Gulfstream’s new G800 business jet has made its first international flight, to support the OEM’s participation at the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK. The aircraft flew to Farnborough from Savannah, Georgia.
The G800 made its first flight on 28 June 2022 and shortly thereafter, the Gulfstream flight test team completed additional testing requirements, including a long-duration flight of more than eight hours, and operations beyond the aircraft’s maximum operating speed and cruise altitude of Mach 0.925 and 51,000ft (15,545m) respectively.
“To take the G800 on this transatlantic trip so close to first flight is extraordinary,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “Thanks to our strategic planning and the investments Gulfstream has made in our new aircraft programmes, we are able to fly the G800 with remarkable efficiency and bring the aircraft directly to customers early in the flight test programme, as we have in Farnborough. The Gulfstream Farnborough Service Center is one of our newest and most modern, and it’s fitting that the G800 has made its international debut here.”
Since opening in summer 2020, the Gulfstream Farnborough Service Center has grown to more than 200 employees and earned 30 foreign regulatory approvals. The 225,000ft² (20,903m²) facility accommodates up to 13 of Gulfstream’s larger aircraft, including the G650ER, G700 and G800, and offers maintenance, repair and overhaul services, as well as interior refurbishments and aftermarket modifications.
The G800 can fly 8,000 nautical miles (14,816km) at Mach 0.85 and 7,000 nautical miles (12,964km) at Mach 0.90. It features the Gulfstream Symmetry flight deck with active-control sidesticks and extensive use of touchscreen technology.
The G800 cabin can be configured with up to four living areas with seating for up to 19 passengers and sleeping space for up to 10. The G800 also features 100% fresh, never recirculated air, and a plasma ionisation purification system.
