Gulfstream has delivered its 600th G550 since the large-cabin, ultra-long-range twinjet entered service 16 years ago. The delivery to the customer was celebrated at the airframer’s Brunswick, Georgia completions and maintenance facility.

Debuting the OEM’s PlaneView flight deck with its enhanced flight vision system upon its entry into service in 2003, the aircraft was awarded that year’s Robert J. Collier Trophy for “greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America.”

“The G550 has solidified its place as one of the most dependable business jets available,” said company president Mark Burns. More than 20 percent of Gulfstream aircraft in service are 550s, proving its reputation as an established and versatile aircraft for business aviation.”

Powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce BR710 engines, the G550 can fly 6,750 nm at Mach 0.80 and is capable of linking Palm Beach, Florida, with Tokyo, or Shanghai to London. Available in numerous cabin configurations, it can seat up to 19 passengers and sleep up to 8. It has also seen extensive use outside of luxury passenger transport, including aeromedical evacuation, head-of-state transport, atmospheric research, maritime patrol, and airborne early warning.

“The G550 is also a popular choice for special missions and government configurations,” Burns continued. “The flexibility and adaptability of the aircraft make it an ideal platform for challenging missions.”