Heavy Jet14 seats6,750 nm
Gulfstream G550
For two decades the reference intercontinental business jet. Sixteen panoramic windows and range that reaches most of the world in one or two legs.
The aircraft
Where the G550 fits
For two decades the reference intercontinental business jet. Sixteen panoramic windows and range that reaches most of the world in one or two legs.
Heavy jets carry ten to sixteen passengers in separated cabin zones with a dedicated flight attendant. Most of the class crosses the North Atlantic nonstop, and the larger members reach South America and the Middle East from the US East Coast.
On a 1,000 nautical mile sector the Gulfstream G550 plans out near 2h 26m. Push it to 2,000 nautical miles and you are looking at roughly 4h 32m, which it covers nonstop.
The cabin measures about 6.2 ft high by 7.4 ft wide across 43.9 ft of length. That is a genuine stand up cabin for nearly every adult.
The photograph above is representative of the class and does not show this specific type.
| Specification | Figure |
|---|---|
| Class | Heavy Jet |
| Typical seating | 14 passengers |
| Published range | 6,750 nm / 12,501 km |
| Typical cruise | 488 kt / 562 mph |
| Cabin height | 6.2 ft |
| Cabin width | 7.4 ft |
| Cabin length | 43.9 ft |
| Cabin volume | approx 1,450 cu ft |
| Baggage | 226 cu ft |
| Lavatory | Two enclosed |
| Typical crew | 4 |
| Runway requirement | approx 5,910 ft at MTOW, sea level |
Reach
Routes it flies nonstop
Published city pairs the Gulfstream G550 covers without a fuel stop, using under 80 percent of its book range so a full cabin does not change the answer.
Questions
About the G550
How many passengers does the Gulfstream G550 carry?
Typical charter seating is 14. Maximum certificated seating can be higher, but the practical number falls once baggage and sector length are counted, because seats and fuel compete for the same weight allowance. On a short leg you may fit the full 14. On a leg near the range limit you will not.
What is the range of the Gulfstream G550?
Published maximum range is 6,750 nautical miles, about 12,501 km. Plan real missions at roughly 80 percent of that figure with a full cabin. Headwinds, a hot departure field and high elevation all reduce it further, which is why we flag legs above that threshold for operator confirmation.
How fast is the Gulfstream G550?
Typical cruise is 488 knots, which is about 562 mph. On a 1,000 nautical mile sector that works out near 2h 26m block to block once taxi, climb and descent are included. Short sectors run proportionally slower because the aircraft never settles at cruise.
What runway length does the Gulfstream G550 need?
Balanced field length at maximum takeoff weight, sea level, standard temperature is about 5,910 ft. That is the best case. Add elevation, add heat, add a wet runway, and the requirement grows, which is the mechanism behind most weight restrictions at mountain airports on summer afternoons.
Does the Gulfstream G550 have a lavatory?
Two enclosed lavatory. Two separate compartments, forward and aft.
Alternatives
Other heavy jets
| Aircraft | Seats | Range | Cruise | Cabin height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bombardier Challenger 650 | 12 | 4,000 nm | 470 kt | 6.1 ft |
| Bombardier Challenger 605 | 12 | 4,000 nm | 470 kt | 6.1 ft |
| Gulfstream G450 | 13 | 4,350 nm | 476 kt | 6.2 ft |
| Dassault Falcon 900LX | 12 | 4,750 nm | 482 kt | 6.2 ft |
| Dassault Falcon 7X | 14 | 5,950 nm | 488 kt | 6.2 ft |
| Dassault Falcon 8X | 14 | 6,450 nm | 488 kt | 6.2 ft |
| Embraer Legacy 650E | 13 | 3,900 nm | 458 kt | 6 ft |
Photography on this site is representative. It does not depict a specific aircraft, operator or tail number offered for charter.