Large Cabin Long Range Jet - Current Production
Gulfstream G500: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Gulfstream Aerospace
Gulfstream G500: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Gulfstream G500, in production since 2018, is part of Gulfstream's GVII type family (alongside the G600 and the new G400 announced October 2022) and represents Gulfstream's modernized large-cabin business jet platform designed to replace the G450 in the company's lineup. The G500 was formally launched at Gulfstream's headquarters in Savannah, Georgia, on October 14, 2014 as a clean-sheet design, with the first flight occurring May 18, 2015 from Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport. The aircraft received FAA type and production certification on July 20, 2018, EASA certification on October 11, 2019, and entered service in September 2018. Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW814GA turbofan engines producing 15,144 lbf of thrust each, the G500 delivers 5,300 nautical miles of range at Mach 0.85 (or 4,800 nm at Mach 0.90), Mach 0.925 maximum cruise speed (matching the G650ER), and an FL510 (51,000 ft) service ceiling. The aircraft is operated by two pilots with seating for 19 passengers maximum (8 in sleeping configurations). The G500 features the award-winning Symmetry Flight Deck with industry-first active control sidesticks (replacing traditional yokes), 14 panoramic windows (largest in business aviation), 41 ft 6 in cabin length, and class-leading 3,255 ft cabin altitude at FL410. Original list price (October 2014): $43.5 million. Pre-owned market today: $35M to $45M.
For operators wanting Gulfstream large-cabin pedigree with industry-first active control sidesticks, the largest panoramic windows in business aviation, and 5,300 nm intercontinental range, the G500 represents the modern Gulfstream flagship in its class.
Gulfstream G500 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Large Cabin Long Range Jet - Current Production |
| Production Status | Active production (2018-Present) |
| Designation | Gulfstream G500 (GVII-G500) |
| Manufacturer | Gulfstream Aerospace (Savannah, Georgia) |
| Predecessor | Gulfstream G450 (replaced by G500) |
| Sister Aircraft | G400 (announced Oct 2022, smaller), G600 (larger) |
| Program Launch | October 14, 2014 |
| First Flight | May 18, 2015 (Savannah-Hilton Head) |
| FAA Type Certification | July 20, 2018 |
| EASA Certification | October 11, 2019 |
| Service Entry | September 2018 |
| Production Years | 2018 to Present |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 13 |
| Passengers (Max Certified) | 19 |
| Passengers (Sleeping Config) | 8 |
| Engines | 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PW814GA turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 15,144 lbf |
| Total Thrust | 30,288 lbf |
| Engine Family | Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800 series |
| Avionics | Symmetry Flight Deck (award-winning) |
| Industry-First Feature | Active control sidesticks (vs traditional yokes) |
| Touch Screens | 10 displays |
| Max Range (Mach 0.85, 8 pax + 3 crew, NBAA IFR) | 5,300 nm |
| Max Range (Mach 0.90) | 4,800 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | Mach 0.925 (matches G650ER) |
| Long-Range Cruise | Mach 0.85 |
| Service Ceiling | FL510 (51,000 ft) |
| MTOW | 79,600 lb |
| Cabin Length (Excluding Baggage) | 41 ft 6 in |
| Cabin Width (Finished) | 7 ft 7 in (91 in) |
| Cabin Height (Finished) | 6 ft 2 in (74 in - stand-up flat floor) |
| Cabin Volume | 1,715 cu ft |
| Cabin Windows | 14 (panoramic, LARGEST in business aviation) |
| Cabin Altitude at FL410 | 3,255 ft (class-leading) |
| 100% Fresh Air | Every 2 minutes |
| Cabin Whisper Quiet | Yes (industry distinction) |
| Sleeping Accommodations | 8 passengers |
| Personal Device Streaming | Up to 19 devices simultaneously |
| Total Baggage Volume | 175 cu ft (internal) |
| Balanced Field Length | 5,300 ft |
| Original List Price (October 2014) | $43,500,000 |
| Pre-Owned Range (2025) | $35,000,000 to $45,000,000 |
History as Gulfstream's Modern Large-Cabin Platform
The G500 represents Gulfstream's strategic modernization of its large-cabin segment, designed to replace the G450 with substantially improved capability across virtually every dimension.
Platform timeline:
- October 14, 2014: G500 and G600 formally unveiled at Savannah HQ
- May 18, 2015: G500 first flight (clean-sheet design, Savannah-Hilton Head)
- December 17, 2016: G600 first flight
- July 20, 2018: G500 FAA type and production certification
- September 2018: G500 service entry
- June 28, 2019: G600 FAA certification
- August 8, 2019: G600 service entry
- October 11, 2019: G500 EASA certification
- 2022: G500 grooved runway wet condition certification (tracking)
- October 2022: G400 (smallest GVII variant) announced
- 2025: G300 announced as G280 successor (super-mid)
- Active Production: G500 continues as modern large-cabin Gulfstream
The G500 was developed with a sister aircraft (G600) representing the larger longer-range variant, sharing the same type certificate (GVII).
