The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially certified the Gulfstream G700, the flagship business aircraft from General Dynamics Corp’s Gulfstream Aerospace, introducing a new contender to the luxury jet market’s upper echelon. This milestone, achieved on Friday, places the G700 in direct competition with Bombardier’s Global 7500, another heavyweight in the arena of large-cabin, long-range business jets.
Gulfstream had initially projected the certification of this advanced aircraft to occur in late 2023, with ambitions to deliver 19 units. The certification process, especially for new aircraft within the U.S., has been under intense observation following the tragic incidents involving the Boeing 737 MAX in October 2018 and March 2019.
Despite the heightened regulatory environment, Gulfstream President Mark Burns, in 2019, expressed confidence in the G700’s certification journey, anticipating a more thorough review from the FAA but not expecting any unmanageable demands. True to his word, the G700 not only met but surpassed initial expectations regarding its takeoff and landing capabilities.
Burns highlighted the achievement, stating, “We have successfully completed the most rigorous certification program in company history with the G700.” The certification comes alongside significant performance enhancements for the G700, announced in September. These improvements include an increased range of 7,750 nautical miles (14,353 kilometers) at Mach 0.85 and an upgraded maximum operating speed, making it the fastest aircraft in Gulfstream’s lineup.
As the business jet industry continues to navigate the post-COVID-19 landscape, manufacturers like Gulfstream remain optimistic about the sustained demand for private aviation. The sector experienced a surge during the pandemic as customers sought safer and more controlled travel environments. However, the anticipation of a global economic slowdown in 2024 and an uptick in the availability of pre-owned aircraft may impact future demand. Despite these challenges, Gulfstream’s G700 certification marks a significant achievement and promises to redefine luxury air travel standards.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, reuters.com
