On 17th of June, 2020, Gulfstream Aerospace announced that it had sold the last commercial Gulfstream G550. The G550 was introduced in 2000 and entered service in 2003, with its ultra-long range and excellent high-altitude flight capabilities, this model is unparalleled in its class, setting over 55 speeds records. The G550 also set a high standard for all the Gulfstream later product development.
There are currently more than 600 G550s in operation worldwide, undoubtedly established its leader position in its class.
It has been 20 years since the introduction of the G550, during this period there is a rapid development in business jet industry globally, moreover the radical changes in the world economic landscape and the increase of international travel has change requirement on business jet.
Many world-renowned companies’ top executives praise the G550 as the preferred aircraft type for international flight. More than a quarter of the Fortune 500 companies use Gulfstream, company such as Nike, Pepsi, Qualcomm, Disney, GE, McDonald's, Motorola, Johnson Controls, Novartis, UTC, Toyota, and so on. Alibaba founder Mr. Jack Ma also bought a Gulfstream G550 in 2013 for USD$ 49.7 million.
Why is the Gulfstream G550 have such a high popularity amount the aircraft owners? It has won the most prestigious award - Robert Collier Trophy. Let us analyse from the aspect of the aircraft performance: The G550 powered by two Rolls-Royce engines, giving it the flight range of 12,501 kilometres; it can take off from a short runway and high-altitude airport.
Few months ago, Hong Kong billionaire Mr. Li Ka-Shing use his G550 made a direct flight to New Zealand to purchase personal protection equipment, he donated all of them to charity. The distance between Hong Kong and New Zealand is about 9000 kilometres which is breeze for G550.
According to the technical data, the G550 can fly directly at Mach 0.80 from Shanghai to Los Angeles, New York to Dubai. At Mach 0.85 it has fly from London to Tokyo or Los Angeles. There is no need to refuel, it saves time and saves extra landing costs.
At the beginning of the G550 development, all the cabin design is catered to create a truly ‘On air mobile office’, to maximum the value of business jets, allowing passengers to work efficiently during flight time. The G550 cabin equipped with wireless network, satellite communication, fax/printer, creating a perfect office environment for passengers, allowing passengers to keep in touch with commercial activities on the ground at any time.
The aircraft has 14 large oval-sharp window which allow sufficient light in the cabin, passenger can enjoy the nature light during flight. It has excellent cabin pressure system and air purification system brings fresh air to the passengers, together with the advanced noise reduction technology, the comfort of the cabin helps ease tiredness, passengers arrive at their destination refreshed.
It is precisely because of the excellent performance and flawless cabin design of the G550. Beside business sector, this aircraft type can meet the needs of customers in different sectors. The military of Australia, Italy and the United States have selected the G550 to assist in their training and transfer missions.
The features of G550 is also suitable for medical flight both in regional and long-haul flight. the length of the cabin is 29 meters, it can divide the cabin into four sections: service cabin, medical, family and crew rest. The aircraft can equip with one set of ICU rescue equipment, multiple sets of first aid equipment, professional medical rescue equipment such as ECMO, baby incubator, blood bank and blood analyser.
Although the Gulfstream G550 is to be discontinued, Gulfstream Aerospace will continue to provide world-class support to the owners. Gulfstream Aerospace has more than 30 of their owned or authorized service centers globally, with the ability to produce and purchase spare parts, this ensure the continuity of smooth and high-quality customer services. This is one of the reasons why G550 still have strong market position in pre-owned.
APERTUS has chartered over 1000 hours on G550 over the past five years, it has proved to be one of the most popular aircraft types to our international charter customers. Our team will continue to consolidate the availability of G550 globally, in order to provide the best charter solution to our customers.
Gulfstream G550, a masterpiece of the aeronautical engineering, lets pay tribute to the classic!