The Gulfstream I (GI) the first business aircraft with a turboprop engine built by the leader in the field of business jets took its first flight on 14 Aug. 1958. Its series of long-range jets have become very popular in luxury air travel. At Gulfstream, they say ‘our history defines our future’.

The Gulfstream launched its most recent next-generation jet G500 and G600 in the series. G500 is replacing G450, which will fly almost 30 knots faster and 18% farther with the same amount of fuel and G600 will succeed G550.

Gulfstream G500 is expected to enter the service with their highly-valued customers Qatar Airways and FlexJet in early 2017 – which is whole one year ahead of the initially planned date of 2018. The year 2016 has not been so good so far for the sizeable executive jet manufacturers. Due to the global economic volatility, there has been a slump in this sector, but Gulfstream defying the odds enjoys a $11.5 billion backlog.

The 91 feet long Gulfstream G500 can cruise at a maximum speed of 0.925 Mach (speed of sound) and a maximum cruise altitude of 51,000 feet, and it is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800 engines. The advanced airframe design and powerful engines give the aircraft a range of 5,000 nautical miles/9,260 kilometres at an average speed of Mach 0.85. It has a seating capacity of a max of 19 passengers whereas eight passengers can sleep on board. The arrangement can be modified as per customer needs. Maximum take-off weight of this jet is 76,850 lbs / 34,859 kgs.

The cabin width is 7 feet 11 inches/2.41 meters, and the height is 6 feet 4 inches/1.93 meters, which is designed to the optimal size and shape to offer the best comfort to the passengers on long-haul flights. The uniquely shaped cross-section translates to plentiful elbow and shoulder room for seated passengers. The 27-inch-/68.5-centimeter-wide seats include an articulating footrest. Pedestal-mounted conference tables with adjustable height provide stability for working. And last but not least, it has all the high-tech communication and entertainment equipment on board too, a perfect office or a media room in the sky. Gulfstream is the only aircraft manufacturer in this class to offer the option of a forward or aft galley.

The entire interior can be custom built if needed, G500 standard jet pricing starts at $45 million.