Gulfstream's G650, G280 arrive in China for 2013 ABACE Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.’s two newest aircraft are participating in the company’s static display at the Asian Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (ABACE) in Shanghai. This is the first time the G650 and G280 are part of an air show in China. “We’re excited to bring the G650 and G280 as well as the G150, G450 and G550 to China for our customers to see in person,” said Scott Neal, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Gulfstream. “Bringing these five aircraft here demonstrates the commitment we’ve made to China and reflects our belief in the strength of this market. “Over the past several years, we’ve made a significant commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, investing in people, parts and facilities to ensure the continued success of our operators. The five aircraft we have on static display here show that we have a wide variety of aircraft available to suit the varied missions of our customers. Our investment in the region shows that we’re committed to providing our operators with the best support and resources possible, and that we are focused on maintaining our position as the number one business aviation brand in China.” The ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650 and the super mid-sized G280 have been demonstrating their capabilities throughout the world, including in the Asia-Pacific region. Most recently, the G650 added an eighth city-pair record to its 2013 flying resume when the aircraft made its way from Chicago to Beijing in late March. The aircraft left Chicago International Airport with five passengers and four crew on board. It flew 6,223 nm (11,525 km) at an average speed of Mach 0.87, landing in Beijing 12 hours and 49 minutes later. The city-pair has been submitted to the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) for confirmation as a record. “The G650 is the perfect fit for the China market,” Neal said. “With a range of 6,000 nm at Mach 0.90 (955 km/h), the G650 can link Shanghai to London, Sydney or Los Angeles, saving operators up to an hour when compared to other aircraft.” The G280 has 10 2013 city-pair records pending confirmation with the NAA, including two it set following Avalon 2013, an air show in Geelong, Victoria. The first of those records was set as the demonstration aircraft left Australia’s Melbourne (Essendon) Airport at 9:10 a.m. local time March 4 with four passengers and three crew on board. It climbed to 43,000 ft (13,106 m) in 21 minutes and then to 45,000 feet (13,716 m) before landing at Singapore (Seletar) Airport 7 hours and 12 minutes later. Its average speed for the 3,300-nm (6,112 km) flight was Mach 0.80. The second record was set between Singapore and Abu Dhabi, where the aircraft was making an appearance at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo. The G280 left Seletar at 7:53 a.m. local time on March 5 and arrived at Abu Dhabi Al Bateen Executive Airport 7 hours and 41 minutes later. The aircraft cruised at Mach 0.80 for the 3,213-nm (5,950 km) flight. The aircraft’s appearance at ABACE 2013 is part of a world demonstration tour intended to introduce the two aircraft to customers. Since January 2013, the G280 demonstrator has visited 72 cities in 24 countries, accumulating more than 240 flight hours. During that time, the aircraft covered approximately 80,500 nm (149,086 km). The farthest nonstop distance it traveled was 3,676 nm (6,808 km) from Savannah to London. Since mid-January the G650 has visited 42 locations in 12 countries for more than 180 flying hours. The demonstrator has flown approximately 54,500 nm (100,934 km) so far this year. The farthest nonstop distance it traveled was 6,475 nm (11,992 km) between Washington, D.C., and Qatar. For more information: Gulfstream Aerospace 500 Gulfstream Road Savannah, GA 31407 www.gulfstream.com ***
