A multi-engine, instrument rated pilot, James Wynbrandt has been an AIN and Business Jet Traveler contributor since 2003. His in-depth reporting and insightful features have won more than a dozen editorial honors, including two National Business Aviation Association Gold Wing Awards (2019; 2021), and his articles have also appeared in the New York Times, Barron’s, Fortune, Forbes, and Smithsonian Air &amp; Space. He has flown his Mooney M20K 252 on assignments throughout North and Central America and the Caribbean. Wynbrandt is also the author of Flying High (Wiley &amp; Sons), a biography of Jet Blue founder David Neeleman, as well as histories, references works, and books on a variety of other topics from major publishers. He lives in New York City.

Contributor - Business Aviation

James Wynbrandt

It hasn’t yet entered service, but Gulfstream Aerospace’s new G500, making its public debut in China at ABACE 2018, has already set eight new city-pair speed records on continent-to-continent flights, the company announced. The record-setting flights, all undertaken as part of a customer-focused world tour, are “indicators of the unmatched speed and performance of Gulfstream aircraft,” said company president Mark Burns.

 


The G500 and G600 are here in Shanghai, making their first appearances at ABACE, and they are joined by the G280, G550, G650ER. ABACE attendees are encouraged to view the G500 interior&nbsp;(Chalet 3), which is equipped with a spacious, brightly lit, three-living area interior fitted to accommdate 13 passengers. Gulfstream said that its Asia-Pacific fleet has more than doubled since 2010, and there are now 285 large-cabin Gulfstreams and more than 330 of all Gulfstream models&nbsp;in the region.

 


The run-up of records commenced in February on flights connecting Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean and included a Singapore-to-Dubai leg completed in six hours and 54 minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.90. A pair of transatlantic records were also established during the tour: Luanda, Angola to Foz Do Iguaçu, Brazil in eight hours and nine minutes at Mach 0.90; and Lagos, Nigeria to Bridgetown, Barbados in nine hours and eight minutes at Mach 0.87. For a flight from Kona, Hawaii to Melbourne, Australia, speed was dialed back to Mach 0.85, but the G500 still set a record of 10 hours and 37 minutes in making the transit. (The records are pending confirmation with the National Aeronautic Association.)

 


Burns said the G500’s world tour, new records and customer interest “prove its unparalleled reliability, speed, and comfort.” The G500 can fly 5,200 nm at Mach .85.

 


The company also announced it will extend the hours of operation and add more capabilities at its company-owned service center at Beijing Capital International Airport. A 3:30 p.m. to 12 p.m. shift, Monday through Friday, will be added during the second quarter, and some 10 technicians or inspectors will be added. The extended hours will enhance support for customers based in and traveling through the region, and is part of the company’s strategy to add heavy scheduled maintenance inspection “as our aircraft in the region mature,” said Derek Zimmerman, president, Gulfstream product support.&nbsp;

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

G500 Sets Speed Records En Route to Service Entry

Gulfstream's G500 is set for FAA certification this year. The company also announces extending service hours at its Beijing service center.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

ATR 72 aircraft performs pre-modification flight in Toulouse

Kepplair Starts Converting ATR 72 Into Water Bombers

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Only the piston aircraft segment posted a decline

GAMA: Bizjets, T-props, and Rotorcraft Deliveries Up

Hanneke Weitering

Two captains held the prototype 33 feet above the water for 30 seconds

Regent Flies Electric Seaglider with Crew for First Time

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Icing approval would open year-round service to northern communities

Horizon Begins Icing Tests for Cavorite X7 eVTOL

Kerry Lynch

Deal to close this year

Bombardier To Grow Manufacturing Capacity with MHICA Buy

David Donald

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

The two NATO allies will purchase seven of the tanker/transport aircraft

Spain and Poland Agree to Buy A330MRTT Tanker Transports

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

GE Aerospace has tested the GE9X, Leap 1A, Leap 1B, and more with the 747.

GE Aerospace Flies Boeing 747 To Test New Engine Tech

Charles Alcock

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

More In Aircraft