Gulfstream renames G250

Neelam Mathews

July 19, 2011

Gulfstream Aerospace has renamed the super midsized Gulfstream G250 aircraft; Gulfstream G280.

The renaming will not affect any other in-production Gulfstream aircraft. 

The change is primarily because of the number "8" that is considered lucky and auspicious for the Chinese. In Mandarin, the numbers sound a lot 'bringing bad luck.' Even Boeing had added an '8' to the 787 when it was being named. 

As demand for Gulfstream business jets grows around the world, the move was prompted by the company’s sensitivity to the varied cultures of its international customer base, said Larry Flynn, senior vice president, Marketing and Sales, Gulfstream.

The aircraft features an all-new, advanced transonic wing design that has been optimized for high-speed cruise and improved takeoff performance. At maximum takeoff weight, the G280 can depart from a 5,000-foot runway.

In terms of passenger comfort, the G280 features the largest cabin in its class, with 17 percent to 35 percent more floor area than other large-cabin, mid-range business jets. The additional space provides for a larger lavatory, an improved galley and increased storage. The aircraft also features 19 panoramic windows, industry-leading sound levels, a vacuum toilet system and in-flight access to 120 cubic feet of usable volume in the baggage compartment.

The G280 flight-test program is under way. The three aircraft in the test program have exceeded 1,400 flight hours over 525 flights. At the same time, manufacturing of the first non-test aircraft, S/N 2004, is complete, with production acceptance testing under way at Israel Aerospace Industries near Tel Aviv.

Production of the interior furnishings has begun at Gulfstream’s mid-cabin completions center in Dallas, where the G280 will be outfitted and painted.

 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the business-jet aircraft.

Gulfstream has produced more than 1,900 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200; the new large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G280, the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350; the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G450; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550,and the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650.

Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales..