Gulfstream to stop production of the G450
After three decades of service, the Gulfstream G4 family is about to take its final (production) breath, with the announcement last week that no more G450s will be produced after 2018.
Manufacturer Gulfstream has decided to shelve its G4 family (which includes the GIV, GIV-SP, G350, G400 and most recently the G450) to make way for the arrival of the G500, also scheduled for 2018.
A Gulfstream icon
The G4 family has been around in one form or another since 1985. Over these 31 years, 870 models have been produced and distributed to individuals or charter companies.
With a range of 4,350 nautical miles (8056 km), the G450 and its predecessors is a great choice for a transcontinental private jet flight.
While not as fast as its bigger and more recent siblings, it remains very popular for flights by private jet between London and New York as a more cost-effective VIP travel solution between these two key financial and leisure capitals.
In common with the rest of the Gulfstream range, the G450 is distinguished by its large oval windows, that allow passengers to enjoy the view from the light and spacious cabin.
The next generation: G500
The G450 is not disappearing without a successor. In 2014, Gulfstream announced plans for a new G500 – a new generation long range jet that sits between the G450 and G550 in terms of its performance.
The G500 can fly a little further and faster than the G450 and features the Gulfstream Planeview cockpit, with fly-by-wire controls, large landscape displays and side-mounted Cursor Control Device.
The G500 made its first flight in May 2015. Its certification is scheduled for 2017 and first deliveries in 2018 – the year of the G450 shutdown.
The end of the G450?
New private jet aircraft models emerge fairly regularly, pushing the boundaries of range, speed, efficiency – or to fill a gap in the market.
Often manufacturers choose to stop production of an old model at the same time, to focus their efforts on the new aircraft or to address commercial conflict in their product range. This is the case with Gulfstream, in choosing to move forward with the G500, while stopping production of the G450.
However, this does not mean the end of the G4 series in the charter market. Many G450s (and older G400, G350s, GIVs and GIV-SPs) will continue to be operated and offered for charter for many years to come, all over the world.
Private jets have a variable shelf life, depending on their usage and maintenance. But many aircraft can fly perfectly safely for decades, as long as they are well looked after.
Engineers regularly maintain, upgrade and replace the aircraft’s parts as necessary. And the aircraft’s cabin can undergo regular renovations too. So you can fly in a 25-year old GIV today, and still enjoy a modern luxury interior and high performance.
That’s why we advise clients to carefully consider the year of renovation of an aircraft, in addition to its year of manufacture.
So while no more will be coming off the production line, the G4 family’s many fans can relax – it will continue to fly for many years to come.
For advice or charter pricing on a G450 or any other Gulfstream aircraft, contact our Flight Team or call +44 1747 642 777.
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