News Release
GULFSTREAM IV HELPS KEEP PACE WITH CHINA’S GROWING DEMAND FOR AIR CHARTERS
Deer Jet Puts Large-Cabin, Long-Range GIV through Its Paces
SAVANNAH, Ga., August 9, 2005 - In the year since Deer Jet Co., Ltd. took delivery of a Gulfstream IV (GIV) for air charter service in the People’s Republic of China, the large-cabin, long-range business-jet aircraft has logged more than 500 flight hours.
“The GIV has flown our clients to some 50 cities in China and to some 30 international destinations,” said Du Xiaoping, Chairman of Deer Jet. “Our customers’ demand for domestic flights in China remains strong while demand for international charter flights is steadily increasing. If this trend continues, we may consider adding a second GIV to our charter aircraft fleet.”
Deer Jet, a subsidiary of Hainan Airlines Group (HNA Group), became the first business air charter operator in China when it began operations a decade ago. Today, Deer Jet is the leading air charter service provider in the region, carrying an average of 2,600 passengers a year. With a fleet of eight business-jet aircraft, the largest in the Asia-Pacific region, Deer Jet provided more than 2,000 charter flights last year for corporate travelers, medical evacuations, government entities and private persons.
“We are pleased the GIV has become one of Deer Jet’s most utilized assets in its fleet,” said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. “China’s fast-growing economy has had a positive impact on business aviation in the region. We take pride in the fact that Gulfstream business jets are providing exceptional travel experiences for those doing business in and out of China.”
Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), manufactured more than 500 GIV business-jet aircraft from 1987 to 2002, making it the best-selling business jet in its class. Predecessor to today’s new long-range Gulfstream G450 and mid-range G350 business jets, the GIV can fly 4,220 nautical miles nonstop, reach altitudes of 45,000 feet and accommodate up to 19 passengers. Eighteen years after the first GIV aircraft entered service, the GIV fleet has flown 2.4 million flight hours, has completed more than 1.2 million landings and is experiencing a dispatch reliability rate of 99.86 percent – one of the highest in the industry.
In addition to providing air transportation for international corporations and air charter companies, governments throughout the world use the GIV to transport high-ranking officials, including presidents and heads of state, and to conduct airborne research, reconnaissance and medical evacuations.
NOTE TO EDITORS
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 1,500 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 G350 ™; the large-cabin, long-range G450 ™; 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 7,200 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 , Virginia , employs approximately 70,800 people worldwide and had 2004 revenue of $19.2 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation. More information about the company can be found at www.generaldynamics.com.
