Gulfstream G600

Overview & History

The Gulfstream G600 is the sister aircraft to the smaller G500 aircraft. Both aircraft were unveiled in 2014. The pair of aircraft are so popular that in the second quarter of 2017 80% of all Gulfstream orders were for the G500 and G600.

However, the G500 has always been a few steps ahead in the production and development cycle than the G600. While the G500 first flew in mid-2015, the G600 didn’t get airborne until the end of 2016. Furthermore, while the first G500 was developed in September 2018, the first G600 only reached customer hands in August 2019. In December 2020 the first EASA-certified aircraft was delivered to an Austrian operator.

The G600 measures 5 feet longer than the G500 and is also capable of flying 1,300 Nautical Miles further.

The G600 is capable of flying at near supersonic speeds. This has enabled the G600 to earn over 20 speed records, such as flying from Savannah to Geneva in a record breaking 7 hours and 21 minutes. This was made possible by cruising at Mach 0.90. For reference, Mach 1 is the speed of sound. This places the G600 as one of the fastest business jets on the market.

The range of the G600 makes it capable of flying non-stop from New York to Dubai, London to Beijing, and Los Angeles to Shanghai.

An important note – high cruise speeds not only make sure that you arrive at your destination quicker, but it also reduces the aircraft’s flight hours. A lower number of flight hours will, in turn, result in longer periods between scheduled maintenance visits, higher potential aircraft value, and fresher crews.

Gulfstream G600 Performance

The G600 is powered by two rear-mounted Pratt & Whitney PW815GA engines. Each engine is capable of producing up to 15,680 lbs of thrust.

This power is able to push the aircraft into the sky with just 5,700 feet of runway distance.

Additionally, the G600 has a minimum landing distance of 3,100 feet.

In addition to excellent ground performance, Gulfstream has made the G600 perform in the sky as well.

The G600 is able to cruise at 516 knots at a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet.

When optimized for cruising the G600 has a maximum range of 6,600 Nautical Miles (7,595 Miles / 12,223 KM).

Gulfstream G600 Interior

The G600 interior is designed for passengers to relax, work and dine in. The G600 has been designed by Gulfstream to “be the quietest [cabin] in business aviation”. This is hardly surprising as the whole Gulfstream family of aircraft has exceptionally quiet cabins. Additionally, the G600 features Gulfstream’s classic 100% fresh air system. Combine this with the low cabin altitude will ensure that you arrive at your destination refreshed.

Furthermore, Gulfstream has been able to fit in fourteen signature Gulfstream oval windows. These windows are “the largest in business aviation” and drown the interior in natural light. The size and placement of the windows also offer all passengers a fantastic view of the world below.

Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Onboard passengers will be sitting on award-winning seats. These seats blend style, functionality, and comfort all into one. Gulfstream has been able to utilize customer feedback and optimize the proportions of the seat for an ideal fit. Through using precise, computerized machining, Gulfstream has been able to eliminate pressure points for maximum comfort.

The G600 can be configured with up to four living areas. Within the four living areas, there is space for up to 19 passengers and space for up to 10 passengers to sleep.

The G600 is so luxuriously appointed that it has even been awarded the International Yacht & Aviation Design Award.

Cockpit

Upfront, Gulfstream has taken their trademark no-compromise approach to technology and safety. The G600 is equipped with Gulfstream’s innovative Symmetry Flight Deck. Features included are active control sidesticks, ten touch-screen displays, and Phase-of-Flight intelligence. These features all assist in reducing pilot workload, increasing operational efficiency, and increasing safety.

The G600 is also equipped with their Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS). This system allows authorized pilots to land without natural vision in low-visibility conditions. Using this system, therefore, increases access to airports and reduces go-arounds.

Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Gulfstream G600 Charter Cost

Chartering a G600 will take some time and patience in order to find an available aircraft in the right position for your mission.

However, the aircraft is popular and deliveries are consistently being made.

If looking to charter the estimated price per flight hour for a Gulfstream G600 is $10,000. Naturally, this price will vary depending on availability, fuel prices, ground fees, and more.

Purchase Price

The list price of a new Gulfstream G600 is $54.5 million.

The aircraft is extremely popular and so new that finding a pre-owned aircraft is unlikely to be an option for some time.