Calculator methodology: 3.16 kg of CO2 per kg of jet fuelAIN: EASA approves 100 ft decision height for EVS-equipped Gulfstreams (2008)CRAFT: Gulfstream G550 ownership and operating costs (Oct 2026)GlobalAir G550 operating costHong Kong Civil Aviation Department: Serious Incident Report 1/2017, B-8256DC Aviation: Gulfstream G550 charter aircraftWikipedia: Gulfstream G550Business Jet Traveler: G550
Fuel burn and CO2
The G550 burns about 438 US gallons (1,326 kg) of jet fuel an hour, which puts out about 4.2 tonnes of CO2. Sustainable aviation fuel, where the departure airport has it, cuts the lifecycle figure.
| Flight | Fuel | CO2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 flight hour | 1,330 kg | 4.2 tonnes |
| 3 flight hours | 3,980 kg | 12.6 tonnes |
| 8 flight hours | 10,610 kg | 33.5 tonnes |
Average block figures; real burn depends on weight, altitude and winds. Fuel at 0.8 kg per litre.
Sources:CRAFT: Gulfstream G550 ownership and operating costs (Oct 2026)ICAO Carbon Emissions Calculator methodology: 3.16 kg of CO2 per kg of jet fuel
G550 interior and cabin layout
Most charter G550s seat 14 to 16 in three zones. Every aircraft is fitted out by its owner, so we confirm the exact seat map, beds and Wi-Fi with each quote. The layouts below come from specification sheets of aircraft offered for sale.
Inside the G550
Cabin layouts, day and night
- Four single club seats facing in pairs
- Two executive tables
- Four seats around a conference table
- Credenza opposite
- Two four-place divans facing each other
- Passenger lavatory behind
- Facing club seats make up into single beds
- Four-place conference group
- The divans make up into beds
- Up to six can sleep across the cabin
- Four club seats
- Crew rest and crew lavatory ahead of the cabin
- A second club of four
- Three-place divan opposite a credenza with a monitor
- Passenger lavatory behind
How big is the cabin?
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) tall and 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m) wide: a 1.80 m adult stands upright in the aisle. The cabin runs 43 ft 11 in (13.39 m), 1,669 cu ft in all.
Drawn to scale from the height and width; the figure is 1.80 m tall.
Cabin size
43 ft 11 in (13.39 m) long, 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m) wide and 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) tall: 1,669 cu ft of cabin space.
Galley
Full galley forward with a microwave, a high-temperature oven, a coffee maker and a food chiller on the specification sheets we checked.
Lavatories
Two: a forward crew lavatory and an aft lavatory for passengers, both with vacuum toilets.
Crew rest
Many aircraft have a crew rest area in the forward vestibule, so a relief crew can rest on the longest flights. Two of the three specification sheets we checked show one.
Wi-Fi and connectivity
Varies by aircraft. Specification sheets show Viasat Ka-band satellite internet, Inmarsat SwiftBroadband, and Aircell ATG 4000 air-to-ground internet, which works over the US and Canada. We confirm the system for your aircraft.
Baggage
226 cu ft hold at the back of the cabin, reachable in flight.
Cabin altitude
3,680 ft at 41,000 ft. A lower cabin altitude means less fatigue and better sleep on long flights.
Beds
Up to 6 in flat beds and made-up divans, depending on the layout.
Cabin updates
Gulfstream PlaneView flight deck with enhanced vision as standard, and a head-up display on the aircraft we checked. 14 large oval windows, the Gulfstream signature. Cabin management system with bulkhead monitors and an Airshow moving map on most aircraft.
Sources:Guardian Jet spec sheet, Gulfstream G550 S/N 5354 (2012)Guardian Jet spec sheet, Gulfstream G550 S/N 5121 (2007)Guardian Jet spec sheet, Gulfstream G550 S/N 5446 (2014)Magellan Jets G550DC Aviation: Gulfstream G550 charter aircraft
On board: what to expect
- ✓Stand-up cabin6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) tall
- ✓BedsClub seats and divans make up into beds; up to six can sleep
- ✓Enclosed passenger lavatoryAft, with a vacuum toilet
- ✓Forward crew lavatoryOn the aircraft checked
- ~Crew rest areaForward, on many aircraft
- ✓Full galleyOven, microwave and coffee maker
- ✓Baggage reachable in flight226 cu ft hold
- ~Wi-FiSatellite or air-to-ground, by aircraft
- ✓Monitors and moving mapOn most aircraft
- ✓Enhanced visionStandard on the G550
- ✓Head-up displayOn all three aircraft checked
Fit-out varies by aircraft. We confirm every item for the aircraft on your quote.
