Long-range ambition

Customer deliveries of the 7,000nm range aircraft began in December 2012, and it joins a stable of four other models from the mid-size cabin G150 and G280 to the large-cabin G440 and G550 aircraft.

Who’s buying?

While the state of the global economy, and that of the US in particular where principal G650 buyers predominate, has not deterred buyers so far, Neal said there is only upside.

“I think the (NBAA’s) description of cautious optimism is accurate. We are seeing some uncertainty in the market so we’d like to see the market settle down a bit.

“Companies, particularly in the US, have put off purchases for a number of years so we think there is a lot of pent-up demand. ” But a big-cabin corporate jet with the near-boundless legs of the G650 does not limit the global sales potential to solely traditional markets like the US. China is a burgeoning opportunity for Gulfstream and such is the potential there that the company has established sales offices in Shanghai and Beijing, a new service centre in Beijing and new simulator and training centre in Hong Kong to support regional customers.

“China has changed positively in the last couple of years and we are investing heavily in the region,” Neal said.

“We see such promise there. ” And especially in the large-cabin segment.

Neal won’t be drawn on specific sales targets for China or indeed any other market, but said the Asia Pacific region will generate the highest proportion of growth and unit sales over the coming two decades.

“Our biggest focus right now is in greater China, but we are seeing good activity throughout the rest of Asia Pacific. ” Gulfstream holds a 46 per cent share of the large-cabin market in Asia Pacific.

“It would be fair to say that during the downturn the large-cabin aircraft weathered the storm better. So Gulfstream was fortunate in that we are concentrated at the high end of the market and so even during the downturn we were pretty pleased with the way we did, relatively speaking. ” Neal said Gulfstream was beginning to see a rebound in the small to mid-size jets market and that the response to the newly-launched G280 has been good.

Its targets in Australia are not surprisingly long-range corporate and private customers, those who need nonstop access to the US, Asia or Middle East.

And the G650 can do it fast. The G650 currently holds the title as the world’s fastest commercial aircraft, with a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0. 925 and an average cruise speed of Mach 0. 85. It knocked off the Citation X from the top-speed ranking, something Gulfstream described as a collegiate battle that is nice to claim the title to, but in the end it is about offering customers optimum performance.

Following its debut appearance at this year’s Avalon Airshow, the G650 set a city-pair speed record between Melbourne and Abu Dhabi of Mach 0. 87, accomplishing the 6,239nm route in a fraction over 13 hours – the demonstrator aircraft’s longest nonstop flight thus far. Gulfstream said the achievement stands to be the G650’s sixth record so far this year.

Field performance has been kept deliberately nimble, adding to the G650’s impressive repertoire. At its maximum takeoff weight of 45,178kg, which includes a maximum payload of 2,948kg, takeoff distance is 1,786m and it can accomplish landing in 914m. The G650’s two Rolls-Royce BR725 engines push the G650 to its maximum cruise altitude of 51,000ft and with its 16 signature panoramic oval windows offers a unique view of the world beneath, even if it slips past at a faster pace than would be in a competitor aircraft.

Proposition

Gulfstream offers customers 12 selected floorplans or can create a tailored floorplan for the 16. 33m-long cabin to accommodate up to 18 passengers, but more typically 11 to 12. The galley can be situated forward or aft depending on cabin configuration, which can also include a double bed, useful for the long distances typically covered by the G650.

Once delivered, Gulfstream aims to differentiate itself with its after-sales support.

“We invest very heavily in product support and reliability. We learned a long time ago that service and support sells airplanes and so we’ve invested more in product support than any other manufacturer,” Neal said.

“What it comes down to is it’s not just about selecting the right airplane – it’s selecting the right company. When we talk to new buyers we really try to get them familiar with the strength of the company and the brand. ”

Neal points to Gulfstream’s 55-year success, during which it has sold 2,200 corporate aircraft – its only business, which is something Neal said differentiates it from other manufacturers.

Peace of mind when one’s buying a US$64 million jet is paramount and the US$1. 4 billion in parts inventory that Gulfstream has positioned worldwide to support its in-service fleet of 2,100 aircraft goes a long way to providing that. It is backed up by 11 company-owned service centres, four component repair facilities and a network of more than 20 authorised service and warranty facilities globally.

“One of the biggest things for Gulfstream is that when we introduce new products – or even our existing products – we are extremely committed to making them do what we say they do. ” For the moment Gulfstream seems satisfied with its product line’s potential. Asked whether any new designs or refinements were on the draftsman’s table, Neal said: “We’re going to focus on the current product line and make sure it continues to be reliable. ” Concluded Neal: “We have a very long and very good track record of delivering what we promise. That really differentiates Gulfstream from the market – we deliver on our promises. ”

The G650 has been the most successful introduction to market ever. SCOTT NEAL