MEBA10: Gulfstream predicts G650 flagship will have wind in its sales

The Savannah-headquartered company is a leader in this segment with its current flagship, the 6,750nm-range Gulfstream G550.

The G650 made its maiden flight on November 25, 2009 and demonstrated its exceptional high-speed cruise capabilities in early October, when it flew a 5,000nm (9,260km) closed circuit at mach 0.90 over the Atlantic Ocean in 9 hours and 45 minutes.

The aircraft will have a range of 7,000nm, connecting Dubai with São Paulo or Tokyo non-stop. Gulfstream has a 200-order backlog for its new variant, which will be certified in 2011.

The OEM has already taken a respectable slice of the Middle East market share, and has 111 aircraft based in the region – a number that has more than doubled in the last decade.

There are an additional 56 aircraft operating in Africa, giving Gulfstream a 37 per cent slice of the regional pie. Larry Flynn (pictured), senior vice president, marketing and sales said: “The need for long-range airplanes continues to grow. So, too, does Gulfstream’s market share for large-cabin business jets in the region.”