Image: Gulfstream Aerospace
Gulfstream has made the first international deliveries of its G500 business jet, according to an announcement made by the company on Monday. Two G500s were recently handed over to international launch customer Qatar Airways, which already has five Gulfstream G650ERs in service as part of its executive charter business. The new G500s are part of a 2014 agreement between Gulfstream and Qatar Airways for up to 30 Gulfstream aircraft. The agreement includes a mix of firm orders and options for G650ER, G500 and G600 models.
“Gulfstream and Qatar Executive have been good partners since we announced the G500 and their intention to be its international launch customer,” said Gulfstream President Mark Burns. “We are proud to deliver these aircraft just four years later and after the most rigorous flight-test program Gulfstream has conducted.” The Gulfstream G500 earned its FAA type and production certificates in July 2018 and entered service in September. The U.S. type certificate was validated by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority in October.
The 19-passenger G500 has a long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85, 5,200-NM range and maximum takeoff weight of 79,600 pounds. Features include a third-generation Enhanced Vision System, active-control sidesticks, 10 touchscreens and a head-up display. Gulfstream says the longer-range G600 is expected to enter service in 2019.
