Gulfstream announces G500 and G600 business jets

Gulfstream Aerospace announced two new wide-cabin business jets, the G500 and G600, at an event in Savannah, Ga., on Tuesday morning.

The two planes are designed to replace the G450 and G550 jets.

The first new G500 was rolled out under its own power, which shows how far along the project has progressed. It’s been years in the making, Robert Stallard, an RBC Capital Markets aviation analyst, noted in a report to investors.

The company also unveiled a mock-up of the G600 at the ceremony.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates the power of General Dynamics’ consistent and disciplined investment in both Gulfstream’s research and development and manufacturing facilities,” General Dynamics chairman and CEO Phebe Novakovic said in a statement. General Dynamics is Gulfstream’s parent company.

Certification for the G500 is expected in 2017, with deliveries to begin in 2018. The G600 should follow by 12 to 18 months with entry-into-service in 2019.

The G500 can fly 5,000 nautical miles at 647 mph or 3,800 nautical miles at 685 mph, the company said. It will be able to carry up to 19 passengers and will have three living areas.

The G600 will have a longer range at 6,200 nautical miles at 647 mph or 4,800 nautical miles at 685 mph. The plane will have up to four living areas and an optional crew rest area.

Both planes will have forward and aft lavatories and full-size galleys.

The planes will be built at two new Gulfstream facilities in Savannah.

The wings on the new jets have been designed and manufactured by Gulfstream, so Triumph and Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita will not play as large a role as with past planes, Stallard noted.

Spirit has been working to sell its Oklahoma facilities, including work it does on Gulfstream 280 and 650 wings in Tulsa.

“We ... think it is notable that a couple of major suppliers have been swapped out, particularly on the wings – which should help reduce risk,” Stallard wrote.

Gulfstream also signed an agreement with Qatar Airways for up to 20 Gulfstream planes, including firm orders and options for the G500 and G650ER.

The company also held a signing ceremony with Dallas-based fractional ownership company Flexjet following the jet announcement, the company said.

Flexjet is ordering up to 50 Gulfstream airplanes, including firm orders and options for G450, G500 and G650 aircraft, and a long-term service support agreement.

This story was originally published October 14, 2014 at 11:05 AM with the headline "Gulfstream announces G500 and G600 business jets."