Gulfstream's G700 flight test programme is making progress with a number of accomplishments in testing and performance.

The aircraft has flown more than 100 test flights, recently completed company flutter testing and expanded the flight envelope at both high and low speeds. As part of Gulfstream's testing efforts, the G700 also flew beyond its maximum operating speed and cruise altitude, reaching Mach 0.99 and an altitude of 54,000 ft. In typical operations, the G700 has a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925 and a maximum cruise altitude of 51,000 ft.

“These accomplishments at this stage in flight test point to the impressive maturity of the G700 programme,” says Mark Burns, company president. “We designed and developed the G700 for our customers to fly safely, securely and efficiently while enjoying the same level of comfort as they do on the ground. With the largest galley in the industry, the utmost in technology and the finest, freshest cabin environment, the G700 unlocks new opportunities in business jet travel.”

With 100 per cent fresh, never recirculated air, a low cabin altitude, quiet noise levels and the option for a true circadian lighting system, the cabin on the G700 boosts wellness and rejuvenates passengers. The cabin also features 20 panoramic oval windows in up to five living areas and the Gulfstream-exclusive ultra-galley with more than 10 ft of counter space, as well as a master suite option with stand-up shower.

The G700 is powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and can fly at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90 for 6,400 nm or at its long-range cruise of Mach 0.85 for 7,500 nm. The G700 also includes the Gulfstream Symmetry flight deck with electronically linked active control sidesticks and a predictive landing performance system.

Gulfstream has also announced a new customer support service centre at the UK's Farnborough airport. The facility's first aircraft is a Middle East-based Gulfstream G450 arriving for scheduled maintenance.

The all-new 225,000 sq ft facility can accommodate up to 13 large-cabin aircraft, including the Gulfstream G650, G650ER and the G700. Gulfstream Farnborough offers MRO services as well as interior refurbishments and after-market modifications.

“Gulfstream Farnborough is already seeing great demand,” says Derek Zimmerman, president of Gulfstream customer support. “This opening marks the completion of another goal in our overarching strategy to enhance convenience and increase options for our customers. The new facilities we are building can better accommodate more of the increasingly popular large-cabin Gulfstream aircraft our customers are flying around the world.”

In line with Gulfstream's sustainability strategy, the Farnborough facility has been designed with environmental benefits, including rainwater harvesting, radiant heating systems in the purpose-built hangar, intelligent lighting controls and heat recovery systems.

To complement the Farnborough site, Gulfstream's FAST Field and Airborne Support Teams continue to maintain a presence at London Luton airport for arrivals, departures and aircraft-on-ground (AOG) service.

In addition to Farnborough, Gulfstream customer support has expanded throughout the US with new facilities in Savannah, Georgia; Appleton, Wisconsin; Van Nuys, California; and forthcoming in Palm Beach, Florida. In February, the company announced an upcoming expansion in Fort Worth, Texas.