"We have twice as many reasons to
be coming here given the fact that we have now acquired the Galaxy
product line," worldwide Gulfstream Aerospace sales vp Joe
Walker says of FIDAE.
"When you think of Latin American air shows, the only one
that comes to mind is FIDAE."
With the Gulfstream 100 and 200 (the former Astra SPX and Galaxy
jets) augmenting the firm's big-cabin cruisers, Gulfstream has
aircraft more specifically relevant to FIDAE too. The Latin American
region, Walker notes, is "predominantly a small- and medium-sized
business jet population."
This week Gulfstream is emphasizing the G200 super-midsize. Brazilian
certification is expected to be disclosed here.
Gulfstream claims 44 aircraft in the region, comprising a G200
sold last year, nine G100s, 17 Gulfstream IIs and IIIs, nine GIV-SPs,
and eight GVs. "That compares to one Global Express in the
territory," Walker says of his main big-jet competitor.
Gulfstream sales in Mexico and Central America are handled by
Russell Laughead from Houston, Texas; sales south of the Panama
Canal are handled by Bill Arrazola out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Both are regional vps, reporting to South America/Far East divisional
vp Roger Sperry, who in turn reports to Walker. They are all here
at the show this week.
