A new era in luxury aviation has begun as the highly anticipated Gulfstream G800 took to the skies for its maiden flight. With its cutting-edge technology, unmatched performance, and uncompromising luxury, the Gulfstream G800 is poised to redefine the standards of private jet travel.
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The 19th of January marked the final delivery of the Gulfstream G450 private jet. Since 2005, the G450 (formally known as the GIV-SP) was part of a thirty year legacy of the GIV family. Over 900 GIV-era airframes were delivered over the past thirty years. But what now for Gulfstream?
The announcement of the G500 private jet resulted in the decay of G450 sales leading to the cessation of manufacturing. Costing around $45m USD, the G500’s popularity continues to grow with operators such as Qatar Executive and Flexjet making orders. The interior of the G500 is immaculate with a maximum capacity of 19 passengers, state of the art high-speed internet capability and the finest level of detail you can find in the market.
Gulfstream also continue to push innovative boundaries via the larger G600 and G650/650ER private jet.
Signals showed a growth in sales momentum following far from prosperous delivery figures in 2016. “The G650 boasts a 24-month backlog at current production rates. The G550 has a roughly 12-month backlog” says Jason Aitken, senior vice-president and chief financial officer at General Dynamics.
Bombardier have come out swinging as they gear up to deliver their newest private jet, the Global 7000, to customers by the end of 2018. Despite the whopping price tag of $93m, reports state that the waiting list is now four years long.
In what appears to be a clash of the titans, Gulfstream have comfortably held the ‘world’s private jet‘ crown for some time with the delivery of the G650 but it is the capability and offering of the Global 7000 that could make things interesting.
Boasting the longest range in the market of 13,700km the Global 700 would comfortably fly direct from San Fran to Sydney. It’s also nimble enough to land at London City Airport. And the cabin is in a class of its own. With a maximum capacity of 19 passengers you’re guaranteed the greatest of luxury on board with the world’s fastest in-flight internet, four living sections, a master bedroom featuring a large double bed and ensuite bathroom.
The long haul private aviation market is always interesting to watch and much like the hype generated for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner expect to see quite the competition between the two major private jet manufacturers.