The Gulfstream G600 is a near-supersonic private jet with a high speed of Mach 0.925 (710 MPH, 1142 km/h). Its long-range capability allows it to connect distant cities such as Los Angeles and Shanghai
nonstop
. The aircraft is famous for its skilled crew and advanced avionics systems. The 14 oval-shaped windows and the six-foot-and-two-inch (188 cm) cabin height give a comfortable atmosphere.
The maximum range of the G600 is 6,600 NM (7595 mi, 12,223 km).
According to aircraftcostcalculator.com, the $55 million—
G600
, at six US dollars per gallon fuel cost, generates total variable costs of $2,778,300.00 plus the total fixed costs of $1,189,953.80. Based on 450 annual owner-operated hours, this induces an annual operating budget of $3,968,253, which breaks down to $8,818.34 per hour.
Photo: Gulfstream
On the other hand, guardianjet.com stated that the G600’s annual fixed cost is $1,325,246 and the variable operating costs are $2,089,200 at $6.28 per fuel gallon, charging total expenses of $3,414,446. At the same time, libertyjet.com calculated the operating costs at $2,995,763 based on flying 400 hours/year. Thus, the average operating expense of a G600 is around $3.4 million or $8.600 per flying hour.
The G600 sophisticated design
The
aircraft
has a high safety record and an award-winning interior design. The interior has four living areas to accommodate up to 19 passengers onboard, including sleeping sections, enough for ten passengers. The forward galley configuration with a forward crew compartment provides ample storage space in addition to the forward and aft lavatories cabinets. The cabin features a wool carpet and quality flooring.
Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation is a subsidiary of General Dynamics
, headquartered in Savannah, Georgia. The company produces a range of jet models, including the G400, G500, G650 and G700.
Photo: Newsroom | gulfstreamnews.com
On June 13, 2024, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced its clean sheet of the G500 and G600 surpassed 100,000 flight hours. Pratt & Whitney Canada engines power both aircraft and feature the award-winning Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck, safety-enhancing technology, and touch-screen technology.
A clean sheet design is utilized when modifying existing designs is not feasible or when an aircraft is required to serve different markets in a unique way.
The G600 has received US Federal Aviation Administration approval for steep-approach operations, allowing it to access some of the world’s most challenging airports. With over 260 aircraft in service, the G500 and G600 fleets hold more than 90 city-pair speed records combined.
Total annual costs review
A breakdown of the operational expenses
The initial cost of an aircraft depends not only on the seller’s retail price. The operating costs are crucial when determining the real price of a specific model. The operating costs of an aircraft type are calculated based on variable and fixed costs; these costs differ from aircraft manufacturers, models, and annual flying hours.
The fixed costs include, but are not limited to, crew and salary expenses, hangar charges, jet management, insurance expenses, regulatory fees, and maintenance or inspection. The variable costs are fuel costs, handling charges, irregular maintenance, catering costs, and miscellaneous options. The G600 annual fixed operating cost is $833,195, as the breakdown below details.
Fixed Costs |
Amount |
---|---|
Crew & Salary Expenses |
$456,234 |
Hanger |
$148,900 |
Hull Insurance |
$76,463 |
Liability Insurance |
$45,000 |
Jet Management |
$78,000 |
Others |
$28,598 |
Total Fixed Costs |
$833,195 |
The total variable expenses of the G600, based on 450+ annual flying hours, are $2,778,300. The table below shows the detailed annual expenses based on 200 and 400 flying hours.
Variable Costs |
Flying 200 hours/year |
Flying 400 hours/year |
---|---|---|
Fuel costs $7.23/gal |
$727,338 |
$1,454,676 |
Maintenance |
$105,846 |
$211,692 |
Engine Overhaul |
$191,670 |
$383,339 |
Handling Expenses |
$80,000 |
$160,000 |
Miscellaneous Variable |
$30,000 |
$60,000 |
Total Variable Costs |
$1,134,854 |
$2,269,708 |
The G600 in the jet market
The Dassault
Falcon 8X, with a 6450 NM (7423 mi, 11945 km) range accommodating up to 16 passengers, offers lower total annual operating costs of $2,358,391 or $1,512,989 for 400 or 200 flying hours respectively. While the Bombardier
Global 7500, with a 7700 km (8861 mi, 14260 km) range, accommodating up to 19 passengers, charges $3,110,984 and $2,081,470.
Flying 450+ Hours per Year |
Gulfstream G600 |
BOMBARDIER Global 7500 |
DASSAULT Falcon 8X |
---|---|---|---|
Aircraft Price |
$55,000,000 |
$70,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
Total Fixed Expenses |
$1,189,953 |
$1,261,224 |
$1,199,797 |
Total Variable Expenses |
$2,778,300 |
$3,002,400 |
$2,918,700 |
Annual Operating Costs |
$3,968,253 |
$4,263,624 |
$4,118,497 |
Total Hourly Cost |
$8,818 |
$9,474 |
$9,152 |
The G600 and the
Falcon 8X
offer superior performance and a luxurious travel experience. However, the 8X is more fuel-efficient. The G600 excels in speed, range, and cabin size. The Global 7500
offers a higher selling price and flying range. However, both aircraft can accommodate up to 19 passengers, making the G600 a reliable option if less travel distance is required.
“The G600 earned 35+ world speed records,” Gulfstream
Key to managing the operating costs
The buyer needs to audit these values finely to calculate the accurate aircraft price, especially if it is a preowned aircraft. The buyer must consider these factors before buying an aircraft.
- Aircraft Airworthiness Documents
- Engine Age and conditions
- Maintenance and incident history
- Flying history and storage conditions
- Parts and maintenance services availability
- Insurance Information (if applicable)
However, reducing operating costs can be effective by considering a direct purchase from the owner; leasing it back to a local fixed-base operator FBO can also be profitable. Storing the aircraft in a well-maintained hangar helps protect the aircraft from external damage factors, which will reduce environmental impact, too.
It is also possible to fuel at home, and parts are routinely required in bulk. Remember, competent pilot and crew techniques are always cost—and safety-efficient and reduce wear and tear on components.