Gulfstream G700 Rapidly Picking Up Validations

Gulfstream Aerospace’s G700 program has been picking up steam since FAA certification on March 29, accumulating type validations from eight nations along with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The Savannah, Georgia airframer listed Mexico among the latest nations to approve the 7,700-nm business jet.

After receiving the U.S. nod a little more than 100 days ago, Gulfstream delivered the initial copies in April. While not specifying how many have been handed over since—Gulfstream cannot report deliveries ahead of its July 24 quarterly earnings call—analysts and others estimated eight by early July, with others at the time pending a believed modification. However, Gulfstream this week reported the in-service fleet has already topped more than 700 flight hours, showing a maturity in the program.

“We planned for a seamless entry into service for the G700, and this incredible start is a testament to both the maturity of the program and the dedication of the Gulfstream team,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns. “Thanks to the investments we made across our business, from research and development to manufacturing and completions, the G700 program is exceeding customer expectations—they are flying their aircraft around the world immediately upon delivery, and the feedback we are hearing is outstanding.”

Along with accruing hours, the model continues to rack up city-pair speed records, including from Paris to Montreal in 6 hours 16 minutes and São Paulo to White Plains, New York, in 8 hours 46 minutes. Both flights averaged a speed of at least Mach 0.90. The flights are pending U.S. National Aeronautic Association and Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in Switzerland recognition as world records.

Related Article

Gulfstream Unveils G800 and G400 Jets

Scenes from the October debut.

These will bring the total number of record flights for the ultra-long-range model to nearly 60.