Gulfstream G500

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-optimised 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.

Performance

Capacity

Cabin

Advantages of a Gulfstream G500 as a rental aircraft

Comfort-optimised: With 12 seats spread across three separate areas and up to eight sleeping accommodations, travellers 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 take-off, 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 ageing 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 travellers 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.

Gulfstream G500 rental aircraft disadvantages:

Lack of exclusivity: With more than 90 delivered in less than two years, the Gulfstreams G500 and G600 are already relatively well distributed. Until the launch of the Global 5500, they were also considered the benchmark in the large jet segment. The first Bombardier was not delivered until July 2020 and is therefore much less common. It scores with a slightly wider cabin and a longer range. However, it is at a disadvantage when it comes to top speed.

Range: At launch, the Gulfstream was celebrated for its excellent range. But the competition is not sleeping either. With the newer Global 5500 from Bombardier, travellers can reach even more distant destinations with otherwise comparable characteristics. In figures: The Global 5500 surpasses the G500 in range by around 1,111 kilometres (600 nautical miles).

Those who are not yet committed to a Gulfstream G500 as a rental aircraft will find possible alternatives in the Bombardier Global 5500 or Global 5000. The Global 5000 promises excellent availability, thanks to 238 sold, with possibly more affordable lease costs. However, one would have to accept an ageing configuration and below-average performance. The Global 5500, on the other hand, is a state-of-the-art large business jet that is convincing in all respects. Only the low distribution of the latest large jet could be an obstacle: So far, only a few examples are available on the market. For Gulfstream fans with additional space requirements, the G600 could be the business jet of choice: its cabin is 1.12 metres longer.

The G500's outstanding position is also underscored by independent awards: in 2021, it won the International Yacht & Aviation Award in the "Interior Design/VIP Completions" category.

Gulfstream Aerospace also received an innovation award for the introduction of the Symmetry Flight Deck on the G500 and the resulting safety improvements. The award was presented by the Business Intelligence Group, which recognises global leaders for their vision and creativity.