End of an Era: Gulfstream To Cease G450 Production in 2018

Gulfstream Aerospace announced on October 21 that it will cease production of the G450 as it prepares for service entry of its new fly-by-wire G500 in late 2017. The final G450 will be delivered in 2018, providing a seamless product transition between the two business jets.

The G450 was built on the success of the GIV and GIV-SP, which themselves were derived from the GIII and GII twinjets, as well as the GI turboprop twin. The GIV first flew on Sept. 19, 1985, and entered service in August 1987. Gulfstream produced more than 870 GIVs, GIV-SPs and G450s over the past 29 years. The GIV family also was the foundation for the ultra-long-range GV series.

“The GIV and G450 ushered in a business aviation renaissance that has led to increased safety, greater reliability, better technology and improved performance,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns. “It’s fitting that the G500 will replace the G450 and build upon its performance legacy, creating another industry game-changer from Gulfstream.”

Powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW814GAs, the 5,000-nm G500 features Gulfstream’s Symmetry Flight Deck and a fly-by-wire system with active control sidesticks. Five G500s are currently in flight testing, with FAA certification expected next year. To date, the flight-test program has amassed more than 1,600 flight hours. In addition, a G500 simulator is already in use at FlightSafety International in Savannah, Georgia.

*article updated 10/31 to reflect 2017 service entry of G500.