Gulfstream is basing its international sales team in London in an attempt to increase sales outside North America.
"The London office will be a vital first step in expanding the strength of our international sales team," says Gulfstream president and chief executive Bill Boisture.
The move comes in response to recent steady growth in international sales of the Gulfstream IVSP and GV business jets. Despite a split of 20:80 in favour of the US market, Gulfstream is confident of a 1% increase in international sales over the next five years.
The Savannah, Georgia-based company believes that, once General Dynamics (GD) has completed its acquisition of the business aircraft manufacturer by the third quarter of the year, its development plans will be pursued further.
"The sale will create a company with revenues of $8.4 billion [of which Gulfstream will account for 45% of net earnings]," says Boisture.
Under the new ownership, Gulfstream will be a separate business unit, maintaining its brand name and identity.
Meanwhile, Gulfstream has completed the first phase of its study on the possible development of a supersonic business jet.
"There is definitely a market for it," says Boisture, "but, in order to build a supersonic aircraft that will fly above built-up areas, we have to overcome two substantial technological hurdles - sonic boom suppression and propulsion."
Source: Flight International
