How Much Is a G5 Private Jet?

A new G5 (Gulfstream G550) costs $50–60M; used models range from $14M–38M. It flies 6,750 NM and burns ~500 gallons/hour. Annual costs hit $2–3M. Learn about fuel, crew, hangar, heat risks, resale value, and why buyers hate pricing opacity.

The Gulfstream G550, known more casually as the G5, is a long-range business tool engineered for global reach, nonstop flexibility, and a level of comfort unmatched in most commercial aviation cabins. 

Whether you’re a corporate flight department, a high-net-worth family, or a seasoned entrepreneur considering aviation assets, understanding the real economics of the G550 will help you fly smarter, not just farther.

G5 Pricing Breakdown

Photo: N988JC Gulfstream G550.

How much is a G5 private jet, really?

A factory-fresh Gulfstream G550 typically ranges from $50 million to $60 million, depending on avionics packages, cabin layout, and custom finishes. Buyers often select bespoke woodwork, touchscreen controls, and in-flight entertainment tailored to personal or corporate branding.

Pre-Owned Market

Models from 2005 to 2020 trade hands for $14 million to $38 million. Pricing depends on several factors, including:

• Total flight hours and engine cycles
• Time since last major inspection
• Interior refurbishment history
• Connectivity upgrades and avionics refresh

Why the Price Swings?

The variation comes down to three things: airframe hours, cabin configuration, and maintenance documentation. An aircraft with 8,000 hours but no major cabin upgrades may cost less than a newer one with full records, top-tier wood finishes, and recent avionics. Buyers pay a premium for jets that are “turnkey”, ready to fly with no deferred maintenance or required upgrades.

Operating Costs, What It Takes to Keep a G5 Airborne

Owning a G5 means budgeting for more than just the price tag. Annual operating costs hover between $2 and $3 million, covering fuel, staff, maintenance, and storage.

Breakdown:

• Fuel: $1 million/year. A G550 burns around 400–500 gallons/hour, making fuel your biggest expense.
• Crew Salaries: ~$400,000/year. Two professional pilots, plus a rotating flight attendant, if preferred.
• Maintenance: $750,000–$1 million/year. Includes scheduled checks, parts replacement, and optional programs like CAMP.
• Insurance: $30,000–$100,000/year. Influenced by hull value, international operations, and your flight history.
• Hangarage: $3,000–$8,000/month. Rates vary by location. Expect the high end in cities like LA, NY, or London.

Unlike fractional ownership or charter, full ownership means full responsibility, for the jet, the crew, and the logistics. That’s why many turn to companies like FlyUSA, where maintenance, crew scheduling, and operations are handled in-house.

Flight Capabilities: Range, Altitude, and Flight Time

The G550 was designed for ultra-long-range missions without sacrificing agility or cabin altitude comfort.

• Range: 6,750 nautical miles. Easily connects NY to Tokyo or LA to London without refueling.
• Cruise Altitude: Up to 51,000 feet. Allows the jet to fly above weather and commercial traffic lanes.
• Flight Time: 12–14 hours nonstop. Ideal for nonstop transoceanic routes and global executive missions.
• Popular Routes:
  • New York to Tokyo
  • LA to London
  • Dubai to New York

For many owners, it’s not just about luxury, it’s about time regained. When your board meeting in Zurich follows a client dinner in Los Angeles, there’s no room for connection delays.

Charter Rates vs. Ownership Costs

If full ownership isn’t the goal, chartering or jet cards may offer flexibility at a lower threshold, but it comes at a premium per hour.

• Charter Rate: $7,000–$10,000/hour. Price fluctuates based on route, availability, and seasonal demand.
• Jet Cards: $150,000–$250,000 for 25-hour blocks. Predictable access, but limited customization and less availability during peak times.
• Ownership Breakeven: ~300 hours/year. If you fly fewer than 250 hours annually, charter or jet card access may be more cost-effective. Cross that line, and ownership starts to make financial sense.

What Impacts Your Price Tag?

No two G550 jets are priced the same, and customization plays a major role in that spread. Beyond airframe hours and maintenance history, how the cabin is finished and how the jet looks on the ramp can swing the final number by millions.

Cabin Layout & Materials: Cabin zones, seating arrangements, and materials, think hand-stitched leather, hardwood veneers, and smart lighting, can influence both initial pricing and resale value. A four-zone layout with enclosed bedroom and lavatory will cost more than a basic two-zone setup.

Exterior Paint Jobs and Heat Risk: We’ve seen clients fall in love with deep-black or dark-gray liveries. While visually striking, these paint jobs come with hidden risks. During summer ramp parking, cabin temps can spike beyond 130°F (55°C). This level of heat stress has led to:

• Melted adhesives behind interior panel
• Sagging ultraleather surfaces
• Premature wear on electronics and sensors

Cosmetic mods like repainting or aftermarket avionics can sometimes void manufacturer warranties or conflict with approved service programs. We advise buyers to verify warranty terms before approving non-OEM upgrades, especially on aircraft still under factory support or maintenance programs.

