Gulfstream has delivered 200+ special missions aircraft to support governments and militaries in more than 40 countries. It’s also the leader in business jet segments having most advanced fleet meeting the requirements of its clients. In an exclusive interview, Mr. Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. shares his thoughts with Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World on special mission aircraft and its market size, the business jet segments, sustainability, thoughts for India and many more important issues. Excerpts of the interview:
What are the portfolios that Gulfstream Special Mission Aircraft caters to?
More than 200 Gulfstream special missions aircraft have been delivered to over 40 countries, including all branches of the U.S. military. A record number of deliveries and projects are currently underway in aeromedical transport, airborne research, command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and airborne early warning.
What’s the market size for special mission aircraft and where does Gulfstream position itself?
We see strong demand for Gulfstream’s special missions business, and opportunities for growth exist across our product line. Gulfstream aircraft are ideal for special missions for the following reasons:
• Gulfstream-modified aircraft help create an aircraft architecture that can easily accommodate shifting technologies and integrate the latest communications systems and command and control systems
• Gulfstream’s fleet offers compelling combinations of size and speed ideal for special missions
• Our large-cabin aircraft can perform missions at higher altitudes, reach those altitudes more quickly and fly farther for longer durations.
• Gulfstream performance advantages include lower fuel burn and lower maintenance
Gulfstream also has the unique ability to manage aircraft modifications in-house with a dedicated team of engineers and professionals at our special missions facilities. Such modifications executed by Gulfstream include significant aircraft adaptations to support and accommodate specialized equipment necessary to address mission-critical needs.
Who are the potential customers for special mission aircraft and which segment of its operation is the most preferred one?
Governments, militaries and institutions around the world choose Gulfstream for their special missions aircraft needs, whether for medevac aircraft, head-of-state transport, atmospheric research or highly specialized military applications. Gulfstream’s new family of advanced technology aircraft provide a wide range of solutions for today’s special mission requirements. From the G280, to the G700 and G800, our fleet of aircraft offers unparalleled combinations of range, speed and cabin size to support a variety of
requirements.
What are the specifications of the business jet categories of G700 and G600 in terms of operational capability, SAF and advanced technology?
Gulfstream’s next-generation family of aircraft, including the G400, G500, G600, G700 and G800 offer an aircraft for every mission, and they do so with industry leading flight deck technology, safety, cabin comfort and efficiency.
This next-generation fleet features safety enhancements and technology that have transformed business aviation, including the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck with the industry’s first active-control sidesticks and most extensive touch screen technology – it was purposefully designed to be simple and intuitive, reducing the crew’s workload and increasing time saved.
Gulfstream’s research and development investments have also enabled us to create a cabin environment that is the most comfortable in the industry and supports passenger health and well-being. The Gulfstream Cabin Experience includes 100% fresh, never recirculated air, industry leading low cabin altitudes, and a plasma air ionization system, all complemented by Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows that allow an abundance of natural light to fill the cabin –these elements help ease passengers’ transitions through different time zones.
We also lead the industry in sustainability with fuel-efficient, noise- and emissions-reducing aircraft and continued innovations with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Gulfstream completed the world’s first trans-Atlantic flight on 100% SAF – a significant step forward in the research and development of using 100% SAF – and was also the first in the business aviation industry to conduct ground emissions testing of 100% neat SAF containing zero sulfur, a significant step in further reducing the overall climate impact of business aviation. In addition, Gulfstream’s large-cabin aircraft were designed with advanced aerodynamics and feature engines with advanced technology, which, combined, reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency. All these developments also help our customers meet their own sustainability goals.
What value proposition does Sustainable Wings accreditation from the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) add?
We were excited to set two new city-pair speed records on SAF with the G700 in June and earn the NAA’s Sustainable Wings certification for both flights – Gulfstream also earned the NAA’s first Sustainable Wings certification in 2021 on the G500.Demonstrating the use of SAF in setting speed records and earning the Sustainable Wings accreditation is important to us in our efforts to show the efficacy of SAF and promoting sustainability across the aviation industry as a whole.
What’s your take on the Gulfstream’s presence as well as demand from India?
The market in India is very important for Gulfstream, and we are seeing increased interest in the region. We are also seeing an increase in charter traffic in India, which can ultimately lead to new buyers after they experience first-hand the benefits of business aviation.
What’s the order line that you have at present?
Gulfstream is currently experiencing one of the biggest backlogs in company history, thanks to robust demand for our aircraft from around the world.
