Gulfstream comes to Asian Aerospace 2000 buoyed with optimism over the future prospects in Asia for its ultra-long-range Gulfstream V and the long-range large cabin Gulfstream IV-SP.
Vice-chairman Bryan Moss says that there has been a change in attitude toward business aviation. "The slow but steady improvement we are seeing in airport access for business aircraft is an important trend in the region."
Additional landing slots in Japan, Hong Kong and Malaysia have led to renewed interest.
"At Chek Lap Kok especially the Chinese are aggressively pursuing business aviation," he says.
Gulfstream has brought both the G-V demonstrator and a G-IV to Changi.
"As key Asian countries begin to show positive economic trends, we are very encouraged about our prospects," says Joe Walker, Gulfsteam's senior vice-president of sales and marketing.
Dominant
"We currently have nearly 60% of the large cabin long-range aircraft operating in Asia and we expect that dominant position to grow. In fact our 400th G-IV and the 100th GV coming off the production line are both for Asian customers."
The GV has flown non-stop from Singapore to London, Tokyo, Sydney and Johannesburg and with one stop can reach any city in the USA.
The Gulfstream V is the ideal choice for Asia," Walker says.
The G-V is capable of flying 6,500nm (12,000km) at speeds of up to Mach .885 with eight passengers and a crew of four. It cruises at 51,000ft (15,000m).
The demonstrator here at Changi features a forward galley and crew lavatory for maximum passenger privacy. The cabin can sit up to 13 passengers.
The G-IV has been leading the world for long range aircraft and can travel 4,330nm (8,000km) at speeds of up to Mach 0.88 and can cruise at altitudes up to 45,000ft (13,700m).
Source: Flight Daily News
