Business Jets Increasingly Seen As Essential Business Tools In Region, Company President Says

The Middle East market for Gulfstream jets continues to expand, and increasingly, these aircraft are being used as essential transportation to pursue investments and business interests around the world,  Gulfstream Aerospace President Larry Flynn told reporters at the Dubai Air Show Monday.

“Gulfstream has had a strong presence in this market since the GII days – more than 40 years,” Flynn (pictured) said. “The difference today is that more and more businesses are viewing business jets as essential to their widening interests. The long-range capabilities of our aircraft easily allow businesses to reach markets in Asia, Europe and beyond. This is part of a worldwide trend. As investors and businesses look around the globe for opportunities, the need for long-range, rapid transportation increases. Gulfstream is the industry leader in meeting that demand.” 

Flynn pointed to Gulfstream’s market share in the large-cabin segment within the Middle East. The company’s share exceeds 40 percent, making it the largest provider of large-cabin, long- range jets in the region. “We have a strong brand that is built on technology, performance and product support,” said Flynn. “Because we firmly believe in the value of product support, we’re continuously investing in our own service organization and working closely with our sister company, Jet Aviation, to provide the best service around the world.” 

Gulfstream's service organization employs more than 3,300 technicians and other specialists worldwide. It also maintains an inventory of $1.2 billion in spare parts around the world, including in Dubai, London, Madrid and Singapore. Gulfstream recently expanded its company-owned maintenance center in Luton, England, outside of London, one of the most frequent destinations for Middle East business travelers. Jet Aviation’s fixed base operations in Dubai, Jeddah and Riyadh also provide various services for Gulfstream aircraft.

Gulfstream sales are now predominantly international, with about 70 percent of recent orders outside the United States, Flynn noted. The Middle East remains a strong market, particularly the United Arab Emirates and Arabian Peninsula, he said.  “In a time of political and market change, businesses in the Middle East are investing strategically and for the long-term, and these investments span the world,” Flynn said. “We see this as positive for business aviation in general, and Gulfstream in particular.”

Gulfstream is seeing strong aircraft utilization worldwide, with fleet hours now back to their 2008 peak. Flynn says the company has a growing backlog of orders, which stands at $18.6 billion and includes orders for more than 200 Gulfstream G650 aircraft, one of two new products about to enter the market. The ultra-long-range, 0.925 Mach G650 will enter service in the second quarter of 2012 and the large-cabin, mid-range G280 will enter service in 2012 also.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com