The Gulfstream G600 aircraft can now enter service with production and subsequent deliveries of the new plane now getting well underway. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given the G600 both certificates needed, the type certificate and the production certificate. The type certificate is a confirmation that the plane is compliant with all the relevant safety regulations. The production certificate is to confirm that the manufacturers processes and quality management systems meet the required standards set by the FAA.
Two certificates on one day
Both certificates for the Gulfstream G600 have been handed over on the same day. This seems to be a trend with the Gulfstream aircraft, with both the G550 and the G500 also receiving dual certification on the same day, in 2003 and 2018 respectively.
Qatar Executive is purchasing the G600
In 2015, Doha based Qatar Executive placed an order with Gulfstream to the tune of $1.5 billion. The deal includes 30 aircraft, some of which will be the new G600.
Gulfstream G600 vs G550: what’s the difference?
The new G600 is the unofficial replacement for the G550, so what exactly are the differences between these two Gulfstream aircraft?
External size wise, there is very little in it and both seat up to 19 passengers. When it comes to price, there is a more substantial difference. The list price of the G550 is $61.5 million while the G600 is coming in at $54.5 million. There’s no getting away from the fact that buying a brand new aircraft is going to be a very expensive business, but when you can choose the G600 over the G550 and save $7 million, that’s going to make this a very attractive jet.
The size of the aircraft may look identical from the outside, but when you step into the cabin, the difference is far more marked. The G600 is 2ft 2 inches longer and 7 inches wider than the G550 and it makes a big difference. It feels much more spacious and is the more comfortable of the two jets. The feeling of space is amplified by the panoramic windows which are the largest windows ever to be fitted in an aircraft.The G600 has also been designed with configurability in mind. There are options for a conference area, an entertainment space, a shower and you can even fit in a double bed.
There’s just one aspect where the G600 doesn’t win out over the G550 and that’s range. The G600 has a maximum flying distance of 7134 miles, the G550 has a longer range at 7767 miles, however in reality, this will have little impact as they are both very capable of flying the routes they’ll be used for.
Emily is an avid writer with a passion for the travel industry. She also loves learning and writing about nutrition and healthy living. Emily is based in the UK.
