The Gulfstream G450 entered production in October 2004. Twelve years later, its reliability, performance, and value continue to impress those in the aviation industry, and it remains a leader in its class. Here is a breakdown of the costs you should expect to incur, if you choose to own and operate a Gulfstream G450.
History
The G450 replaced the G400 in the Gulfstream line up. The G400 had grown out of the Gulfstream IV (GIV), which first entered service in 1987 and set several world records in its class.
Purchase Prices
A new Gulfstream G450 will currently cost between $38m to $43m. A pre-owned model will typically cost anywhere in the $14m to $35m range. A model built between 2006 and 2009 can be found for approximately $15m, while a newer model, from 2011 or thereabouts is typically in the $20m to $25m range. Prices of pre-owned aircraft will vary according to age, use, maintenance, records, and the level of upkeep.
Cabin
The main cabin is 45ft 1 in (13.74m) in length, or 40ft 4in (12.29m) excluding baggage space, with a height of 6ft 2in (1.88m). It can carry up to 19 passengers and can sleep up to 6, depending on the internal configuration. The cabin is spacious enough for 3 living areas, 2 bathrooms, and a full galley.
A satellite phone, wireless local network, and multifunction printer are all standard, as is the 7-channel Honeywell satellite communications system. Advanced sound suppression reduces cabin noise by an additional 18%, compared to the aircraft’s predecessors, while the specially-designed oval windows double the amount of natural light in the cabin (as compared to comparable aircraft in its class). The designers of the Gulfstream G450 have also optimized fresh air circulation and cabin pressure in a way that reduces in-flight fatigue, thereby ensuring that you will reach your destination feeling refreshed and productive.
Specs
The Gulfstream G450 operates with two Rolls-Royce Tay Mk 611-8C engines, each capable of producing 13,850 lb of thrust. The maximum range, based upon 8 passengers, 3 crew, IFR reserves and mach 0.80, is 4,350nm (8,056km). With 14 passengers and accompanying luggage, the range is 3,700nm (6,852km), or the equivalent of flying from Singapore to Dubai. The baggage compartment provides 130 cu ft of space. Takeoff distance is 5,600 ft (SL, ISA, MTOW).
Cockpit
The cockpit uses the Gulfstream PlaneView avionics system, which is based on Honeywells Primus Epic integrated avionics system. The cockpit is equipped with some of the most advanced current technology, including 4 display units, an Enhanced Vision System, and a Head-Up Display. A Synthetic Vision-Primary Flight Display is available as an optional extra.
Cost of Ownership
Here are the costs you should expect with ownership of a Gulfstream G450. All figures used are provided by Conklin and de Decker.
The total cost of ownership per year for a Gulfstream G450 is $4,221,475 including market depreciation of $1,726,000 or $6,810,475 including book depreciation of $4,315,000. The figures below are based on 423 hours of usage per year. Both figures include annual fixed costs of $878,884.
| Cost Type | With Book Depreciation | With Market Depreciation |
| Variable Cost per Year | $1,616,591 | $1,616,591 |
| Fixed Cost per Year | $878,884 | $878,884 |
| Depreciation | $4,315,000 | $1,726,000 |
| Total Annual Costs | $6,810,475 | $4,221,475 |
| Costs per hour | $16,100 | $9,980 |
Fixed Costs per Year
The fixed costs of the Gulfstream G450 consist of crew member salaries and benefits ($427,656), hangar costs ($81,300), insurance (hull $34,520, single limit liability $12,500), recurrent training ($107,200), and aircraft modernization ($33,333). Other costs include refurbishing, aircraft modernization, navigation chart service, computer maintenance program, and weather service. Details are show below:
| Item | Costs |
| Crew Salaries - Captain | $144,000 |
| Crew Salaries - Co Pilot | $108,000 |
| Crew Salaries - Flight Attendant | $76,966 |
| Crew Salaries - Benefits | $98,690 |
| Hangar - Typical | $81,300 |
| Insurance - Hull | $34,520 |
| Insurance - Single Limit Liability | $12,500 |
| Recurrent Training | $107,200 |
| Aircraft Modernization | $33,333 |
| Navigation Chart Service | $18,325 |
| Refurbishing | $154,350 |
| Computer Maintenance Program | $9,000 |
| Weather Service | $700 |
| Total Fixed Cost per Year | $878,884 |
Variable Costs per Year
The variable costs of operating a Gulfstream G450 vary according to the number of hours operated and distance traveled. Assuming 423 operational hours per year, and 175,000 nautical miles traveled, annual variable expenses of $1,616,591 can be expected. The largest of these variable expenses is fuel costs, estimated at $2,280 per hour from a total variable cost of $3,822 per hour. The table below shows the breakdown of variable hourly costs and assumes a fuel price of $4.41 per gallon and a usage of 517 gallons per hour. Maintenance labour charges are assumed to be $105 per hour, with 1.12 maintenance hour required per flight hour. Details are shown below:
| Item | Costs |
| Fuel | $2,280 |
| Maintenance Labor | $118 |
| Parts Airframe/Engine/Avionics | $161 |
| Engine Restoration | $655 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses - Landing/Parking | $89 |
| APU Allowance | $50 |
| Crew Expenses | $307 |
| Supplies/Catering | $162 |
| Total Variable Cost per Hour | $3,822 |
As with any aircraft acquisition, the decision to purchase a Gulfstream G450 as opposed to a fractional aircraft ownership or a jet card should be made after carefully considering your needs and reviewing the alternative options. This article has a step by step guide for buying an aircraft.
(The annual and fixed cost estimates are from Conklin & de Decker of Orleans, MA)
If you are considering Buying a Plane read the SherpaReport
AIRCRAFT BUYING GUIDE
60 pages of insights, data, advice and cost information.
Available as part of SherpaReport membership for $250.
The Guide walks through all the steps in the buying process and compares multiple planes.