Gulfstream G550 vs Bombardier Global 6500 vs G600

How does the pre-owned Gulfstream G550 compare with the in-production Bombardier Global 6500 and the Gulfstream G600? What are the advantages offered by each model? Mike Chase analyses the performance and productivity parameters.

Mike Chase  |  02nd May 2022
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Mike Chase
Mike Chase

Michael Chase owns Chase & Associates, an aviation consulting firm specialized in industry product...

Over the following paragraphs we’ll consider key productivity parameters for the Gulfstream G550, Bombardier Global 6500 and Gulfstream G600 (including payload, range, speed, and cabin size) to establish which aircraft provides value, and to whom, in the Ultra-Long-Range and Large Cabin business jet market.

How much more performance do the newer business jets offer over the out-of-production Gulfstream G550? And why has there been such a large increase in used sale transactions for the Gulfstream G550? It is hoped that the following jet comparison will help clarify.

Gulfstream G550

The Gulfstream G550 traces its roots to the 6,500nm range Gulfstream GV which was the first Ultra-Long-Range & Large Cabin business jet produced. GV deliveries began in 1995.

The aircraft proved a hit with the market, and two new models followed, including the Gulfstream G550 in 2003 and the G500 in 2004. For several years, the G550 was Gulfstream’s flagship model until the even longer-range G650 was introduced. Gulfstream G550 production ended in 2021, but not before Gulfstream had delivered 608 units around the world. Just two G550s had been retired at the time of writing. 

By continent, North America housed the largest G550 fleet percentage (70%), followed by Asia (14%) and Europe (11%), accounting for a combined total of 95% of the world’s fleet, per JETNET data.

Bombardier Global 6500

The Bombardier Global 6500 is a relatively new member of the Global family of business jets, having received FAA certification in 2019. Offering a range of 6,636 nautical miles, and providing a high level of cabin comfort, the aircraft features a re-designed wing and new Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 engines to achieve the range and a top speed of Mach 0.9.

The cockpit on the Global 6500 aircraft is the first in the industry to offer a true combined vision system, seamlessly merging enhanced and synthetic vision images in a single view on the head-up display.

There were 38 wholly owned Bombardier Global 6500 business jets in operation, and two in fractional ownership, giving a total of 40 jets in operation worldwide at the time of writing. By continent, North America had the largest fleet share (50%), followed by Europe (26%) and Asia (21%), for a combined total of 97%, per JETNET data.

Gulfstream G600

Like the Global 6500, the Gulfstream G600 is also fairly new to market, having entered service in 2019, replacing the Gulfstream G550. Powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney PW815GA engines the G600 can reach a maximum speed of Mach 0.925.

The cockpit is equipped with the intelligence-by-wire flight system that provides highly calibrated flight controls, auto throttles and autobrakes to ensure peak engine performance and smoother, safer landings. Meanwhile, the aircraft's EVS is linked to a head-up display.

As of this writing 68 Gulfstream G600 business jets were wholly owned, and one was in shared ownership, making a total of 69 jets in operation worldwide. According to JETNET data, North America had the largest fleet percentage (80%), followed by Europe (11%) and Asia (5%).

Gulfstream G550 in flight over coastal region
How much do the jets cost?
Gulfstream G550
$54.5 m
Gulfstream G600
$58.5 m
Bombardier Global 6500
$56 m
What is the payload?
Gulfstream G550
5,800 lbs
Gulfstream G600
6,540 lbs
Bombardier Global 6500
5,700 lbs
How many Passengers
Gulfstream G550
16
Gulfstream G600
16
Bombardier Global 6500
13
What is the range?
Gulfstream G550
6,708 nm
Gulfstream G600
6,630 nm
Bombardier Global 6500
6,636 nm
What's the long range cruising speed
Gulfstream G550
459 knots
Gulfstream G600
488 knots
Bombardier Global 6500
488 knots
What's the cost per hour
Gulfstream G550
US$3,115
Gulfstream G600
US$3,411
Bombardier Global 6500
US$3,240

Read More About: Large Jets | Gulfstream | Bombardier Global

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Mike Chase

Mike Chase

Editor, Aircraft Comparisons

Michael Chase owns Chase & Associates, an aviation consulting firm specialized in industry product and market research in the Commercial & Business Aviation sectors.

With over five decades of extensive experience, Michael has worked as a director of special projects for JETNET, LLC; served as Senior Management Consultant for Sabre Holding; and was Director of Market & Sales Research for Gulfstream Aerospace, leading sales and product research, including feasibility and viability studies.


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