Gulfstream Aerospace has delivered the 500th G650/G650ER some 10 years since the first aircraft was handed over to customer, the Savannah, Georgia-based business jet manufacturer announced today. The milestone G650ER was delivered from the company’s Appleton, Wisconsin completions facility.
“With an incredible 500 delivered, persistent demand and a host of industry accolades, the G650 and G650ER are undeniably iconic,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns. “This milestone delivery is a strong testament to the tremendous work of our dedicated Gulfstream team. As with all aircraft programs, we continue to invest in the G650 and G650ER to ensure continuous improvement throughout the growing fleet for our customers.”
The 7,000-nm G650 received FAA and EASA approval in fourth-quarter 2012, while the extended-range (7,500-nm) G650ER was announced and certified in 2014. Both aircraft have amassed more than 120 city-pair world speed records, including both polar and westbound around-the-world records. Gulfstream also won the Robert J. Collier Trophy for the G650 program.
Thanks to a six-year head start over the rival Bombardier Global 7500, the G650/650ER holds about an 80 percent market share of business jets than can fly more than 7,000 nm, according to the latest delivery data from both aircraft manufacturers. Gulfstream parent company General Dynamics said during its second-quarter investor call that demand for new-production G650ERs remains “robust.”
Source: ainonline.com