Industry-First Innovations
The G500 introduced multiple industry-first features:
1. Award-Winning Symmetry Flight Deck
The defining G500 innovation:
- Industry-first active control sidesticks: Replacing traditional yokes
- Award-winning design: Recognized industry-wide
- 10 touch screens: Modern integration
- Industry-leading innovation: Per Gulfstream marketing
2. Active Control Sidesticks
- First in business aviation: Industry milestone
- Replacing traditional control yokes: Modern design
- Active feedback: Pilot ergonomic improvement
- Continues to G600, G700, G800: Established Gulfstream signature
3. Largest Panoramic Windows in Business Aviation
- 14 large oval Gulfstream signature windows: Industry-leading
- Abundant natural light: Premium experience
- Sweeping views of the world: Per Gulfstream
- G500: 14 windows / G600: 14 windows
4. Class-Leading Cabin Altitude
- 3,255 ft cabin altitude at FL410: Industry-leading low altitude
- Reduced passenger fatigue: Significant benefit
- 100% fresh air every 2 minutes: Health-focused
5. Whisper-Quiet Cabin
- Industry distinction: Quiet cabin
- Modern acoustics: Gulfstream cabin engineering
- Premium passenger experience: Standard
6. Personal Device Streaming
- Up to 19 personal devices simultaneously: Modern cabin
- Bring-your-own-device philosophy: Modern standard
- Modern entertainment integration: Standard
7. New Media System
- Allows up to 19 personal devices to stream while in flight: Industry standard
- Cabin Management System via personal devices: Modern
Cabin Interior
The G500 cabin features Gulfstream's premium large-cabin design:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length (Excluding Baggage) | 41 ft 6 in |
| Cabin Width (Finished) | 7 ft 7 in (91 in) |
| Cabin Height (Finished) | 6 ft 2 in (74 in - stand-up flat floor) |
| Cabin Volume | 1,715 cu ft |
| Cabin Windows | 14 panoramic windows (largest in business aviation) |
| Cabin Altitude at FL410 | 3,255 ft |
| Total Baggage | 175 cu ft (internal) |
Standard 13-Passenger Configuration
- Standard 13-Passenger: Various executive layouts
- Up to 19 Passengers: Maximum certified
- 8 Sleeping Accommodations: For overnight missions
- Forward Galley: Standard
- Aft Lavatory: Standard
- Personal devices: Up to 19 streaming
Cabin Features
- Industry's largest panoramic windows: 14 standard
- 3,255 ft cabin altitude at FL410: Class-leading
- 100% fresh air every 2 minutes: Health-focused
- Whisper-quiet cabin: Industry distinction
- Personal device streaming (19 devices): Modern
- Bespoke interior configurations: Standard
- 6 ft 2 in stand-up flat floor: Premium
- +7 in extra legroom between seats: Vs predecessor
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | Mach 0.925 (matches G650ER) |
| Long-Range Cruise | Mach 0.85 |
| Range at Mach 0.85 (8 pax + 3 crew NBAA IFR) | 5,300 nm |
| Range at Mach 0.90 (8 pax + 3 crew NBAA IFR) | 4,800 nm |
| Service Ceiling | FL510 (51,000 ft) |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length (MTOW) | 5,300 ft |
| MTOW | 79,600 lb |
Typical Mission Examples
- New York to London (3,000 nm) - very comfortable
- Los Angeles to London (5,400 nm) - achievable with favorable winds
- Istanbul to Cape Town (~5,200 nm) - achievable
- San Francisco to Tokyo (~5,150 nm) - achievable
- New York to Paris (3,160 nm) - very comfortable
- Coast-to-coast U.S.: Workhorse capability with substantial reserves
Engines
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW814GA turbofan engines, each producing 15,144 lbf of thrust (combined 30,288 lbf).
Key features:
- PW800 family: Same family used on Gulfstream G600 (PW815GA) and Falcon 6X (PW812D)
- Modern reliability: Established proven family
- Modern fuel efficiency: Per class
- Established support network: Pratt & Whitney Canada worldwide
Avionics: Symmetry Flight Deck
Award-winning industry-leading avionics:
- Active control sidesticks: Industry-first
- 10 touch screens: Modern integration
- Award-winning design: Per Gulfstream
- Modern flight management: Integrated
- FANS, CPDLC, ADS-B: All standard
- Synthetic vision: Standard
- Optional HUD with EVS: Heads-up capability
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~570 gph) | $4,000 to $5,100 |
| Engine Reserve | $1,200 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $1,200 |
| Misc Variable | $500 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$6,900 to $8,000/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $4.0 to $4.5 million all-in.
