Gulfstream Finalizes G700 Testing, Puts G800 on Deck Written 23 May 2023

Aviation Week reports that Gulfstream’s five G700 test flight aircraft are winding down from certification test flight, with FAA approval anticipated sometime this fall. The G700 is experiencing strong sales, with deliveries rolling out into late 2026. But Gulfstream is still looking to the future with the G800 ultra-long range business jet, seeking to replace the current G650 model. Gulfstream’s test plan for the G800 will be less intensive than the G700, due to the G700’s test flights doing much of the “heavy lifting” for flight testing. Gulfstream CEO Mark Burns said, “Things like flights into unknown icing and flammable fuel drainage, and all the difficult things you have to get through for testing an airplane, do not have to be repeated on the 800.” Gulfstream estimates it “will take 6-9 months after G700 certification is complete to finish G800 certification.” The company is targeting early 2024 for FAA certification of the G800.
Full Story (Aviation Week)