Features Business Aviation
Gulfstream G800 completes first flight

Gulfstream Aerospace on June 28 completed the first flight of its G800, officially launching the flight-test program of what could become the industry’s longest-range business jet.

Unveiled to the market in October 2021, the G800 departed Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport at 9:00 am EST and landed there two hours later. The aircraft made the flight using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel.

“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. “The G800 pushes the boundaries of performance even further with Gulfstream-designed aerodynamics and cabin technology.”

The G800 can fly 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 kilometres) at Mach 0.85 and 7,000 nm (12,964 km) at Mach 0.90 leveraged what Gulfstream describes as a high-speed wing and the all-new Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines.

The G800 also features hand-crafted, ergonomic seats; a high-definition circadian lighting system; 100 per cent fresh, never recirculated air; what the company claims to as the lowest cabin altitude in the industry; a plasma-ionization air purification system; and 16 large windows. Designed to seat up to 19 passengers, the G800 offers up to four living areas, or three living areas with a crew compartment.

The G800 is equipped with Gulfstream’s new generation Symmetry Flight Deck and dual head-up displays featuring the new Combined Vision System, which includes Enhanced Flight Vision System and Synthetic Vision System imagery.

“We have announced eight new aircraft in the past decade, strategically timed to capture market demand,” said Burns. “We are seeing great interest in the G800, and this first flight brings us even closer to delivering a Gulfstream for every mission.”