Thomas W. Mitchell

Aircraft Review: Gulfstream G500

Thomas W. Mitchell
Thomas W. Mitchell Executive Vice President
Gulfstream G500 with a standard silver paint scheme flying over a body of water.

First announced in October 2014 and making its official debut in September 2018, the Gulfstream G500 is a long-range large cabin class business jet. The announcement of the G500 was released close in time with the G600, designed to replace Gulfstream’s G450 and G550 models, respectively.

Although the G500 and G600 are similar in terms of appearance, the G500 is slightly smaller and has a shorter maximum range of 4,921 nm (with a payload of 5,250 lbs.) compared to the G600’s maximum range of 6,000 nm (with a payload of 6,540 lbs.). With that said, the Gulfstream G500 does boast respectable range relative to competing models, making it a suitable option for prospective buyers when certain long-distance travel is a priority.

In this aircraft review, we’ll take a closer look at the Gulfstream G500, including its technical specifications, design options, investment costs and more.

The Gulfstream G500 at a Glance

Gulfstream G500 with a standard silver paint scheme flying over a body of water.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

 

Gulfstream G500 Technical Specs
Maximum Range 5,300 nm / 9.816 km
Top Speed 0.925 Mach / 611.85 KTAs / 1142.19 km/h
Typical Cruise Speed 0.85 Mach / 562.24 KTAs / 1049.58 km/h
Maximum Altitude 51,000 ft / 15,545 m

Cabin Dimensions

Length 47 ft 7 in / 14.50 m
Height 6 ft 2 in / 1.88 m
Width 7 ft 7 in / 2.31 m
Passengers Up to 19

Exterior Dimensions

Length 91 ft 2 in / 27.79 m
Wingspan 86 ft 4 in / 26.31 m
Height 25 ft 6 in / 7.77 m

Gulfstream G500 Cockpit Design

Side angle view of the Gulfstream G500’s cockpit, with a row of display screens and controls.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

The G500 utilizes Gulfstream’s proprietary Symmetry Flight Deck™, powered by Honeywell’s Primus Epic integrated avionics system. The Symmetry Flight Deck features 10 integrated touchscreen controllers programmed with Gulfstream’s proprietary Plane-of-Flight™ intelligence technology, a Data Concentration Network with real-time monitoring and Honeywell’s Next Generation Flight Management System.

The Gulfstream G500’s cockpit also comes equipped with an Enhanced Flight Vision System, which enables pilots to safely land in low-visibility conditions, and Synthetic Vision Primary Flight Display with 3D graphics to enhance pilots’ situational awareness. The G500 uses side stick controllers as opposed to traditional yokes and is fitted with ergonomic seats with shearling covers.

 

Gulfstream G500 Cabin Design

The Gulfstream G500’s cabin can accommodate up to 19 passengers and sleep up to 8 across three distinct cabin zones. Prospective buyers have their pick of two standard cabin configurations featuring either a forward galley layout (Figure 1) or an aft galley layout (Figure 2).

Figure 1 — Gulfstream G500 cabin with forward galley configuration.

Figure 2 — Gulfstream G500 cabin with aft galley configuration.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

For the purposes of this review, we’ll focus on Figure 1, the forward galley configuration. Upon entry, passengers will pass a forward lavatory on their left, before moving through the G500’s galley.

The Gulfstream G500’s forward lavatory, which features a toilet and small sink.

Photo Credit: Aviation Week

The typical G500 galley features a refrigerator, microwave/convection oven, galley sink and ample cabinet space. Buyers can choose to add optional features, such as a steam oven and dual ice drawers, for an additional cost.

View from the G500 galley into the forward cabin. The galley features white stone countertops and dark paneling.

Photo Credit: Aviation Week

The Gulfstream G500’s forward cabin features four executive-style seats arranged in a club configuration around retractable tables. Each seat offers swivel, reclining and berthing capabilities. Passengers will find cup holders and touchscreen control panels stationed by each seat.

The Gulfstream G500’s forward cabin. The cabin features light gray carpeting, four seats upholstered in beige leather, and a dark wood table to the left.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

To one side of the mid cabin, passengers will find two sets of dual seats stationed on either side of a large folding table; a large credenza with a retractable HD display monitor sits opposite.

The Gulfstream G500’s mid cabin. To the right sits a dark wood credenza with an extended HD display monitor. To the left is a dark wood table and dual seats upholstered in beige leather on either side.

Photo Credit: Runway Girl Network

The aft cabin features two executive-style seats (each with swivel, reclining and berthing capabilities) stationed on either side of a retractable table and a berthable divan.

