Gulfstream Aerospace has officially completed the production of the last Gulfstream G650. This aircraft will now move to the final stages of its outfitting at Gulfstream's Appleton, Wisconsin facility before being delivered to its customer later this year.
“The G650 and G650ER have set the standard for the industry, recently reaching an incredible milestone of 1 million flight hours,” said Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream. “With numerous awards and over 125 speed records, the G650’s innovations in design and manufacturing helped shape the next generation of Gulfstream jets.”
The G650 program began in 2008, and the first prototype flew in November 2009. After FAA certification in 2012, deliveries began, with the first one going to former Gulfstream CEO, Preston Henne, in December of that year.
In 2014, Gulfstream won the Robert J. Collier Trophy for developing the G650 family, which set several aviation records, including a world record for the longest nonstop flight by a business jet in 2019. The G650 was also part of the "One More Orbit" mission, completing the fastest-ever round-the-world trip across both poles.
“Although this is the final G650, these jets will continue to serve customers for decades,” said Burns. “Our support teams will keep improving the aircraft with new technologies like the Honeywell Primus Epic Block 3 and Starlink internet, announced last year and in October.”
The G650 also played a role in sustainability, serving as the first business jet to fly with 100% sustainable aviation fuel in 2022.
The new Gulfstream G800, designed as the successor to the G650, offers better performance, efficiency, and cabin comfort. With a range of 8,000 nautical miles at Mach 0.85, the G800 is powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and features Gulfstream’s new wing design. The G800 can carry up to 19 passengers and will be certified by the FAA in 2025.
