Gulfstream's G500 has received both type and production certification from the US FAA, paving the way for deliveries in the fourth quarter of this year. Qatar Executive is one of the first operators to opt for the type (see pages 1 and 6).

"Receiving the certificates on the same day speaks of the rigour inherent in the G500 programme and the commitment to excellence of our entire team," states president Mark Burns. "The tens of thousands of lab hours combined with the more than 5,000 hours we've flown the five flight test aircraft will ensure we deliver a high performing, reliable, mature aircraft to customers.

"We're excited to conclude the type certification effort, complete the production certificate audit and move on to the next phase of this programme – delivering aircraft. We appreciate the FAA's diligence and cooperation in certifying the G500 and confirming the capabilities of our new manufacturing facilities. We look forward to seeing the aircraft in our customers' hangars soon."

The FAA type certification verifies the airworthiness of the aircraft's design, while the production certificate confirms that the company's production processes comply with FAA regulations. The G500 is the first clean-sheet Gulfstream aircraft to receive its type and production certificates on the same day.

The aircraft has a takeoff distance of 1,585 metres, 61 metres less than originally projected. Pilots are afforded 10 touch screens and a third generation Enhanced Vision System, optimising awareness in low visibility. The Symmetry flight deck also includes Synthetic Vision-Primary Flight Display and Head-Up Display II.

The G500 is the first aircraft certified to use enhanced vision to land, and the first business aircraft certified to Stage 5 noise standards.

Originally projected to fly 5,000 nm at a long range cruise speed of Mach 0.85, the certified G500 can actually fly 5,200 nm. At high speed cruise of Mach 0.90, it will fly 4,400 nm and has already earned more than 20 city pair records.