The Gulfstream G500’s aft cabin. To the left sits a berthable divan. with gray striped fabric. To the right is an execute-style seat upholstered in beige leather in front of a glossy dark wood table.

Photo Credit: Business Insider

Beyond the main cabin sits the aft lavatory, which is equipped with a sink, vacuum toilet with upholstered and padded lid, large vanity mirror with ring lighting and full-size closet.

Gulfstream G500 lavatory counter made of marble with built-in sink and silver fixtures. The counter is surrounded by dark wood paneling and a small storage compartment above the sink.

Photo Credit: Business Insider

Finally, the baggage compartment to the rear of the aircraft offers 175 cu ft (4.95 cu m) of storage.

Gulfstream’s in-house Design Center is able to customize all design elements within the G500, from fixtures to finishes, according to the buyer’s specifications. Buyers also have the option to customize their Gulfstream G500 cabin configuration according to their particular needs — for example, swapping the mid and aft cabin layouts.

Technology

The Gulfstream G500 features complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity, multiple HD monitors, HD surround sound, dual Blu-ray/DVD players and Gulfstream’s CabinView moving map flight information system. Buyers have the option to add upgrades, such as 12-inch monitors at each seat, XM satellite radio and high performance connectivity systems at an additional cost.

Passengers can use the G500’s iOS-enabled Cabin Management System to control everything from the aircraft’s entertainment system to environmental settings, such as cabin lighting and temperature. The G500 also comes equipped with Gulfstream’s proprietary plasma ionization airflow system, which provides 100% fresh air to circulate throughout the cabin.

Gulfstream G500 with its standard silver detailed paint scheme sitting on a tarmac with green fields and blue skies in the background.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

The Gulfstream G500 is equipped with twin Pratt & Whitney PW814GA engines. Each engine is made from lightweight materials for enhanced fuel efficiency and performance, features a TALON X™ combustor for reduced nitrogen-oxide emissions and is controlled using a full authority digital engine control system with real-time monitoring and advanced diagnostics.

The G500 utilizes Gulfstream’s aerodynamic wing design, which allows for better short-field performance and incorporates anti-ice (heated) leading edges. The G500 also features 14 panoramic oval windows, each one measuring in at 20.6 in (52.32 cm) tall and 28.10 in (71.37 cm) wide, making them the largest in the industry.

Acquisition Cost

According to current industry data, the price of a new Gulfstream G500 is in the realm of $47 million. As is the case with any new model aircraft, certain factors can influence final pricing, such as the addition of Ka Band connectivity or other custom options and cabin features.

Given that it is still a relatively new model, the sample size for a pre-owned G500 remains relatively small; buyers looking to purchase a pre-owned model are advised to consult a trusted broker or aircraft advisor for current pricing.

Direct Operating Costs

Note: All direct operating costs listed are estimated; actual expenses will vary based on total annual flight hours.

Fuel 

Approximately $1,593 per hour

Maintenance

Approximately $1,205 per hour

Engine Overhaul 

Approximately $1,261 per hour

Miscellaneous 

Approximately $690 per hour

 Total Direct Costs

Approximately $4,749 per hour

Source: Conklin de Decker

Fixed Costs

Note: All fixed costs listed are estimated; actual expenses may vary.

Crew 

Approximately $818,740 (includes Flight Attendant & Benefits)

Crew Training

Approximately $137,800

Hangar

Approximately $90,800

Insurance

Approximately $72,260

Miscellaneous

Approximately $130,356 (excludes Modernization Budget)

Total Fixed Costs

Approximately $1,249,955

Source: Conklin de Decker

Is a Gulfstream G500 Right for You?

For buyers seeking a long-range aircraft with considerable passenger capacity and modern amenities, the Gulfstream G500 could be a viable candidate. Whether you’re thinking of purchasing a G500 or any other competing model within its class, it’s important that you first carefully consider your travel requirements, as these guide your search.

You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with the private aviation options available to you, the private aircraft purchasing process and the nuances between different aircraft makes and models. A qualified private aviation consultant can provide valuable expert support every step of the way, helping you define your needs, identifying suitable options within the market and overseeing every stage of the acquisition process.

 

How to Acquire a Gulfstream G500

Are you ready to take the first step toward owning your very own Gulfstream G500? If so, the entire team at Essex Aviation Group is here to help you get started. As true consumer advocates, each of our consultants is ready to provide honest, unbiased professional insight — backed by over 100 years of combined industry experience — to ensure that you make an informed private aviation decision.

Contact Essex Aviation today to start your journey.

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