By Press Release | October 15, 2014 Estimated reading time 5 minutes, 44 seconds.
The new Gulfstream G500 and G600 aircraft were revealed before a crowd of
approximately 3,000 people. Gulfstream Image
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, has introduced an all-new family of business jets: the Gulfstream G500 and G600. The two new aircraft optimize speed, wide-cabin comfort and efficiency to offer customers best-in-class performance with advanced safety features.
Gulfstream announced the clean-sheet aircraft before a crowd of approximately 3,000 people. During the event, the first G500 taxied up under its own power, and General Dynamics chairman and CEO Phebe Novakovic revealed a nearly 70-foot/21-meter mockup of the G600.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the power of General Dynamics’ consistent and disciplined investment in both Gulfstream’s research and development and manufacturing facilities,” said Novakovic. “The effect of that investment is manifest in the two airplanes we announced today.”
The new aircraft boast wide-cabin comfort among other amenities. Gulfstream Photo
The G500 can fly 5,000 nautical miles/9,260 kilometers at Mach 0.85 or 3,800 nm/7,038 km at Mach 0.90. The G600 is capable of traveling 6,200 nm/11,482 km at Mach 0.85 or 4,800 nm/8,890 km at Mach 0.90. The maximum operating speed for both aircraft is Mach 0.925, the same speed as Gulfstream’s G650 and G650ER.
“This is another extraordinary day in the storied history of Gulfstream,” said Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream. “I could not be more pleased to announce the next generation of Gulfstream aircraft. The G500 and G600 build upon the technology present in our G650 and our latest aircraft, the G650ER. Once again, our customers played a major role in the development and creation of these aircraft. The G500 and G600 continue the long Gulfstream tradition of being the first original equipment manufacturer to ensure an optimal combination of speed, range, wide-cabin comfort and fuel burn.”
Gulfstream also announced a signing ceremony with Dallas-based Flexjet LLC following the announcement of the new aircraft. The ceremony recognized Flexjet’s order for up to 50 Gulfstream aircraft. The sale includes firm orders and options for G450, G500 and G650 aircraft, and a long-term service support agreement.
Flexjet will be a launch customer for the new Gulfstream G500 aircraft.
Gulfstream Image
“We are thrilled to be starting a new relationship with Flexjet, and we are proud that they chose to be a launch customer for the all-new Gulfstream G500,” said Scott Neal, senior vice president, worldwide sales and marketing, Gulfstream. “This agreement represents a significant milestone in the history of our two companies and ushers in a new era of fractional ownership for our G450, G500 and G650 aircraft. Gulfstream works hard to provide the world’s finest aviation experience, and this order is a testament to that commitment. For the first time, Flexjet will offer its customers our industry-leading aircraft. We are pleased that Flexjet will be able to provide the Gulfstream travel experience for its customers who desire its performance, comfort and safety.”
In addition to the aircraft order, Flexjet and Gulfstream announced a Product Support Services Agreement by which Gulfstream will maintain the Flexjet Gulfstream fleet over the next 10 years. Given the global capability of these aircraft, Flexjet customers can be assured of the highest-quality maintenance and service from the Gulfstream worldwide service support structure.
Following the unveiling of the new aircraft, Gulfstream also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Qatar Airways for the purchase of up to 20 aircraft. The Memorandum of Understanding establishes the initial agreement for Qatar Airways to order up to 20 Gulfstream aircraft, including firm orders and options for the all-new, wide-cabin G500 and the flagship G650ER.
“This agreement is evidence of the industry-leading performance of Gulfstream’s flagship aircraft, the G650ER, and of our commitment to deliver on the promises we have made for our new family of aircraft, which includes the G500,” said Flynn. “With their unmatched high-speed capabilities and class-leading cabin comfort, the G650ER and G500 will allow Qatar Airways to introduce a new level of service to their customers in the Middle East and abroad.”
The first flight of the G500 is scheduled for 2015. Gulfstream projects it will receive type certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency in 2017.
