Gulfstream G550 vs Gulfstream GIV

The Gulfstream IV and G550 share Gulfstream's engineering DNA but sit fourteen years apart in design and light-years apart in capability. The GIV entered service in 1987 with Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8 engines, a range of roughly 4,220 nm, and avionics that were state-of-the-art in the Reagan era. The G550 arrived in 2003 — BMW Rolls-Royce BR710 engines, PlaneView glass cockpit, 6,750 nm range, and a cabin that Gulfstream refined over two generations of customer feedback. Today's cross-shop is a capital-allocation question: the GIV offers large-cabin access at a fraction of the G550's market price. What does the gap actually cost, and does it matter for your operation?

Live Market Snapshot

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

Gulfstream G550
For sale now
56
Model years available
1997–2020
Gulfstream GIV
For sale now
63
Model years available
1988–2005

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

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Gulfstream G550Gulfstream GIV
All events—9
Serious—0
Fatal—2
Fatalities—12
% Fatal—22%
View full Gulfstream G550 NTSB record →View full Gulfstream GIV NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Gulfstream G550 Gulfstream GIV
Gulfstream G550
View 58 listings →
Median $22,400,000
 Gulfstream GIV
View 65 listings →
Median $4,495,000
Price Range $11,105,000 – $33,695,000 $1,534,250 – $5,424,250
Category Large Cabin Jet Large Cabin Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 18 14
Cruise Speed 488 kts (904 km/h) 488 kts (904 km/h)
Range 6,750 nm (12,501 km) 4,220 nm (7,815 km)
Service Ceiling 51,000 ft (15,545 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 91,000 lbs (41,278 kg) 73,200 lbs (33,204 kg)
Useful Load 27,500 lbs (12,474 kg) 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg)
Fuel Capacity 6,078.0 gal (23005 L) —
Fuel Burn 380.0 GPH (1438 L/h) 400.0 GPH (1514 L/h)
TBO 7,000 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $1,300,000 —
Annual Fixed $900,000 —
Hourly Variable $5,500 —
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Gulfstream G550

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

Gulfstream GIV

Fuel$2,200/hr

Which Should You Buy: Gulfstream G550 or Gulfstream GIV?

Bottom line: Choose the GIV if you need large-cabin transatlantic range at a budget the G550 can't match on a per-flight-hour amortization basis. At $3–6M for a late-model GIV vs $12–22M for a G550, the entry price difference is substantial, and for a flight department running 300–400 hours annually the GIV's mission coverage is meaningful. Choose the G550 for the additional range (New York to Tokyo nonstop), the modern PlaneView avionics that reduce crew workload measurably, and the better resale floor that Gulfstream's flagship status confers. Safety axis: both aircraft are Category II/III ILS-capable large-cabin jets with excellent records. The PlaneView cockpit in the G550 integrates SVS and HUD in a way the GIV's early-EFIS cockpit cannot match — a genuine risk-reduction advantage in oceanic, mountainous, and low-visibility approaches where CPDLC, datalink weather, and HUD guidance matter.

Pick the G550 if…

  • More seats — 18 vs 14.
  • Longer range — 6750 nm vs 4220 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2003 vs 1985.

Pick the GIV if…

  • Budget matters — from $1,534,250 vs $11,105,000, you save ~$9,570,750.
  • More inventory — 65 listings vs 58.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range difference between the GIV and G550?
The GIV's NBAA IFR range is approximately 4,220 nm — enough for transatlantic routes but not transpacific. The G550 is certified at 6,750 nm NBAA IFR and routinely flies New York to Tokyo, Los Angeles to Sydney, and other ultra-long-range missions no GIV can replicate. For domestic US and transatlantic operations, the GIV's range covers roughly 90% of typical missions; the G550's range opens the Pacific and truly global routing.
Are GIV parts and maintenance support still readily available?
Yes, but the support ecosystem is naturally more mature — and some OEM parts supply is thinner — than for the G550. Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8 engines have an active support network through major MRO providers, though the BR710 benefits from a more recent support infrastructure. Gulfstream's Customer Support covers the GIV, but buyers should audit engine program enrollment and parts availability for any specific tail number before closing.
Which aircraft has better resale value, the GIV or G550?
The G550 holds value significantly better in percentage terms. It benefits from Gulfstream's flagship positioning and strong global demand; market liquidity for G550s is strong internationally. The GIV, as a 1987-era design, is at the end of its value-depreciation curve and can be subject to significant value swings based on avionics upgrade status, engine enrollment, and interior condition.
Which is better, Gulfstream G550 or Gulfstream GIV?
It depends on your mission and budget. The G550 cruises at 488 kts with 6,750 nm range. The GIV cruises at 488 kts with 4,220 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 G550 and Gulfstream GIV?
Seats: 18 vs 14. Cruise: 488 vs 488 kts. Range: 6750 vs 4220 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
G550: 18 seats / 27,500 lb useful load. GIV: 14 seats / 14,000 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?
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