Pricing
| Year Range | Pre-Owned Price |
|---|---|
| 2023 to 2025 G500 (Current) | $40,000,000 to $45,000,000 |
| 2020 to 2022 G500 | $36,000,000 to $42,000,000 |
| 2018 to 2019 G500 (Early Production) | $32,000,000 to $38,000,000 |
Original list price (October 2014 launch): $43,500,000.
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Replacement for Gulfstream G450 Operators: Direct successor
- Transcontinental and Transatlantic Operations: 5,300 nm range
- Operators Valuing Symmetry Flight Deck: Industry-leading
- Cabin Comfort Priority: 3,255 ft cabin altitude, 14 panoramic windows
- Gulfstream Brand Operators: Premium positioning
Less suited if:
- You need 6,500+ nm range (consider G600, G650ER, G700, or G800)
- You require single-pilot certification (not certified)
- You want smaller super-midsize (consider G400 or G300)
- You need ultra-long-range performance (consider G700 or G800)
- You require lowest acquisition cost in class
Pros and Cons
What the G500 Does Well
- 5,300 nm range at Mach 0.85
- 4,800 nm at Mach 0.90
- Mach 0.925 max cruise (matches G650ER)
- FL510 service ceiling
- 14 panoramic windows (largest in business aviation)
- 41'6" cabin length
- 6'2" stand-up flat floor
- 1,715 cu ft cabin volume
- 175 cu ft baggage
- 3,255 ft cabin altitude at FL410 (class-leading)
- Industry-first active control sidesticks
- Award-winning Symmetry Flight Deck
- Whisper-quiet cabin
- Personal device streaming (19 devices)
- 79,600 lb MTOW
- Pratt & Whitney Canada PW814GA engines
- Gulfstream worldwide service network
- 100% fresh air every 2 minutes
Tradeoffs to Understand
- $43.5M+ list price substantial
- 5,300 nm less than G600's 6,500 nm
- Two-pilot operation required
- New aircraft from 2018 (limited resale history)
- Active control sidesticks require pilot retraining
- Less range than G650ER/G700/G800
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the G500 different from the G450?
The G500 is the modernized successor to the G450 with substantially improved capability across virtually every metric. The G500 has: more powerful PW814GA engines (vs PW306 family), Mach 0.925 max cruise (vs Mach 0.88), 5,300 nm range, 14 panoramic windows (vs 12 smaller), Symmetry Flight Deck with active control sidesticks, 3,255 ft cabin altitude at FL410 (class-leading), and modern Gulfstream signature features. The G500 is a clean-sheet design vs the G450 derivative.
How is the G500 different from the G600?
The G600 is the larger longer-range variant of the G500 (same GVII type certificate). Key differences: G600 has 6,500 nm range (vs G500's 5,300 nm), 8 ft wider wingspan, 10,000 lb more useable fuel, PW815GA engines (vs G500's PW814GA), 45'2" cabin length (vs 41'6"), 1,884 cu ft cabin volume (vs 1,715 cu ft), and 22 world speed records achieved at 600 knots. Both share the same Symmetry Flight Deck.
How is the G500 different from the G700?
The Gulfstream G700 is the ultra-long-range successor to the G650. The G700 is substantially larger and has greater range (7,500 nm vs G500's 5,300 nm), more powerful engines, larger cabin, and entry into service in 2024. The G500 is positioned in the large-cabin segment; the G700 is in ultra-long-range.
How far can a G500 fly?
The Gulfstream G500 has a maximum range of 5,300 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 long-range cruise (or 4,800 nm at Mach 0.90), with 8 passengers, 3 crew, and NBAA IFR reserves.
Is the G500 single-pilot certified?
No. The G500 requires two pilots.
What engines power the G500?
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW814GA turbofan engines, each producing 15,144 lbf of thrust. The PW800 family also powers the G600 (PW815GA) and Falcon 6X (PW812D).
What is the Symmetry Flight Deck?
The Symmetry Flight Deck is Gulfstream's award-winning avionics suite, featuring industry-first active control sidesticks (replacing traditional control yokes) and 10 touch screen displays. It provides modern integrated flight management with synthetic vision, FANS/CPDLC/ADS-B standard, and optional HUD with EVS. The Symmetry Flight Deck is also used on the G600, G700, and G800.
What are active control sidesticks?
Active control sidesticks are Gulfstream's industry-first replacement for traditional control yokes/wheels. Unlike passive sidesticks (which exist on Airbus aircraft), active sidesticks provide tactile feedback to the pilot and synchronize between the captain and first officer. This represents a significant ergonomic and operational advancement in business aviation flight control design.
