The all-new Gulfstream G700 has made its first flight, demonstrating the programme's maturity and officially launching the rigorous flight test programme. The G700 departed Savannah/Hilton Head International airport at 1:19 pm, and landed two hours and 32 minutes later. The aircraft made the flight on a 30/70 blend of sustainable aviation fuel.

“The G700's first flight is a momentous occasion and the next step forward in Gulfstream's vision for the future, a vision that has been guided by the strategic leadership of our parent company, General Dynamics, and the innovation of the Gulfstream team,” says president Mark Burns. “As the market leader, Gulfstream is moving the entire business jet industry forward with advanced safety features, tomorrow's technology and a cabin purposefully designed to exceed our customers' expectations for comfort.”

The G700 was introduced as the new industry flagship in October 2019 with a full scale cabin mock up and an aircraft taxiing under its own power. The programme includes five already manufactured flight test aircraft and a structural test article that has completed load testing.

The G700 features the longest, widest and tallest cabin in the industry with 20 panoramic oval windows and up to five living areas. It introduces many all-new interior differentiators, including an ultragalley with more than 10 ft of counter space and a crew compartment or passenger lounge; an ultra-high-definition circadian lighting system; speakerless surround sound; and a master suite with shower.

The aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and refined with Gulfstream-designed aerodynamics and an all new winglet. It can fly at its high-speed cruise of mach 0.90 for 6,400 nm, or at its long-range cruise of mach 0.85 for 7,500 nm. The G700 also includes the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck with electronically linked active control sidesticks, touchscreen technology and a predictive landing performance system.

“The G700 brings the best in the business together; the innovation of the G500 and G600 Symmetry Flight Deck and the legendary performance of the G650ER, and we are excited to deliver this exceptional aircraft to our customers,” adds Burns.