Gulfstream delivered its first G600 to a US-based customer at its Savannah, Georgia facilities today. The G600 received both its type and production certificates from the FAA on June 28th, 2019. The G600 is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800 engines.
Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream, stated “We always strive to exceed our customer’s expectations, and our first G600 delivery is a prime example of that. The effort put forth by our team enabled this award-winning, technologically advanced aircraft to move from certified to delivered in an extremely short period of time. We are very proud of everyone who had a part in making this happen and keeping our promise to customers, as is a Gulfstream tradition, of a 2019 entry into service.”
“The G600, with its outstanding performance, industry-leading innovative technology, and stylish, comfortable cabin, continues the emergence of a new generation of Gulfstream aircraft the started with the G500 in 2018. We have only just begun,” said Burns.
The G600 is a large cabin purpose-built business jet that can operate non-stop from Paris to Los Angeles or Hong Kong at an average speed of Mach 0.9. With a range of 6,500 nautical miles at its long-range cruising speed of Mach 0.85, the G600 is capable of operating intercontinental missions.
The G500 and G600 are now delivered, and anticipation among Gulfstream watchers is for what’s next. The rumor mill is talking about the potential for a G800 that could be announced at NBAA-BACE this fall. Rumors have that forthcoming aircraft with a 10-foot cabin stretch over the G650 and a range of just over 8,000 nm, using new Rolls Royce Pearl engines.
Gulfstream and its major competitor at the high end of the market, Bombardier, each continue to innovate. Bombardier will try to leapfrog the G500 and G600 with its forthcoming Global 5500 and 6500 models that were announced at EBACE 2018, and Gulfstream will try to leapfrog the Global 7500 with its G800. The result from this competition is always advancements in technology, with business jet customers the real winners flying more capable and efficient aircraft. Competition works, and Gulfstream has just delivered another leap forward for the business aviation segment.
