Gulfstream G500 vs Gulfstream G550

The Gulfstream G500 and the Gulfstream G550 are two large-cabin Gulfstreams that buyers often confuse on numbering alone — and the key fact is counterintuitive: despite the higher number, the G550 is the older, longer-range jet, while the G500 is the newer, clean-sheet design with a modern flight deck and a shorter range. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Gulfstream G500
For sale now
14
Model years available
2007–2024
Gulfstream G550
For sale now
56
Model years available
1997–2020

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Gulfstream G500 Gulfstream G550
Gulfstream G500
View 15 listings →
Median $44,725,000
 Gulfstream G550
View 58 listings →
Median $22,400,000
Price Range $41,822,500 – $47,627,500 $11,105,000 – $33,695,000
Category Large Cabin Jet Large Cabin Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 19 18
Cruise Speed 488 kts (904 km/h) 488 kts (904 km/h)
Range 5,200 nm (9,630 km) 6,750 nm (12,501 km)
Service Ceiling 51,000 ft (15,545 m) 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
Max Gross Weight 79,600 lbs (36,107 kg) 91,000 lbs (41,278 kg)
Useful Load 25,000 lbs (11,340 kg) 27,500 lbs (12,474 kg)
Fuel Capacity 5,100.0 gal (19304 L) 6,078.0 gal (23005 L)
Fuel Burn 340.0 GPH (1287 L/h) 380.0 GPH (1438 L/h)
TBO 7,000 hrs 7,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $1,200,000 $1,300,000
Annual Fixed $800,000 $900,000
Hourly Variable $5,200 $5,500
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Gulfstream G500

Fuel$1,870/hr
Variable$5,200/hr
Annual Fixed$800,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $1,840,000/yr

Gulfstream G550

Fuel$2,090/hr
Variable$5,500/hr
Annual Fixed$900,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $2,000,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Gulfstream G500 or Gulfstream G550?

Bottom line: Choose the G500 for modern technology and efficiency — a newer, clean-sheet large-cabin Gulfstream with an advanced Symmetry flight deck and a comfortable cabin, for transcontinental and many intercontinental trips. Choose the G550 for proven ultra-long-range reach — the longer-legged, time-tested jet that crosses any ocean nonstop. On safety both are two-crew large-cabin Gulfstreams with engine-out redundancy and excellent records; the difference is range and technology, not safety. Newer and more efficient, or proven ultra-long-range.

Pick the G500 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$5200/hr vs $5500/hr.
  • More seats — 19 vs 18.
  • Newer design — production from 2018 vs 2003.

Pick the G550 if…

  • Budget matters — from $11,105,000 vs $41,822,500, you save ~$30,717,500.
  • Longer range — 6750 nm vs 5200 nm.
  • More inventory — 58 listings vs 15.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the G550 newer than the G500?
No — counterintuitively, the G550 is the older design (longer range), while the G500 is the newer, clean-sheet jet with a modern flight deck and a shorter range. The number isn't the generation.
Which has the longer range?
The G550 — a true ultra-long-range jet. The G500 is newer and more efficient but shorter-legged, covering transcontinental and many intercontinental missions.
Which has the newer technology?
The G500 — a clean-sheet design with Gulfstream's Symmetry flight deck. The G550 is proven and capable but an earlier generation.
Which is better, Gulfstream G500 or Gulfstream G550?
It depends on your mission and budget. The G500 cruises at 488 kts with 5,200 nm range. The G550 cruises at 488 kts with 6,750 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G550?
Seats: 19 vs 18. Cruise: 488 vs 488 kts. Range: 5200 vs 6750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
G500: about $5200/hr variable cost. G550: about $5500/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
G500: 19 seats / 25,000 lb useful load. G550: 18 seats / 27,500 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
G500: 7,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$1,200,000. G550: 7,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$1,300,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data