The next delivery slot for a Gulfstream G650 is five years away, while backlogs for the ultra long-range business jet's large cabin stablemates the G450 and G550 are 18 and 24 months respectively, according to Jay Johnson, chief executive of Gulfstream parent General Dynamics.
Speaking at the company's half-year earning call on the 25 July, Johnson said the large-cabin business jet market made up 60% of Gulfstream's sales between January and June, "reflecting the return of some of our North American customers and some cooling of international demand, particularly in Asia".
Sales of its midsize and large-cabin aircraft are anticipated to grow around 15% this year, Johnson added, and the company remains on track to deliver over 110 green aircraft in 2012, including 24 G650s. The $65 million twinjet is scheduled for certification and service entry in the third and fourth quarter respectively. Johnson confirmed.
Source: Flight International
