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Rapper and music mogul Rick Ross caused a stir last year when he revealed in an Instagram post that he had acquired a new Gulfstream G550 private jet.

Today, we'll dig into the key features of the G550, its level of customization and operating costs as well as how a G550 fits into Ross' especially demanding travel needs.

Rick ross standing in front of his new private jet at the airport

Key Specifications of the Gulfstream G550

The Gulfstream G550 is one of the most iconic ultra-long-range business jets in service today, epitomizing the pinnacle of private aviation.

Here is what you need to know about some of its top specs and features:

  • Length: 96 feet
  • Wingspan: 93 feet
  • Height: 25.1 feet
  • Potable range: 7,770 nautical miles (25 hours on full tanks)
  • Maximum speed: 585 knots
  • High-speed cruise: 516 knots
  • Powerplant: Two Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofan engines
  • MTOW: 91,000 pounds
  • Capacity: Up to 18 passengers
The G550 is one third of the holy trinity of longest range, fastest subsonic private jets and as such it is one of the most versatile and efficient flown machines money can procure.

That presents it with a perfect fit for Rick Ross, who is constantly zipping around the country and globe from concert to business meeting to personal engagement.

Custom Luxury Fit

Although Gulfstream dominions come factory-equipped with all the finer things in life, customizing a cabin to meet an owner's every whim and fancy is the norm.

  • Rick Ross went above and beyond for "Maybach Air," setting up his G550 through Dallas-based Gulfstream dealer Duncan Aviation with lavish details including:
  • A reflective gold exterior livery with Rick Ross signature perched over a staggered black background, devised by Duncan Aviation. That touch of personalization makes a bold impression on the tarmac.
  • Relaxing passengers in soft leather chairs and sofas
  • A prepping kitchen and bar area for the guests.
  • A table that folds down from the armrest at the touch of a button.
  • Luxurious carpet and beautiful wood accents throughout the cabin.
  • A made up bedroom suite in the back, ideal for some shut eye between venues.
  • Blankets and pillows with Louis Vuitton and Rick Ross logos custom stitched
  • Motorized window shades that give you privacy and ambiance.

Equipped with these interior accessories, Rick Ross's G550 offers an ultra-luxurious environment suited for business meetings, or relaxation, as well as the exact same comfort you would come to expect when jet-setting across the world.

Operating Costs

Naturally, a business jet like the G550 does not come cheap, both in terms of acquisition and maintenance.

An analysis of average operational costs looks like so:

  • Base price for a new G550: $15 to $20 million
  • Estimated annual operating budget: $2.5 million per year (covers pilots, maintenance, catering, etc)
  • Fuel consumption: Roughly 800 gallons per hour of flight
  • Average cost per flight hour: $6,500 to $8,000 (varies based on fuel prices, airports fees, etc)
  • Regular maintenance: Several hundred thousand per year

Though these costs are extremely high compared to commercial flying, for Rick Ross whose net worth totals over $150 million, the convenience and luxury of private jet travel make it well worth the price tag.

Considering his schedule crisscrossing the country for concerts and business deals, the G550 gives him an ultra-efficient way to optimize his time.

Performance and Capabilities

More than just a cozy stylish ride, the Gulfstream G550 is equipped with the latest in avionics and aerodynamic capabilities:

  • The digital flight management system assists pilots with accurate navigation and planning of the required flight mission.
  • Greater situational awareness and safety with more advanced radars/monitoring gear.
  • It keeps passengers connected and productive at 30,000 feet thanks to high-speed satellite internet connectivity.
  • Performance is heightened with the thrust of more than 16,000 pounds from Rolls-Royce turbofan engines allowing for rapid acceleration and climb.
  • The wings are swept back on purpose to handle great speeds, as well as takeoff/landing.
  • What makes the G550 a great performer on the runway is its ability to get in and out of relatively short airfields that would be tricky for other big business jets.
  • Worldwide Gulfstream support network maintains, inspects and repairs aircraft and provides certified parts globally.
The real cost of owning a G550 

This is why the G550 is the gold standard in modern long-range private aviation, with performance specs like these.

Flying in Style on "Maybach Air"

The G550 is branded a "Maybach Air", which ties back to Rick Ross's label name, reinforcing the point that this jet (once parked) is just another extension of his brand - a tool for showing off his high-flying status at the top of rap.

Yet, Ross has said that his feet are still on the ground when it comes to music and business transactions. But hey, there is no denying that Rick Ross can now fly anywhere around the world in luxury first-class with his brand new Gulfstream G550.

It also offers seating for as many as 18 passengers, so there's plenty of room for his whole entourage to travel in style. With a range of nearly 7,000 miles, the G550 allows Ross to zip across the Atlantic for his European tours or business meetings overseas.

FAQs

How much luggage space does Ross's G550 have? The Gulfstream G550 is a roomy private jet when it comes to baggage volume. The amount of available baggage space is 195 cubic ft. Main baggage room fits 42 x 30″ x 20″ x 10″ suitcases. The tail compartment also offers more storage. Ross can fit all his rides and gear in the ample cargo area.

Ross's Plane fuels have air-to-ground capability? Correct, the G550 does have next-generation air-to-ground communications. It may feature three independent in-cabin global communications phones, giving passengers the ability to call, text and email from their seats at 40,000 feet. On board, there is a also fax machine.

What are the amenities? Ross's jet has a lavatory that is set up like a luxury hotel toilet. There will be stylish fixtures, woodened vanities, designer soaps and lotions, fluffy towels. And on board guests now have a private toilet, sink area and a separate compartment with shower facilities to prepare for the flight.

Is there an enhanced weather radar on the G550? Yes, Ross's plane is equipped with the Gulfstream Enhanced Vision weather radar system. This gives pilots 360-degree radar imaging for detection and avoidance of severe weather such as thunderstorms, turbulence, and hail in real-time.

Which means that Ross and his crew will experience flights with less bumps, and one with a far lower risk of something going wrong.