Introduction to Gulfstream G500 Jet
The Gulfstream G500 is a long-range, large-cabin business jet. Gulfstream designed it from a clean sheet, and it was the first aircraft to use the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck. It replaced the Gulfstream G450 in the lineup.
One naming note: an earlier aircraft was also sold as the "G500". That jet, marketed as the G500 5000 Series in the 2000s, was a reduced-fuel version of the G550. This page covers the current clean-sheet G500.
Features of Gulfstream G500 Jet
Advanced Cockpit
The Symmetry Flight Deck uses active control sidesticks, which give both pilots matching visual and tactile feedback. It has ten touch-screen displays. The G500 is also FAA- and EASA-certified for steep approaches, and it includes Gulfstream's Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) on the head-up display, which helps authorized pilots land in low visibility.
Spacious Cabin
Gulfstream's published cabin dimensions:
- Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
- Width: 7 ft 7 in (2.31 m)
- Length, excluding baggage: 41 ft 6 in (12.65 m)
The cabin has up to three living areas, 14 Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows, a forward or aft galley, and forward and aft vacuum lavatories. Gulfstream says the cabin uses 100% fresh air.
High-Speed Performance
The G500's high-speed cruise is Mach 0.90, and its maximum operating speed is Mach 0.925. At Mach 0.90 it can still fly 4,500 nautical miles, so you can choose between speed and maximum range depending on the trip.
Specifications of Gulfstream G500 Jet
Size and Capacity
The G500 can seat up to 19 passengers and sleep up to 8. A common layout shown by Gulfstream seats up to 13 and sleeps up to 6. Charter interiors vary, so ask the operator for the floor plan of the specific aircraft.
Range and Speed
- Maximum range: 5,300 nautical miles (9,816 km) at Mach 0.85
- High-speed cruise range: 4,500 nautical miles (8,334 km) at Mach 0.90
- Maximum operating Mach number: 0.925
- Initial cruise altitude: 43,000 feet
- Maximum cruise altitude: 51,000 feet
- Takeoff distance: 5,300 feet at sea level, standard conditions, maximum takeoff weight
Gulfstream's range figures assume 8 passengers, 3 crew and NBAA IFR reserves. Actual range depends on routing, speed, weather and the cabin outfitting.
Engines and Fuel Efficiency
The G500 uses two Pratt & Whitney PW814GA engines, each rated at 15,144 pounds of takeoff thrust. Gulfstream says the G500 is 33% more fuel-efficient than the G450, based on a theoretical 3,000-nautical-mile trip with 8 passengers at Mach 0.85. Actual fuel use varies with speed and distance.
Benefits of Owning a Gulfstream G500 Jet
For most travelers, the practical question is not ownership but access. Chartering a G500 gives you the same long-range cabin for a specific trip without the fixed costs of owning an aircraft.
Factors to Consider Before Owning a Gulfstream G500 Jet
Whether you buy or charter, a few points shape the choice:
- Trip length. The G500's range is built for long nonstop flights. For shorter domestic trips, a smaller jet may be a better fit.
- Group size. Seating runs up to 19, but most layouts carry fewer. Match the floor plan to your group.
- Runway length. The published takeoff distance is 5,300 feet at maximum weight. The operator will check the runways at both ends.
- Availability. A charter depends on a specific aircraft being free on your dates, so book early when your plans are fixed.
Conclusion
The Gulfstream G500 combines a long-range, large cabin with a modern flight deck and high-speed cruise. If you need to fly a group far and fast, it is one of the aircraft to consider.
BLADE arranges private jet charters. All US flights are operated by FAA-licensed carriers, and BLADE books the aircraft for you. Tell BLADE your route, date and group size, and compare the large-cabin jets available for your trip. Prices and availability depend on the route, the date and the aircraft.