Sources:GlobalAir G550 specificationsDC Aviation: Gulfstream G550 charter aircraftGuardian Jet spec sheet, Gulfstream G550 S/N 5354 (2012)Guardian Jet spec sheet, Gulfstream G550 S/N 5446 (2014)Magellan Jets G550Guardian Jet spec sheet, Gulfstream G550 S/N 5121 (2007)Wikipedia: Gulfstream G550
How much does a G550 cost?
A new G550 listed at about $62 million . Production has ended, so most buyers look at pre-owned aircraft. Owning one also means paying to fly and maintain it, which is why most people who fly a few times a year charter instead.
Buy new
New price as listed by Business Jet Traveler (undated).
Buy pre-owned
Market range from Hagerty Jet Group, reported by GlobalAir. Q1 2026.
Cost to operate
Total cost per hour including fixed costs at 425 hours a year, GlobalAir. Fuel burn about 438 US gallons an hour.
G550 charter cost per hour in the US (2026)
You pay for flight time, not the aircraft. Heavy jets like the G550 charter at about $15.1k to $18.5k per flight hour; the quote adds positioning, crew overnights, airport charges and taxes for your exact trip.
Heavy jets, per flight hour
What moves the price
- Positioning: one-way trips usually pay for the empty flight home.
- Crew overnights and waiting days on multi-day trips.
- Airport and handling fees, plus federal excise tax.
- Empty legs can cut the price sharply when one matches your dates.
Charter or own?
Owning a G550 costs about $1.7 million a year before it flies (crew, hangar, insurance), plus about $8,400 for every flight hour. At the hours most owners fly, chartering costs less per hour, and you pay nothing when you do not fly.
| You fly | Owning (per hour) | Charter in the US (per hour) |
|---|---|---|
| 50 hours a year | $42,300 per hour | $15.1k to $18.5k per hour |
| 100 hours a year | $25,300 per hour | $15.1k to $18.5k per hour |
| 200 hours a year | $16,800 per hour | $15.1k to $18.5k per hour |
| 300 hours a year | $14,000 per hour | $15.1k to $18.5k per hour |
CRAFT operating cost model (October 2026): crew, hangar, insurance, management and other fixed costs a year, plus fuel, maintenance, engine reserves and fees per flight hour, for a US-based aircraft. Excludes buying the aircraft and depreciation. Charter rates are before taxes, positioning and airport charges.
Sources:CRAFT: Gulfstream G550 ownership and operating costs (Oct 2026)
G550 range: routes it flies non-stop
With about 6,750 nm of range, the G550 crosses the US coast to coast and reaches Europe without a fuel stop. Popular US routes:
- Distance
- 3,150 nm
- Flight time
- 7h 10m
- Indicative one-way price
- $108k to $132k
- Distance
- 2,986 nm
- Flight time
- 6h 48m
- Indicative one-way price
- $103k to $126k
- Distance
- 2,217 nm
- Flight time
- 5h 08m
- Indicative one-way price
- $77k to $95k
- Distance
- 2,129 nm
- Flight time
- 4h 56m
- Indicative one-way price
- $74k to $91k
- Distance
- 2,129 nm
- Flight time
- 4h 56m
- Indicative one-way price
- $74k to $91k
- Distance
- 1,936 nm
- Flight time
- 4h 31m
- Indicative one-way price
- $68k to $84k
- Distance
- 1,502 nm
- Flight time
- 3h 34m
- Indicative one-way price
- $54k to $66k
- Distance
- 1,316 nm
- Flight time
- 3h 10m
- Indicative one-way price
- $48k to $59k
Flight time at long-range cruise plus taxi and climb. Price is flight time at the hourly rates above, before taxes, positioning and airport charges.
Where the G550 can land
A long-range jet that copes well with low visibility.
Runway needed
About 5,910 ft to take off at maximum weight at sea level, and about 2,770 ft to land. Hot or high airports need more.
Enhanced vision
An infrared camera image on the head-up display lets the crew see the approach lights through fog and haze. In 2008 EASA approved EVS-equipped Gulfstreams to fly down to 100 ft decision height on such approaches, as US rules had allowed since 2004.
Sources:GlobalAir G550 specificationsAIN: EASA approves 100 ft decision height for EVS-equipped Gulfstreams (2008)
Tell us the route and dates. We check every G550 available in the US and reply with an all-in price, around the clock.
