News Release
GULFSTREAM G200™ BUSINESS JET PROVES TO BE CUSTOMER PLEASER FOR METROJET CHARTER IN ASIA
SAVANNAH, Ga., June 12, 2003 - Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), continues to receive positive customer response to its large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200™ business jet. Hong Kong-based air charter company MetroJet has reported the G200 is providing exceptional service for its VIP passengers.
"The G200, which joined our company in February, has enhanced Metrojet's level of service," said Metrojet Chief Pilot Laurence Stapleton. "During the first three months of service, the G200 has flown more than 200 hours, completed more than 65 sectors and carried more than 300 passengers.
"More importantly, this high-performing and versatile aircraft completed these missions while maintaining 100 percent dispatch reliability. In our business, customers expect an aircraft will take off when it is scheduled - every time. Anything less is unacceptable. The G200 is providing the level of reliability our customers count on.
"We chose the G200 for its size, performance and suitability to the mission requirements of our customers and it has proven its worth. Also, the generous width and height of the G200 cabin easily and comfortably accommodates our passengers, even when the plane is fully occupied."
Confirming the G200's success in the Asian corporate charter market, four Hong Kong-based corporations recently have signed block charter agreements with Metrojet for use of its G200.
"With the success of Metrojet and its G200 charter operations, we are confident that we're at the beginning of a long-term period of growth for air charter services in Hong Kong," said Bryan Moss, President, Gulfstream. "We are pleased Metrojet has chosen the G200 for this role, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them for many years."
The G200 cabin, which can accommodate up to 10 passengers, features low ambient sound levels, plenty of natural light from generous-sized windows and 100 percent fresh air. Also, the generous size of the G200 cabin serves both as a productive workspace for business travelers and a relaxing place for leisure travelers.
"With the spaciousness of the baggage compartment, the G200 can carry a full load of luggage," Stapleton added. "And our passengers are impressed with the beds that can be set up for long-haul flights."
Based at the Business Aviation Center of the Hong Kong International Airport, Metrojet provides corporate charters and leisure trips to destinations throughout Asia, including Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia.
The most economical aircraft in its class to operate, the G200 offers outstanding performance with its excellent climb, high-cruising altitude and high speed. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW306A engines, the G200 operates at speeds up to Mach .85, reaches altitudes up to 45,000 feet and can fly up to 3,400 nautical miles nonstop.
Additionally, G200 owners experience excellent support with the 5-year Exclusive Gulfstream Maintenance Program that supplements a competitive warranty.
Gulfstream currently is providing customers the opportunity to experience the G200 first hand. Two Gulfstream G200 Road Show teams are conducting G200 static demonstrations - one throughout the eastern United States and the other throughout the west. A Gulfstream G200 aircraft accompanies each team and, for comparative purposes, the teams may display a competitor's aircraft alongside the G200. The schedule for the G200 Road Show, which continues up to the last week of June, is available online at www.gulfstream.com/owng200.
NOTE TO EDITOR
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically advanced business jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 1,300 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 mid-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G100™; the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150™; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200™; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G300™; the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G400™; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500™ and the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550™. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®. The company employs more than 7,400 people at seven major locations. We invite you to visit our Web site for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at www.gulfstream.com.
General Dynamics,headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 57,000 people worldwide and had 2002 revenues of $13.8 billion. The company has leading market positions in land and amphibious combat systems, mission-critical information systems and technologies, shipbuilding and marine systems, and business aviation. More information about the company can be found on the World Wide Web at www.generaldynamics.com.
