It's been quite a good year so far, says Gulfstream, noting that 2004 has already seen the service debut of the G500, the launch of the G350 program, the rollout of the 100th G200 and the first full year's operational flying for the G550. On the certification front Gulfstream has won European EASA approval for both the G200 and G550, plus FAA certification for the G450. With all that behind it, company eyes are now on the progress being made by Gulfstream's three latest aircraft, the large-cabin G350 and G450 pair and the new G150 wide-cabin midsize jet.
Following the maiden flight of the first G450 in April 2003 Gulfstream placed four aircraft into the certification program. This development fleet flew some 1,672 hours over 682 test flights. FAA approval for the G450 was awarded on Aug. 12, with entry into service scheduled for 2Q 2005. The G350 is proceeding on track and just a few steps behind the G450, with FAA approval expected before the end of the year. Customer deliveries should start in 3Q 2005.
Gulfstream describes the forthcoming G150 as "a G100 that we split down the middle and made 12 inches wider." A major revision to the original G100, it is soon set to completely replace its predecessor on the production line. The program was launched in September 2002 and the first aircraft is now on the assembly line. Construction on the second aircraft is due to start this month. Gulfstream is working toward a January 2005 rollout for the first G150, followed by a maiden flight in 2Q 2005. The second G150 should take to the air in 3Q 2005. Gulfstream says the G150 is on track for certification in early 2006 and first customer deliveries will follow in 3Q 2006.
