Gulfstream announced the delivery of its first G500 midsize business jet on Thursday. An unnamed customer took delivery of the aircraft at Gulfstream’s headquarters in Savannah, Georgia. According to Gulfstream, the G500 has already established more than 20 new city-pair speed records and its five test aircraft have flown more than 5,000 hours.
“We’re proud of the work we and our suppliers have done to deliver a technologically advanced, all-new, clean-sheet aircraft that exceeds our customers’ expectations and continues the longstanding Gulfstream tradition of excellence,” said Gulfstream President Mark Burns.
The G500 was introduced in 2014 and first flew in May 2015. The aircraft received both its FAA type certification and production certificate last July. The G500 has a long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85, 5,200 -NM range and maximum takeoff weight of 79,600 pounds. It can seat up to 19 passengers. Other features include a third-generation Enhanced Vision System, active-control sidesticks, 10 touchscreens and a head-up display. The company has previously stated that it expects to certify the longer-range G600 later this year.
