News Release
GULFSTREAM MARKS BEST INTERNATIONAL SALES YEAR
Gulfstream Bolsters International Sales Team By Placing Additional Sales Personnel in Asia and Europe
Geneva, Switzerland, April 18, 2001 - Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation sold a record number of aircraft to international customers in 2000. International sales were strong for all three current offerings: the Gulfstream IV-SP, Gulfstream V and new
Gulfstream V-SP.
"International sales remain strong going into 2001," said Joe Walker, Gulfstream's senior vice president, worldwide sales. "We have sold over 20 aircraft to international customers during the past 12 months."
Gulfstream recently reorganized its international sales force, strengthening the management team and increasing its size. Tarek Ragheb was named division vice president, international sales - Europe, Mid-east, and Africa. Jason Akovenko, regional vice president - Asia/Pacific, has been assigned to Gulfstream's Singapore office and an additional salesperson will be placed in Europe.
"Gulfstream is building market share in key regions around the world," said Walker. "We have the right products for our international customers and it's being reflected in consistently strong aircraft sales."
The growing international demand for the long range Gulfstream IV-SP and ultra-long range Gulfstream V prompted an increase of more than 100 percent in demonstration flights last year. Both aircraft are on static display at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition.
The Gulfstream V is the world's first and most successful large-cabin, ultra-long range business aircraft; more than 100 are in customer service. With 69 world and national records since its introduction in 1997, the Gulfstream V offers the most advanced technology available in business aircraft today.
With its proven ability to travel non-stop for 6,500 nautical miles, fly at speeds up to Mach .885, and cruise at altitudes as high as 51,000 feet, the Gulfstream V can quickly connect the world's far-ranging business centers. The aircraft's performance advantage takes it high above commercial air traffic, weather and adverse winds, permitting shorter and more direct flights.
The Gulfstream V's luxurious cabin is also efficient and versatile. Only Gulfstream V passengers enjoy a low maximum cabin altitude of 6,000 feet and a 100-percent fresh air ventilation system. These unique features, coupled with the increased ambient light available through Gulfstream's large signature oval windows, virtually eliminate passenger fatigue and stress related to ultra-long range intercontinental travel.
The new Gulfstream V-SP, announced in October 2000, will provide a 250-mile range improvement over the current GV. The 6,750 nautical mile range provides extra margin not only on ultra-long range flights, but also on shorter-range, higher-speed routes. Performance improvements come from more efficient Rolls-Royce BR-710 engines, airframe drag reduction and the aircraft's lower empty weight. The first customer delivery is scheduled for 2003.
The Gulfstream IV-SP is the world's best selling large-cabin business aircraft. Reliability, performance, safety and passenger comfort are hallmarks of the Gulfstream IV-SP's success. The Gulfstream IV-SP currently holds more than 74 flight records. The Gulfstream IV fleet has logged over 1,400,000 flight hours worldwide, and boasts a dispatch reliability rate in excess of 99.5 percent. The Gulfstream IV was certified in April, 1987 and superseded by the Gulfstream IV-SP in September, 1992.
NOTE TO EDITOR
Gulfstream, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, designs, develops, manufactures, and markets the world's most technologically advanced intercontinental business jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 1,200 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the aviation needs of its customers, Gulfstream offers a full range of aircraft products and services, including the Gulfstream IV-SP®, the ultra-long range Gulfstream V® and Gulfstream V-SP®, Gulfstream Shares®, Gulfstream Financial Services®, Gulfstream Lease®, Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®, Gulfstream Charter Services®, Gulfstream Management Services® and Gulfstream ServiceCare®. The company employs more than 8,300 people at eight locations. We invite you to visit our Web site at www.gulfstream.com for photos of Gulfstream aircraft and related information.
General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), headquartered in Falls Church, Va., has leading market positions in business aviation, information systems, shipbuilding and marine systems, and land and amphibious combat systems. The corporation employs approximately 46,000 people worldwide and anticipates 2001 sales of approximately $11.5 billion. More information about the company can be found at www.generaldynamics.com.
