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With a total of over 1000 cabin-class examples built since 1968, Gulfstream is clearly the dominant player in the long-range and ultra-long-range arena. Gulfstreams enjoy the flexibility of interior layout that affords an owner a choice of forward or aft galleys. The forward galley configuration allows for greater privacy in the cabin during cruise, even though they are not as common as the aft galley configuration.

The Gulfstream signature oval windows induce greater ambient cabin light and enhance the cabin appeal. These jets place perennially in first place for service and support around the world and are very payload capable.

The earlier GIV’s were given a payload ( gross weight ) boost as a result of overly ambitious interior outfitting. However, the successor, the GIVSP, does not have any noticeable performance / range advantage.

Buyers could ( as a number of Aviatrade clients have done ) opt to acquire a GIV and re-outfit with a lightweight interior using materials / components that were not available in the late ’80’s. However, if vintage is an important consideration, the GIVSP later models ( and the GIVEP ) are preferred for their overall improvements.

The latest iteration, the G450, has later digital avionics that create more space forward of the cabin door and reduce basic weight. The G450 also has approximately 200-250nm additonal range, somewhere in the region of 9.5-9.75 hrs if flown properly.

The Gulfstream GV was the quantum leap in range capability in 1995 and has been succeeded by the G550 ( the GVSP was the previous model name of the G550 ). Oddly enough, although the GV is capable of some 13 hours non-stop, the average stage length for the GV is a mere 2.5 hours.

The G550 advances the GV capabilities and mirrors the same improvements as the G450 over the GIVSP. The tweaking of the range capability matches the competition but is not a significant improvement in terms of city pairs on a consistent basis.

The G650 will enter service in 2012. This latest Gulfstream offering will yet again raise the bar for avionics sophistication, cabin amenities and volume, performance and range in the ultra-long-range segment of the business aircraft marketplace.

There is a definite and not unsurprising split in the Gulfstream market. The earlier Spey-engined models, (GII, GIIB, GIII) are all destined for retirement when they reach the end of their present engine and major inspection lives. More-or-less 25% of current fleet available. Great value if a buyer can identify a Spey-engined Gulfstream with fresh engines/inspections, but must have deep pockets for the operating costs.

GIV’s have not recovered their pricing with 25% fleet (32 Gulfstream IV’s) availability and maintenance costs for the older 1986-90 models becoming very expensive. A good deal if a buyer is looking for dependable long-range cabin-class transportation but these Gulfstream IV’s require intensive scrutiny prior to acquisition.

GIVSP’s have seen a slight rebound with only 5% fleet availability and pricing in the $12-15MM range

GV’s are by far the best value in the Gulfstream marketplace and their relative scarcity confirms this opinion. Only five GV’s for sale but pricing still not pushing beyond mid-$20MM’s

G450’s remain scarce and asking prices are probably too inflated to look for acquisitions at this time. Aviatrade believes that G450’s are precariously positioned if we have economic problems. G550’s are slightly more available with eleven listed…however, some of these G550’s would be difficult deals because of the various broker/owner ‘agendas’.

The G200 remains a mystery with a sudden scarcity in late model availability and a commensurate marked reversal of pricing. Aviatrade has recently contracted a 2009 model and is looking for another late model. However, the asking prices for the off-market G200’s has risen by $1-2MM. We don’t believe that this is sustainable.