Who operates the G550 in the US?
G550 operators in the United States
Altivo Jets is a broker: we ask these operators for availability and price on your dates and book the aircraft with the licensed operator named on your quote.
Every G550 on charter in the US
106 on the charter list in the US. We ask the operator for the exact cabin, seats and photos of the aircraft on your quote.
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Executive Jet Management
- Base
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Solairus Aviation
- Base
- Petaluma, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Solairus Aviation
- Base
- Petaluma, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Solairus Aviation
- Base
- Petaluma, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Solairus Aviation
- Base
- Petaluma, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Solairus Aviation
- Base
- Petaluma, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Solairus Aviation
- Base
- Petaluma, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Solairus Aviation
- Base
- Petaluma, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Solairus Aviation
- Base
- Petaluma, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Solairus Aviation
- Base
- Petaluma, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Solairus Aviation
- Base
- Petaluma, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Solairus Aviation
- Base
- Petaluma, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Solairus Aviation
- Base
- Petaluma, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Solairus Aviation
- Base
- Petaluma, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- STA Jets
- Base
- Costa Mesa, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- STA Jets
- Base
- Costa Mesa, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- STA Jets
- Base
- Costa Mesa, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- STA Jets
- Base
- Costa Mesa, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- STA Jets
- Base
- Costa Mesa, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- STA Jets
- Base
- Costa Mesa, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- STA Jets
- Base
- Costa Mesa, California
- Year built
- Not listed
- Seats
- Not listed
- Operator
- Base
- Year built
- Seats
Gulfstream V, G550, G500 and the special mission versions
Gulfstream V
The original long-range Gulfstream on which the G550 is based.
Gulfstream G550 (GV-SP)
FAA certified in August 2003. Added the PlaneView flight deck, aerodynamic and engine improvements and an entry door moved forward. More than 600 were built.
Gulfstream G500 (2004)
The same aircraft with less fuel and about 5,800 nm of range, with the head-up display and enhanced vision as options. Not the same as the newer G500 of 2018.
Special mission versions
The C-37B VIP transport, the Compass Call electronic warfare jet (EA-37B) and the airborne early warning version used by Israel, Italy and Singapore.
Gulfstream G550 vs G650
- Cabin width: 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m) on the G550 against 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) on the G650.
- Cabin length: 13.39 m against 14.27 m.
- Range: 6,750 nm against 7,000 nm.
- Top speed: Mach 0.885 against Mach 0.925.
- Pre-owned price: about $15 to $35 million against $43 to $53 million.
Sources:Wikipedia: Gulfstream G550GlobalAir: Gulfstream G650 vs G550 (Sep 2026)
How the official lists write it: G-V-SP · GA-V-SP · GV-SP · G-550 · GULFSTREAM GV-SP (G550).
G550 vs G650, Global 6000, Falcon 7X and other heavy jets
The jets people weigh against the G550, side by side from the same verified data.
| Specification | G550 Gulfstream | G650 Gulfstream | Global 6000 Bombardier | Falcon 7X Dassault | Global 5000 Bombardier | G450 Gulfstream | Global 7500 Bombardier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | |||||||
| Range | 6,750 nm (12,501 km) | 7,000 nm (12,964 km) | 6,000 nm (11,112 km) | 5,950 nm (11,019 km) | 5,200 nm (9,630 km) | 4,350 nm (8,056 km) | 7,700 nm (14,260 km) (best) |
| High-speed cruise | 488 kts (Mach 0.85) | 516 kts (Mach 0.9) | 504 kts (Mach 0.88) | 492 kts | 513 kts (Mach 0.89) | 476 kts | 516 kts (Mach 0.9) |
| Long-range cruise | 459 kts (Mach 0.8) | 488 kts (Mach 0.85) | 487 kts (Mach 0.85) | 459 kts (Mach 0.8) | 488 kts (Mach 0.85) | 459 kts | 488 kts (Mach 0.85) |