What Buyers Hate: Hidden Costs & Transparency Gaps

If you’ve ever tried to price a G550 online, you’ve probably hit a wall. Most sites force you to fill out a form or schedule a call before quoting a number, and even then, the numbers vary wildly.

• Why Pricing Isn’t Public: Each jet is unique in condition and configuration. Pricing is a byproduct of a highly fragmented private market. Still, for prospective buyers and charter clients, it feels opaque.
• The Trust Gap: Some brokers are known to advertise unavailable aircraft just to draw interest. Once you call, you’re redirected to another jet, one that may cost more or have fewer amenities. This bait-and-switch tactic erodes trust and complicates the decision-making process.
• Why No Pricing Calculator Exists: The short answer is that every route, every crew, every tax jurisdiction adds variables. While rough estimates can help, accurate quotes require operator-specific data, hangar availability, and flight schedules.

Comparing G5 vs G6 (G650)

Photo: N773MJ Gulfstream G650.

The G550’s successor, the G650, brings performance upgrades, but at a premium. If you’re comparing how much a G5 private jet costs versus a G6, here’s what you need to know:

Feature	Gulfstream G550 (G5)	Gulfstream G650 (G6)
Price Range	$14M–$60M	$25M–$75M+
Max Range	6,750 NM	7,500 NM
Max Cruise Speed	Mach 0.88	Mach 0.925
Tech	PlaneView cockpit	G650-specific Symmetry Avionics
Cabin Space	4-zone	Larger cabin, more width

A G650 may be worth the jump if you fly intercontinental weekly, require the latest tech or larger cabins, and prioritize resale value or buyer interest in 10+ years. Otherwise, the G550 still delivers 90% of the experience at a significantly reduced cost.

Worries and Warnings From Actual Owners

Beneath the luxury of a G550 lies a set of concerns that can surprise first-time owners, especially those not working with a full-service aviation partner.

• Parts Availability for Older G5s: As some G550s approach two decades of service, sourcing certified parts becomes a challenge. A minor repair can turn into a multi-week grounding due to logistics, customs delays, or part backorders. Without an experienced maintenance team, downtime can spiral.
• Heat Damage from Cosmetic Mods: Jet aesthetics are powerful, but dark exterior paint jobs can introduce real risks. Heat retention has led to cabin adhesives melting and interior panels warping. In some cases, heat-sensitive sensors have failed, impacting avionics.
• Unexpected Insurance Surprises: International flight coverage, liability tiers, and hull value adjustments can push insurance costs well beyond expectations, especially for those unfamiliar with global policy structures.

• Grey Market Maintenance Risks: Seeking cheaper international servicing can introduce non-OEM parts or uncertified labor, raising both safety and resale concerns. A jet is only as reliable as the records behind it.
• Shared Jet Costs: Worth It? Some owners explore shared G550 ownership to cut costs. While feasible, it requires trust, aligned schedules, and tight legal agreements. Without expert management, it often leads to conflicts over usage, maintenance, and cost-sharing logistics.

At FlyUSA, our clients avoid these pitfalls through complete operational oversight, from sourcing and acquisition to certified maintenance and transparent cost management.

Who Should Buy a G5 Jet?

Photo: N173NY Gulfstream G550.

The G550 is for executives who view time as currency, and families who travel globally with no margin for error.

• It’s ideal for companies needing nonstop international reach and onboard productivity.
• It’s not a match for infrequent fliers under 150 hours per year, where charter or jet cards often make more sense.
• It’s best for those who value control, consistency, and a professional support system backing every mile.

Buying a G5 is about unlocking freedom, efficiency, and autonomy in every leg you fly.

Ready for Liftoff? Here’s How FlyUSA Helps

If you’re serious about buying or operating a G5, the real question is peace of mind.

FlyUSA was built by pilots, engineers, and aviation pros who manage the entire flight lifecycle, so you never have to guess, gamble, or go it alone.

Here’s how we help you fly smarter:

• Transparent Ownership Planning: We break down the total cost of acquisition and operations, tailored to your actual flight hours and goals.
• Fleet & Maintenance Management: From 24/7 aircraft tracking to proactive inspections, we manage every operational detail.
• On-Demand Charter Solutions: Not ready to own? Tap into our managed fleet and fly G-class aircraft with guaranteed availability, no guesswork, no gimmicks.

Your journey should feel as smooth on the ground as it does at 51,000 feet.

Let’s make private aviation effortless. 

👉Contact FlyUSA today to explore how a G5 fits into your flight plan.