The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Friday that it certified General Dynamics Corp’s Gulfstream flagship G700 business aircraft, which will bring fresh competition to the luxury jet market. The certification of the G700, which competes with Bombardier’s Global 7500, was a key milestone for Gulfstream. The company had originally planned to deliver 19 of these large-cabin jets once they were certified, and the FAA’s approval came earlier than expected.
Certification of new aircraft in the U.S. has faced increased scrutiny following the tragic crashes of two Boeing 737 MAX planes in 2018 and 2019. Industry officials believe that this scrutiny will continue, especially after a recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines MAX 9. Gulfstream President Mark Burns anticipated that the FAA would be more thorough in their review of the G700 in light of these incidents, but ultimately felt confident in the process. He was pleased to announce that the G700 had exceeded expectations in terms of takeoff and landing distances.
The G700 has undergone extensive testing, resulting in performance improvements such as increased range and speed capabilities. These enhancements have positioned the G700 as the fastest Gulfstream jet, with a range of 7,750 nautical miles at Mach 0.85. As the demand for private jets remains strong due to the COVID-19 pandemic, business jet manufacturers like Gulfstream are optimistic about future sales. However, concerns about slowing global growth and the availability of pre-owned planes could impact demand in the coming years.
Boeing, another major player in the aviation industry, is facing challenges with certification for its 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 models. After withdrawing a request for a safety exemption in January, Boeing is now navigating additional obstacles in the certification process. The company’s efforts to gain approval for these aircraft are ongoing as they work to address safety concerns and regulatory requirements.