| Maximum speed | Mach 0.885 | Mach 0.925 | Mach 0.89 | Mach 0.9 | Not published | Mach 0.88 | Mach 0.925 |
| Maximum altitude | 51,000 ft | 51,000 ft | 51,000 ft | 51,000 ft | 51,000 ft | 45,000 ft | 51,000 ft |
| Take-off distance | 5,910 ft | 5,858 ft | 6,476 ft | 5,710 ft | 5,540 ft (best) | 5,600 ft | 5,760 ft |
| Landing distance | 2,770 ft | 2,680 ft | 2,243 ft | 2,070 ft (best) | 2,207 ft | 2,663 ft | 2,237 ft |
| Cabin | |||||||
| Typical charter seats | 14 to 18 (best) | 13 | 12 to 14 | 12 to 16 | 13 | 14 | 14 |
| Maximum seats | 19 | 19 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 16 | 19 |
| Beds (typical layout) | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 8 (best) |
| Cabin zones | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Cabin length | 43 ft 11 in (13.39 m) | 46 ft 10 in (14.27 m) | 43 ft 3 in (13.18 m) | 39 ft 1 in (11.91 m) | 40 ft 9 in (12.41 m) | 40 ft 4 in (12.29 m) | 54 ft 5 in (16.59 m) (best) |
| Cabin width | 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m) | 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) (best) | 7 ft 11 in (2.41 m) | 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m) | 7 ft 11 in (2.41 m) | 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m) | 8 ft 0 in (2.44 m) |
| Cabin height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) (best) | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Cabin volume | 1,669 cu ft | 2,138 cu ft | 2,002 cu ft | 1,552 cu ft | 1,889 cu ft | 1,525 cu ft | 2,786 cu ft (best) |
| Baggage | 226 cu ft, reachable in flight (best) | 195 cu ft | 195 cu ft, reachable in flight | 140 cu ft, reachable in flight | 195 cu ft, reachable in flight | 169 cu ft, reachable in flight | 195 cu ft, reachable in flight |
| Windows | 14 | 16 | Not published | 28 | Not published | Not published | 29 (best) |
| Cabin altitude | 3,680 ft at 41,000 ft | 4,850 ft at 51,000 ft | 4,500 ft at 45,000 ft | 6,000 ft at 51,000 ft | 4,500 ft at 45,000 ft | Not published | 4,500 ft at 45,000 ft |
| Price and ownership | |||||||
| First delivered | 2003 | 2012 | 2012 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2018 |
| In production | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| New price | $62M | $64.5M (2013) | $62.3M (2018) | $54M (2017) | $50.4M (2018) | $43M (2004) | $75M (2024) |
| Pre-owned price | $15M to $35M | $43M to $53M | $18M to $38.0M | $14.5M to $23.5M | $16M to $25M | $8.5M to $19.5M | $50M to $62M |
| Operating cost per hour | $8,163 | $8,366 | $7,800 | $7,963 | $9,921 | $13,218 | $9,044 |
| Charter fleet | |||||||
| On the US charter list | 106 aircraft (best) | 92 aircraft | 104 aircraft | 32 aircraft | 72 aircraft | 104 aircraft | 47 aircraft |
Gold marks the best figure in each row. Take-off distance: At maximum take-off weight, sea level. Cabin length: Manufacturers measure cabin length differently; volume is the fairer comparison. Operating cost per hour: As reported; some sources quote variable cost only, others include fixed costs. See the basis under each aircraft.
G550 vs G650
The G650 flies 250 nm further, has a bigger cabin (2,138 against 1,669 cu ft) and is faster at high-speed cruise.
G550 vs Global 6000
The Global 6000 flies 750 nm less, has a bigger cabin (2,002 against 1,669 cu ft) and is faster at high-speed cruise.
G550 vs Falcon 7X
The Falcon 7X flies 800 nm less and has a smaller cabin (1,552 against 1,669 cu ft).
G550 vs Global 5000
The Global 5000 flies 1,550 nm less, has a bigger cabin (1,889 against 1,669 cu ft) and is faster at high-speed cruise.
G550 vs G450
The G450 flies 2,400 nm less, has a smaller cabin (1,525 against 1,669 cu ft) and is slower at high-speed cruise.
G550 vs Global 7500
The Global 7500 flies 950 nm further, has a bigger cabin (2,786 against 1,669 cu ft) and is faster at high-speed cruise.
Compare any two jets
Smaller or bigger than the G550
G550 safety record
Events from official investigations and safety databases. We also check the record of the exact aircraft and operator before we book.
January 2015
A G550 (B-8256) descended to about 500 ft above the sea on approach to Hong Kong after a pilot probably moved the trim switch by accident, which disconnected the autopilot. The crew recovered and landed, and nobody was hurt. The 2017 report found no aircraft fault and pointed to crew resource management.
2003 to 2025
The Aviation Safety Network lists no fatal accidents for the G550 and one aircraft written off, at Chengdu in April 2020.
