Gulfstream Aerospace has completed two significant milestones for the Gulfstream G400: the first flight of the programme's fully outfitted test aircraft and a new city-pair speed record achieved using a blend of SAF en route to the 2026 NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas. Together, the accomplishments demonstrate the G400 programme's growing maturity and continued progress toward certification.

The fully outfitted G400 completed its first flight from Dallas Love Field airport, flying for two hours, 46 minutes and reaching an altitude of 48,000 ft. The aircraft features an 11-passenger configuration over two-and-a-half living areas and is dedicated to evaluating cabin systems at altitude and testing functionality and comfort in flight.

Heading into Las Vegas, one of three experimental G400 test aircraft established a new city-pair speed record from Miami, completing the flight in four hours and eight minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.89. Flown using a blend of SAF, the mission further demonstrated the aircraft's combination of speed, range and efficiency.

“The first flight of our outfitted G400 and this latest speed record reflect the discipline, experience and momentum behind the programme,” shares Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream. “With the largest cabin in its class, the G400 provides customers an environment never before seen in this category, and we are excited to continue to refine the interior fit and finish as we prepare this exceptional aircraft for entry into service.”

In addition, the G400 programme has completed a broad range of missions including high-altitude testing in Telluride, Colorado, and cold-weather testing in Iqaluit, Canada, among other validation efforts.

“The aircraft continues to perform exceptionally well as we advance through the rigorous certification programme,” continues Burns. “Each milestone reinforces the performance, cabin comfort and versatility customers will experience with this remarkable aircraft.”

The G400 experimental test aircraft and cabin mock-up are on display at NBAA-BACE alongside the ultralong-range Gulfstream G700 and Gulfstream G800, the award-winning Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600, and the all-new Gulfstream G300 mock-up, giving attendees the opportunity to experience first-hand Gulfstream's next generation of business aircraft.

The G400 made its programme first flight on 15 August 2024, departing Savannah/Hilton Head International airport and returning two hours and 54 minutes later having reached Mach 0.85 and 41,000 feet, also on a SAF blend.

The G400 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812GA engines, rated at 13,500 lb thrust each, a variant of the PW800 family that also powers the G500 (PW814GA) and G600 (PW815GA). The outfitted aircraft is the fourth and final jet to join the G400 test fleet.