Gulfstream was celebrating at the Paris airshow last night after winning a $1.25 billion order from United Airlines for 35 aircraft and options. It was the second billion-dollar deal involving United as the airline furthered its ground-breaking move into fractional jet ownership. The previous day it made Dassault Aviation's show by signing a letter of intent for 100 orders and options worth $2.5 bn.
United is delivering on its promise to re-write the airline blueprint by developing a fleet of 200 business aircraft by 2005. The move has profound implications for both the airline industry, and airframers in the civil and bizjet sectors.
United Bizjet Holdings placed a firm order for seven Gulfstream IV-SPs and five GVs. It also has options on nine GIV-SPs and 14 GVs.
Gulfstream values the total order at $1.25 bn if all options are exercised and says the first aircraft, a GIV-SP, will be delivered in May 2002. Stuart Oran, United Bizjet president, says: "We selected Gulfstream because of its strong reputation in the market for safety, comfort and reliability, and the company¹s long-term commitment to product support and service."
United Bizjet was created in May this year in a move aimed at stemming the flight of passengers from first class scheduled airline seats into fractional ownership aircraft. Rival British Airways is also testing the water.
Source: Flight Daily News
