On September 12th, 2024, Gulfstream Aerospace, a Savannah, Georgia-based private jet manufacturer, announced the first sale of its G400 model that would be delivered to a dedicated charter operator. The jet was purchased by the Germany-based DC Aviation Group, a private charter operator headquartered in Stuttgart.

The sale of this aircraft was announced during a signing ceremony that took place earlier this week at Gulfstream’s primary European customer support facility in Farnborough, England. The model that was purchased, the G400, was launched by the manufacturer in 2021 as the newest variant in the Gulfstream
VII family, which also includes the G500 and the G600.

Gulfstream Aerospace

Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace

With the landscape of the business aviation industry rapidly changing, charter operators are becoming some of the most critical customers for private jet manufacturers to target. The economics of chartering a jet are significantly stronger and allow for higher aircraft utilization, alongside a lack of logistical hassle for the user, which is, after all, one of the most important reasons for flying private.

An exciting announcement and following ceremony

The signing ceremony last week was a very exciting event for both parties and bodes for a bright future within the jet charter space for Gulfstream’s latest plane. Both sides were quick to express their excitement at the ceremony, with Gulfstream’s Senior Vice President for Worldwide Sales, Scott Neal, having the following words to share in a statement:

“We appreciate DC Aviation’s commitment to and confidence in the G400, bringing this category-leading aircraft to European charter customers.”

The executive would later go on to note that the G400’s combination of speed, efficiency, cabin size, and range will allow it to continue filling a market niche in which an aircraft with these capabilities was much needed. Neal would continue to indicate his confidence in the aircraft’s future, citing strong demand in the European and American markets.

gulfstream-g400-completes-first-flight-20240815-1

Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace

Marc Ambrodius, a managing director at the DC Aviation group, shared how proud he was that his company would be pioneering the new aircraft type in Europe. He stated:

“The introduction of the G400 demonstrates DC Aviation’s constant commitment to providing a premier travel experience for our clients.”

An extremely capable plane

The G400, which made its first test flight just a few weeks ago on August 15th, offers best-in-class performance for a private jet of its size. The aircraft boasts impressive operational efficiency, likely on account of a clean-wing design and impressive Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812GA engines.

Screenshot-(817)

Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace

The plane offers next-generation avionics, including a flight deck equipped with the first active control sidesticks within the industry, as well as multiple touch screens within the cockpit. The F400’s extended range allows it to connect business hubs across the globe, like Rome and New Delhi, New York and London, or San Francisco and Tokyo.

Additionally, the aircraft offers a luxurious cabin, equipped with all the features one would expect for an intercontinental business jet. Here are some additional specifications for the Gulfstream G400:

Category:

G400 Specification:

Capacity:

12

Range:

4,200 nautical miles

Maximum operating speed:

Mach 0.9 (594 miles per hour)

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