Gulfstream Aerospace received FAA approval for steep-approach operations in its large-cabin G500. The approval comes as the G500 was able to prove low-speed handling and short-field capabilities at airports such as the UK’s London City Airport, which has a short runway and strict noise abatement requirements, and Switzerland’s Lugano Airport, which is at the mouth of a valley and requires an extremely steep approach.
“Our customers already benefit from the revolutionary performance and efficiency of the G500,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns. “We are now pleased to deliver steep-approach capability as well, providing additional flexibility by unlocking access to even more destinations around the world.”
Capable of flying 5,300 nm at Mach 0.85 and 4,500 at Mach 0.90, Gulfstream’s G500 entered service in 2018. More than 110 of the twinjets are now in service. With a top speed of 0.925, the aircraft has established nearly 60 city-pair records.