By Benjamin Pham
How Gulfstream’s G700 Flight Test Program Expansion Will Impact The Private Jet Industry
Gulfstream has officially unveiled its reinforcements for the G700 flagship aircraft through its latest advancements and progress of the G700 flight testing program. The program comprises several different tests such as aerodynamics, safety, mechanics and logistics, for the major American aerospace to accurately observe the G700’s flight capabilities. For instance, the flight proficiency characteristics that may be checked vary from maximum speed, tail fluttering to how the aircraft handles dynamic flight conditions to meet unique, special milestones.
“These accomplishments at this stage in the flight test point to the impressive maturity of the G700 program. We designed and developed the G700 for our customers to fly safely, securely and efficiently while enjoying the same level of comfort as they do on the ground.” President of Gulfstream, Mark Burns said. “With the largest galley in the industry, the utmost in technology, and the finest, freshest cabin environment, the G700 unlocks new opportunities in business-jet travel,” he added.
The Savannah, GA-based aerospace company’s latest progress in its G700 flagship series endeavors will accomplish more than merely support and expand its modern, active fleet. Gulfstream’s continuing efforts to further develop the G700 program by meeting different milestones at each stage of flight tests will provide a beneficial and competitive effect to its entire fleet of private jets.
Given the ongoing global pandemic, airlines in the commercial air travel industry are undergoing massive transformations, to stay afloat. As a result, many private jet manufacturers are jumping onto this opportunity to develop and launch their latest private jet variants, in order to attract private jet charter firms who aim to offer an alternative to the traditional commercial air travel during this period.
Nonetheless, Gulfstream is not the only manufacturer in the private jet industry to eagerly jump on this opportunity, as its biggest cross-border competitor, Bombardier is also attempting to attract the attention of private jet charter firms.
Bombardier’s Global Express 7500 has made a prominent appearance in the aviation industry’s private jet sector, and the last company of the world’s three largest private jet manufacturers, Dassault, is also looking to appeal to the private jet charter firms through its craft in stylish private jets.
Where Gulfstream begins to entice and appeal to the many different private jet charter companies is when its continuing expansion of the G700 flight testing program will play a pivotal role in ensuring its fleet is ambitious and competitive to continue being one of the largest widebody, private jet companies in the industry while obtaining the competitive advantage over its competition.
In the meantime, Gulfstream looks to remain prepared by continuing its endeavors in new aircraft programs similar to the G700, as the private jet industry begins to slowly expand due to passengers looking to avoid commercial air travel until the pandemic subsides.
Benjamin has had a love for aviation since a young age, growing up in Tampa with a strong interest in airplane models and playing with them. When he moved to the Washington, D.C. area, Benjamin took part in aviation photography for a couple of years at Gravelly Point and Dulles Airport, before dedicating planespotting to only when he traveled to the other airports. He is an avid, world traveler, having been able to reach 32 countries, yearning to explore and understand more cultures soon. Currently, Benjamin is an Air Transporation Management student at Arizona State University. He hopes to enter the airline industry to improve the passenger experience and loyalty programs while keeping up to how technology is being integrated into airports.