Sources:Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department: Serious Incident Report 1/2017, B-8256Aviation Safety Network: Gulfstream G550 occurrences
G550 photos
Other heavy jets on charter in the US
Bombardier Challenger 604 / 605 / 650
205 on charter in the US with 65 operators
Bombardier Global 6000 / 6500 / Express
104 on charter in the US with 30 operators
Bombardier Global 5000 / 5500
72 on charter in the US with 21 operators
Dassault Falcon 900 / 900EX / 900LX
69 on charter in the US with 33 operators
Compare the G550 with others of its size
The G550 appears on these seat pages, next to every other model on charter with the same number of seats.
Questions, answered
Still deciding? A charter specialist will talk you through aircraft, airports and price, with no obligation.
Ask a specialistHow much does a Gulfstream G550 cost?+
A new G550 listed at about $62 million. Production ended in 2021, so buyers now look at pre-owned aircraft, priced at about $15 million to $35 million depending on age, hours and cabin.
How many passengers does a Gulfstream G550 seat?+
Most aircraft seat 14 to 18 in three zones, typically 14 or 16. The type is certified for up to 19.
How far can a Gulfstream G550 fly?+
About 6,750 nm (12,500 km) at Mach 0.80 with 8 passengers and reserves: enough for Delhi to New York or London to Singapore non-stop in still air.
Does the Gulfstream G550 have a bedroom?+
Most aircraft have no separate bedroom. Instead the club seats and the aft divans make up into beds, and up to six passengers can sleep on a night flight.
What is the difference between the G550 and the G650?+
The G650 has a wider cabin (8 ft 6 in against 7 ft 4 in), flies faster (Mach 0.925 against 0.885) and about 250 nm further. A pre-owned G550 costs far less: about $15 to $35 million against $43 to $53 million.
Is the Gulfstream G550 still in production?+
No. The last G550 was delivered in June 2021 after more than 600 were built. The Gulfstream G600 replaced it.
How fast is the Gulfstream G550?+
Top speed is Mach 0.885. It cruises at about 488 knots (Mach 0.85) when time matters and at Mach 0.80 (459 knots) on long flights.
Who operates the Gulfstream G550 in the US?+
42 FAA Part 135 operators fly 106 of them. The largest fleets: Executive Jet Management (20), Solairus Aviation (13), STA Jets (8), Clay Lacy Aviation (5) and Circadian Aviation (4).
How much does it cost to charter a G550?+
About $15.1k to $18.5k per flight hour, before federal excise tax, positioning and airport charges. A one-way trip is priced on flight hours plus the aircraft's return positioning, so ask for a quote on your dates.
Where these numbers come from
Specifications come from manufacturer factsheets and regulator type certificate data sheets first, then aviation press and market data. Fleet counts come from the FAA Part 135 operator list (9 November 2026). Figures were checked in October 2026. This profile was last reviewed on 19 October 2026.
- GlobalAir: G650 vs G550 (Sep 2026)
- Aviation Safety Network: Gulfstream G550 occurrences
- ICAO Carbon Emissions Calculator methodology: 3.16 kg of CO2 per kg of jet fuel
- AIN: EASA approves 100 ft decision height for EVS-equipped Gulfstreams (2008)
- CRAFT: Gulfstream G550 ownership and operating costs (Oct 2026)
- GlobalAir G550 operating cost
- Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department: Serious Incident Report 1/2017, B-8256
- DC Aviation: Gulfstream G550 charter aircraft
- Wikipedia: Gulfstream G550
- Business Jet Traveler: G550
- Flightglobal: G550
- Guardian Jet spec sheet, Gulfstream G550 S/N 5354 (2012)
- Gulfstream: 550th G550 delivered (2017)
- Guardian Jet spec sheet, Gulfstream G550 S/N 5121 (2007)
- Guardian Jet spec sheet, Gulfstream G550 S/N 5446 (2014)
- Magellan Jets G550
- AIN: G550 production ends (2021)
Empty legs on the G550.
Cities where the G550 often flies empty to its next trip. The whole aircraft, for less than a full charter.
Empty leg flights from Fort LauderdaleEmpty leg flights from HawaiiEmpty leg flights from Las VegasEmpty leg flights from Los AngelesEmpty leg flights from MiamiEmpty leg flights from New YorkEmpty leg flights from San DiegoEmpty leg flights from San FranciscoAll empty legs →
Fly the G550.
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