Gulfstream G800 Completes First Flight, Launches Test-Flight Program

Gulfstream G800
Credit: Gulfstream Aerospace

Gulfstream Aerospace has completed the first flight of its G800 ultralong-range business jet, in a move that officially launches the flight-test program.

Gulfstream announced the G800 along with the G400 large-cabin business jet in October 2021 at its headquarters in Savannah, Georgia. Certification of the $71.5 million G800 is expected in 2023, followed by first deliveries.

The G800 flight-test aircraft departed Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport at 9 a.m. EDT June 28. The 2-hr. flight was operated using a blend of sustainable aviation fuels.

“When the first G800 test aircraft rolled out at our announcement last fall, we changed the game once again for our industry,” says Gulfstream President Mark Burns. “At Gulfstream, working closely with our customers allows us to continuously build on our successes and develop aircraft that exceed our expectations. The G800 pushes the boundaries of performance even further with Gulfstream-designed aerodynamics and cabin technology, and we look forward to our customers benefiting from the longer range at higher speeds in our exceptional cabin environment.”

The G800, which seats up to 19 passengers, has been designed to fly 8,000 nm at Mach 0.85 and 7,000 nm at Mach 0.90. The aircraft, developed with an advanced high-speed wing, is powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines. It includes a Symmetry Flight Deck with dual head-up displays, a Combined Vision System with an Enhanced Flight Vision System and Synthetic Vision System imagery.

The aircraft will have four living areas or three living areas with a crew compartment, ergonomic seating, a circadian lighting system, 100% fresh air, low cabin altitude, a plasma-ionization air purification system and 16 large windows.

Gulfstream’s G800 is the company’s eighth new aircraft in the past decade, the company says.

“We are seeing great interest in the G800, and this first flight brings us even closer to delivering a Gulfstream for every mission,” Burns says.

Molly McMillin

Molly McMillin, a 25-year aviation journalist, is managing editor of business aviation for the Aviation Week Network and editor-in-chief of The Weekly of Business Aviation, an Aviation Week market intelligence report.