Summary
- Ross’s G550 has a range of 6,750 miles, seats up to 19, and cruises at Mach 0.925 (610mph).
- Rick Ross customized his jet’s look with black and gold paintwork and luxury interior features.
- Private jet ownership isn’t just a luxury for Ross – it’s a strategic business move for productivity.
Rapper and entrepreneur Rick Ross has recently made news in the aviation world by acquiring a private jet—his customized Gulfstream G550, dubbed “Maybach Air.” This luxurious aircraft allows Ross and his entourage to travel in style while showcasing his opulent lifestyle and business acumen.
The G550 aircraft
Ross’s jet is a 2012 Gulfstream G550, registered as N676AS. The G550 is a popular long-range business jet known for its impressive capabilities:
- Range: Over 6,750 nautical miles.
- Passenger capacity: Up to 19 (Ross’s configuration seats 18).
- Cruise speed: Mach 0.885 (610 mph).
Photo: Duncan Aviation
The G550 enables Ross to fly nonstop between major global cities like London, Tokyo, and Dubai without refueling. It is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofan engines, which provide the necessary thrust for its impressive performance.
For those unfamiliar with Rick Ross, he was born William Leonard Roberts II on January 28, 1976, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Ross is an influential American rapper and record executive.
Customization and appearance
True to his larger-than-life persona, Rick Ross spared no expense in customizing his jet’s appearance. He enlisted Duncan Aviation, a leading business jet maintenance and customization company, to create a striking new livery.
The Gulfstream G550’s fuselage paint scheme now includes a black and gold scheme, with “RICK RO$$” emblazoned in reflective gold lettering along the aircraft sides and the Maybach Music Group logo on the tail.
This custom paintjob transformed the previously plain white exterior with thin green, blue, and red stripes into a bold statement piece that perfectly represents Ross’s brand.
Interior luxury
While many jet owners keep their interiors private, Ross has given fans glimpses of the lavish cabin through social media. Some notable features include:
- A fully equipped airborne kitchen
- Luxury leather seating
- Automated tables that fold out from the armrests
- Custom Louis Vuitton blankets and Rick Ross pillows
- Automated window shades.
The G550’s cabin is efficiently designed, with a total length of 15.27 meters, width of 2.13 meters, and height of 1.83 meters, totaling a cabin volume of 47.26 cubic meters. This spacious interior allows for various seating configurations and can accommodate sleeping arrangements for up to eight passengers.
One of the G550’s most striking features is the large, oval-shaped windows throughout the cabin. These not only make the interior feel more spacious but also contribute to passenger well-being by allowing an abundance of natural light.
The “$5 billion” confusion
When unveiling the jet, Ross referred to it as a “5 billion dollar play,” leading to confusion about its actual cost. However, this was likely just Ross’s way of emphasizing its importance to his future business endeavors.
In reality, a G550 typically costs between $15-20 million, not accounting for the cost of customization.
Image: JetSpy
Business benefits for Ross
Owning a private jet isn’t just about luxury—it’s a strategic business move. The flexibility and privacy afforded by private air travel allow him to attend multiple meetings or events in different cities on the same day and to conduct sensitive business discussions in flight without privacy concerns. He can also travel with his team and equipment, simplifying logistics for performances and appearances.
Photo: Kevin Porter | Shutterstock
It may come as no surprise that the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) found that private jet users are 20% more productive in the air than commercial airline passengers. This increased productivity can translate into significant financial gains and business development opportunities for someone like Rick Ross.
Environmental Considerations
While private jets offer unparalleled convenience, they also face scrutiny for their environmental impact. A typical private jet might emit significantly more CO2 per passenger than commercial flights. As environmental concerns grow, it will be interesting to see how celebrities like Ross address this aspect of private jet ownership in the future.
Comparison to Other Celebrity Jets
Rick Ross isn’t the only celebrity to own a G550. Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan are also members of the G550 owner’s club. Jordan’s G550, worth over $60 million, features a private bathroom, bedroom, cigar bar, and ample range for long-haul trips.
Kim Kardashian recently purchased a Gulfstream G650ER, nicknamed ‘Kim Air,’ for $95 million (though she spent $150 million after design and renovations. The G650ER is a longer-range variant of the original Gulfstream GV.
Future aircraft plans
Ross has mentioned that he plans to add more jets to his fleet. Given the impressive makeover he gave his Gulfstream G550, aviation enthusiasts and Rick Ross fans alike can look forward to more surprises in the future.
Rick Ross’s Maybach Air represents an ideal blend of luxury, business acumen, and personal branding. As the rapper continues to expand his empire, this customized Gulfstream G550 will undoubtedly play a significant role in his jet-setting lifestyle and business operations. From its striking exterior to its opulent interior, the aircraft is a flying testament to Ross’s success and ambition. As he jets around the skies in his personalized jet, Ross will continue to define what it means to travel in style.