News Release

Zhuhai, China, November 6, 2000 – Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation’s new Gulfstream V-SP and long-range, large-cabin GIV-SP are the right choice for Asia’s building business aircraft market.

"Gulfstream aircraft performance and reliability make them the right aircraft at the right time as prospects for business aviation in Asia continue to improve," said Bryan Moss, vice chairman of Gulfstream. "The new Gulfstream V-SP in particular with its additional range, larger cabin area and advanced cockpit make it the best choice for business flying into and out of Asia."

While the market for business aviation in Asia is developing, its growth is dependent upon continued improvements in airport and airspace access.

"The steady improvement in airport access for business aircraft continues as an important trend in Asia," Moss said. "The Chinese in particular are making a significant commitment to business aviation as evidenced by the opening of the business aircraft center at Chek Lap Kok airport in Hong Kong."

"What is needed, is even broader airport and airway policies that embrace business aviation," Moss said. "While there has been significant improvement, airport and airspace policies remain a barrier to trade and commerce in Asia. The technology advancements in Gulfstream aircraft, with their quieter and lower emission engines, coupled with the failure of airlines to consistently meet the needs of frequent business travelers, provide persuasive reasons to grant additional access for business aircraft operations."

With over 95 Gulfstream V’s and 400 GIV’s in service, Gulfstream Vs are routinely flying business leaders non-stop from Europe, the Middle East and North America to destinations throughout Asia. The Gulfstream V’s exceptional level of performance has far outdistanced the competition in safety, reliability and range.

The Gulfstream V is the world's most technologically advanced intercontinental business jet aircraft. Capable of flying 6,500 nautical miles at speeds up to Mach .885 with eight passengers and a crew of four, the Gulfstream V cruises at altitudes up to 51,000 feet, routinely outperforming the nearest competition.

"As successful as the GV is, the new GV-SP will provide even greater world reach, comfort and capability for customers in Asia," said Moss. "The GV-SP’s speed and even better reliability will further enhance Gulfstream’s leadership in the large-cabin, ultra-long-range business aircraft market."

The Gulfstream V-SP will provide a range of 6,750 nautical miles, a 250-mile improvement over the current GV. The range improvement provides extra margin not only on ultra-long range flights, but also on shorter-range, higher-speed routes. The GV-SP will be capable of flying 5,000 nautical mile trips at a rapid .87 Mach – a 400-mile advantage -- and 6,000 nautical mile legs at .85 Mach – a 300-mile enhancement. Performance improvements are the result of greater efficiency of the Rolls-Royce BR-710 engines, airframe drag reduction and a reduction in the aircraft’s empty weight.

"The range and speed advantage of the GV-SP also translates into improved takeoff performance," said Moss. "With the advancements offered by the PlaneViewtm cockpit suite and the aircraft’s more spacious cabin, the GV-SP will continue Gulfstream’s leadership in the marketplace.

The first flight of the GV-SP is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2001, followed by Federal Aviation Administration certification and Joint Aviation Authorities verification a year later. The first customer delivery is planned for 2003.

Gulfstream’s other aircraft, the Gulfstream IV-SP, is the world's best-selling, most reliable, large-cabin business aircraft. The Gulfstream IV-SP travels 4,220 nautical miles non-stop at speeds up to Mach 0.88 and can cruise at altitudes up to 45,000 feet, well above commercial traffic. Since the aircraft was brought to market in 1985, Gulfstream IVs and Gulfstream IV-SPs have completed over 1.3 million flight hours and 685,000 landings. The Gulfstream IV-SP offers an impressive dispatch reliability of 99.5 percent.

Gulfstream is highlighting its presence at Airshow China by bringing the GIV-SP demonstrator aircraft to Zhuhai.