Gulfstream G700 - The Future of Luxury Travel

BizAvIndia (BAI): When was G700 conceived and how has been the journey of certifications by now?

Colin Miller (Miller): Thanks to Gulfstream’s parent company General Dynamics, we have a solid long-term strategic vision and an extensive research and development division to help us execute it. Our research and development teams spent several years perfecting the Symmetry Flight Deck introduced on the G500 and G600 and featured on the G700. These teams also perfected aerodynamics and engineering that made it possible to cement the G700’s industry flagship status with the most spacious cabin in the industry that can fly farther, faster than any competitive aircraft.

The G700 flight-test programme continues on pace and has flown more than 100 hours. The aircraft is performing extremely well. The flight characteristics and pilot interaction with the aircraft systems have been replicating those experienced during the pre-first-flight testing in Gulfstream’s labs. We’ve manufactured five flight-test aircraft, as well as our first production test aircraft which is nearing interior completions and installations. Ongoing testing includes flutter testing, envelope expansion and flying qualities.

BAI: What are the key features of G700?

Miller: The newest aircraft from Gulfstream captures its leadership role with the most spacious and comfortable cabin, the longest range at the highest speeds and the most advanced technology, all optimised by Gulfstream to deliver an unparalleled travel experience.

BAI: What is the complete range?

Miller: The G700 will offer an outstanding range of 6,400 nautical miles/11,853 kilometers at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90 and 7,500 nm/13,890 km at its long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85.

BAI: And the maximum altitude it can reach?

Miller: The G700’s initial cruise altitude is 41,000 feet/12,497 meters, and its maximum altitude is 51,000 ft/15,545 m.

BAI: How is it different to its other family members?

Miller: The G700 brings together the next-generation technology introduced on the G500 and G600 and the combination of size, range and performance optimised on the G650 and G650ER, and it does so with the largest cabin in the industry.

G700 HAS THE MOST SPACIOUS CABIN IN THE INDUSTRY THAT CAN FLY FARTHER, FASTER THAN ANY COMPETITIVE AIRCRAFT

BAI: Large sized windows have been the unique features of Gulfstream jets. What sort of improvement, if any, being offered with G700?

Miller: The Gulfstream panoramic windows on the G700 are 28.1 inches/71.37 cm wide and 20.06 in/53.32 cm tall – the largest in the industry and also featured on the G500, G600, G650 and G650ER. There are 20 windows on the G700, and for customers who choose the extended master bath option, they will get two windows in the lavatory, one on each side.

The windows on the G700 will also be electro chromatically dimmable, so passengers can control the light coming in while also enjoying the view.

BAI: Can you elaborate a little on the top features meant to offer the ultimate comfort to the travelers?

Miller: The G700 was designed for customers to extend their ground-based lifestyle to the air in up to five living areas.

The aircraft’s extra-large ultragalley features a 10-foot/3.048-meter countertop, yet another industry best, and a passenger lounge or crew compartment. Gourmet meals can be catered easily in the G700 kitchen, and flight attendants will enjoy the extra-large refrigerator and optimized storage. Meals prepared in the cabin can be served at a six-place dining table.

Those who plan to leverage the ultralong-range capability of the G700 will appreciate the master suite with bath, to get restful sleep. They’ll also have the same amenities they are accustomed to at home, including a shower.

The technology on the G700 also boosts wellness thanks to the most advanced circadian lighting system in aviation. The Gulfstream-developed technology dynamically recreates sunrise and sunset through thousands of white and amber LEDs, greatly reducing the physical impact of traveling around the world in one stop. Combined with 20 Gulfstream panoramic oval windows, the industry’s lowest cabin altitude, 100 per cent fresh air and whisper-quiet sound levels, the G700 lighting and signature Gulfstream Cabin Experience give passengers the ability to arrive at their destination feeling more refreshed than when they departed.

BAI: Which engines power G700 and how do they complement the new G700?

Miller: All-new, high-thrust Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines power the G700 and, along with newly designed Gulfstream winglets, ensure the aircraft achieves high performance capabilities with its larger cabin. The aircraft will offer excellent takeoff and landing performance and operate easily at weight-restricted, short-runway and high-altitude airports.

GULFSTREAM OFFERS WHAT THE COMPETITION CANNOT DELIVER: THE BEST PERFORMING AIRCRAFT WITH THE MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND MOST COMFORTABLE CABINS.

BAI: Can you elaborate on the key features of cockpit and what kind of friendly systems are being offered for the pilots of G700?

Miller: The G700 features the awardwinning Symmetry Flight Deck and other new safety advancements, including the industry’s first electronically linked active control sidesticks and the most extensive use of touch-screen technology in business aviation. Ten touch screens are structured to align with the aircraft’s phases of flight, creating an intuitive environment that helps pilots move quickly and efficiently through systems in the order intended by the checklist. Power-up to taxi can be achieved in less than 10 minutes instead of the typical 20.

The flight deck also comes standard with another Gulfstream award-winner, the Predictive Landing Performance System. This system gives pilots advanced warning of potential runway excursions so they can adjust their approach or go around. All these technologies greatly improve situational awareness and foster improved decision making, so pilots can stay focused on flying.

BAI: Have you started offering G700 to your potential customers?

Miller: We are seeing interest for the G700 around the world and already have a healthy backlog for the aircraft. Qatar Executive is the launch customer for the G700, and Flexjet was the first North American fleet customer.

BAI: What will be the timelines of deliveries?

Miller: We anticipate beginning G700 customer deliveries in 2022.

BAI: Would you like to indicate how it differs from its competition?

Miller: Gulfstream offers what the competition cannot deliver: the best performing aircraft with the most advanced technology and most comfortable cabins. The G700, in particular, is the only business jet that can fly farther, faster with the most spacious cabin.

BAI: How about the after sales support for any potential customers, around the world? What kind of network and how effective services your potential customers can expect with G700?

Miller: As with every Gulfstream aircraft, G700 customers will have access to Gulfstream’s extensive Customer Support network with thousands of professionals positioned around the world. Gulfstream Customer Support offers a range of products and services that create an exceptional customer experience. These offerings include Gulfstream Aircraft Ownership Service (AOS) a concierge service for business-jet owners who want the convenience of private air travel with a simplified ownership experience. With AOS, Gulfstream supports, operates and maintains aircraft for AOS enrollees. Participants choose from a suite of offerings, tailoring the programme to fit their specific needs and capabilities, from flight operations support to hangaring and insurance.