Gulfstream Nears G700 Certification

As the G700 approaches U.S. FAA certification in the next few months, Gulfstream Aerospace continues to expand its marketing efforts for its new flagship in the Gulf region, displaying the ultra-long-range business jet at the Dubai Airshow for the first time.

Gulfstream Aerospace, which still expects certification by year-end, reported recently that it “continues to move closer to its ultimate conclusion.” During its recent third-quarter analysts' call, however, the company conceded that approval depends on FAA resource availability and credit it might receive for company flying.

In anticipation of certification, Gulfstream has been building an inventory of the aircraft. Jason Aiken, executive vice president of technologies and CFO of Gulfstream parent General Dynamics, told investors that if certification comes in early to mid-December, it could deliver the first G700 before year-end. “We’ve got a good shot at getting the planned deliveries of G700s out the door this year," he said. "Obviously, if that pushes further to the right, that puts that a little bit at risk.”

Gulfstream had targeted as many as 19 deliveries this year, and by late October, 15 of those were "ready to go and are in good shape,” Aiken added.

As approval nears, Gulfstream increased the aircraft’s range and speed performance parameters. In addition, the company reduced the cabin altitude to 2,840 feet at 41,000 feet, helping to reduce fatigue on flights.