Gulfstream Aerospace arrives in Paris in rude financial health with an overflowing order book and projections for a record-breaking year of production.
With the Gulfstream V - the ultimate in luxury business travel - entering a third year of customer deliveries and with 141 aircraft sold, president and CEO Bill Boisture has reason to be bullish.
"We have over $4 billion of future revenues under contract and will produce a record 65 aircraft this year," says Boisture. "The GIV-SP and GV continue to be the best-selling aircraft in their markets and our broad range of services meets the aviation needs of our customers.
"Gulfstream also has very significant prospects for further growth. We return to the Paris air show in our strongest leadership position ever."
The contract backlog stands in excess of 129 aircraft, says Boisture.
The company is showing both the GIV-SP and the GV at the show. On a pre-show press flight it unveiled its new premium interior design packages. The programme will offer customers increased flexibility and cut down the time needed to design interiors. "Gulfstream has again responded to its customers' needs with this world-class programme that aids in the design process while maintaining the Gulfstream reputation for the finest quality custom interiors available in business aviation today," says Boisture.
The show will also see the launch of a new on-line service which will allow potential customers to preview pre-owned Gulfstreams from the comfort of the office or home - rather than having to trek across continents with the associated cost and time considerations.
Confident
Joe Walker, senior vice-president, sales and marketing is confident about the state of the market: "The pre-owned market remains strong with considerable interest in all models of Gulfstream aircraft. Our new web sales centre greatly accelerates and eases the process."
The site can be found at www.gulfstreampreowned.com
And to mark another first, the company will honour one of its operators. Just 14 months after unveiling the ultra long-range GV, Gulfstream today honours the first GV operator to achieve 1,000 flight hours.
Source: Flight Daily News