The Bottom Line
The Gulfstream G500 represents the modernized large-cabin Gulfstream platform, delivering 5,300 nm range, Mach 0.925 max cruise (matching the G650ER), industry-first active control sidesticks (award-winning Symmetry Flight Deck), 14 panoramic windows (largest in business aviation), and class-leading 3,255 ft cabin altitude at FL410. As the modern replacement for the G450, the G500 establishes Gulfstream's strategic direction with PW800-family engines, clean-sheet design, and innovative cabin features. With FAA certification July 20, 2018 and active production continuing, the G500 represents proven modern Gulfstream technology. At current pre-owned pricing of $32M to $45M (vs $43.5M original list), the G500 offers substantial value for operators wanting Gulfstream large-cabin capability with transcontinental and transatlantic range.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for Gulfstream G500 market intelligence and acquisition guidance.
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Book a Gulfstream G500 on the Quantum Jets App by AVIA Technologies
The Quantum Jets mobile app, built by AVIA Technologies, is the private jet charter marketplace app for the Gulfstream G500 and the rest of the Quantum Jets catalog. The Quantum Jets app is available as an iOS app on the Apple App Store and as an Android app on Google Play. Whether the goal is a one-off jet charter, recurring private jet rental, a private jet card program, or a deeper engagement spanning aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, aircraft leasing, or aircraft sales, the Quantum Jets app surfaces live Gulfstream G500 availability and routes the booking through the Quantum Jets brokerage team.
AVIA Technologies is the technology platform behind the Quantum Jets mobile app. The AVIA Technologies app powers the private jet charter marketplace experience: search the catalog, compare a Gulfstream G500 against alternatives in the same tier, pull live pricing, request a charter quote, schedule aircraft maintenance, list a Gulfstream G500 for jet sales, manage a fleet under aircraft management or private jet management, and execute a private jet card purchase, all from one private jet app. The Quantum Jets app and the AVIA Technologies app share the same backend so client data, trip history, and aircraft preferences carry across both surfaces.
Download the Quantum Jets app on the Apple App Store (iOS app) or Google Play (Android app), then search the Gulfstream G500 to start booking. The Quantum Jets mobile app is the fastest path from research to booking for any private jet, jet charter, private jet rental, or private jet charter marketplace transaction in the Quantum Jets catalog. AVIA Technologies maintains the private jet charter marketplace app on a continuous deployment schedule with new aircraft, new operators, and refined private jet management tooling shipping every release.
Gulfstream G500 Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Gulfstream G500 operators and prospective owners across the full lifecycle of private jet ownership. Whether the goal is jet charter for a one-off trip, a private jet rental for a busy season, or a private jet charter program tied to a recurring travel pattern, our team builds the right structure around the Gulfstream G500 for the mission.
For buyers, our aircraft purchase and jet purchase advisory walks through inspection, valuation, financing, and closing. Jet sales and aircraft sales clients work with our team to position the Gulfstream G500 for the strongest possible exit, with market intelligence on every comparable transaction. A private jet card program through Quantum Jets is a lower-commitment way to access Gulfstream G500-class lift without a full aircraft purchase, and is structured to credit toward a future jet purchase when the time is right.
Once an aircraft is in hand, aircraft management and jet management at Quantum Jets cover crew, scheduling, regulatory compliance, charter revenue programs, and detailed reporting. Private jet management is structured to keep the Gulfstream G500 flying safely and profitably with minimum owner overhead. Aircraft maintenance is coordinated through manufacturer-authorized service centers, and aircraft refurbishment programs (interior, paint, avionics, connectivity) are managed end-to-end so the Gulfstream G500 retains residual value over its operating life.
Fractional jet programs are available for Gulfstream G500-class travelers who want guaranteed access without sole ownership. Aircraft lease and aircraft leasing arrangements (operating, finance, dry, wet) are structured to match the operator's hours, geography, and balance sheet. The Gulfstream G500 fits naturally into all of these structures, and Quantum Jets handles the structuring, documentation, and lifecycle service so the owner can focus on flying.
If you are evaluating a Gulfstream G500 for purchase, charter, lease, fractional access, management, refurbishment, or sale, talk to a Quantum Jets broker for a custom market scan and pre-buy diligence.
Related Aircraft Guides:
- Gulfstream G450: Direct Predecessor (Replaced by G500)
- Gulfstream G600: Larger Longer-Range Sibling (Same GVII Type)
- Gulfstream G400: Smaller GVII Variant (Announced October 2022)
- Gulfstream G700: Ultra-Long-Range Successor to G650 Family
- Gulfstream G650ER: Ultra-Long-Range Predecessor (Active Production)
The Gulfstream G500 is currently in active production. New aircraft available through Gulfstream Aerospace; pre-owned through authorized brokers. Specifications accurate as of 2026.