On Tuesday, June 28, Gulfstream performed the maiden flight of the G800, its longest-range business jet in history. The aircraft for up to 19 passengers will offer a range of 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 km) and is an evolution of the G700 model. The G800 prototype took off from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia at 9 am and landed two hours later.
“When the first G800 test aircraft rolled out at our announcement last fall, we changed the game once again for our industry,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “At Gulfstream, working closely with our customers allows us to continuously build on our successes and develop aircraft that exceed their expectations.”
According to the manufacturer, the G800 will be able to fly at Mach 0.85 for maximum range or Mach 0.9 at a shorter range of 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 km) thanks to advanced design wings and the new high thrust Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 turbofan.
The G800 offers up to four living areas, or three living areas with a crew compartment. Among the amenities available to customers are hand-crafted, ergonomic seats, a high-definition circadian lighting system, 100% fresh, never recirculated air, the lowest cabin altitude in the industry and a plasma-ionization air purification system.
The new business jet is expected to have its first delivery in early 2023.
