Gulfstream has expanded the rapid maintenance response capacity of its field and airborne support teams (FAST) network with a base at Westchester County Airport (KHPN) in White Plains, New York. This addition was made to improve the company’s ability to provide aircraft-on-ground (AOG) support in a region with significant Gulfstream fleet activity.
Its FAST network is designed rapidly respond to AOG maintenance needs with onsite expertise and mobile repair capabilities. Originally established in the U.S., the service expanded internationally in 2011 and now operates from 24 bases with a team of 150 technicians globally.
Adding the base in White Plains is part of Gulfstream’s strategy to grow its FAST presence in line with fleet activity and customer needs. According to the OEM, the decision to expand in the New York metropolitan area was informed by customer feedback and operational data.
“We continually assess our service offerings based on fleet growth, aircraft movements, and customer demand as we identify areas for expansion, enhancing our global footprint to better meet our customers’ needs,” said Gulfstream customer support v-p Lor Izzard.
The company expanded its FAST team by more than 40% last year and continues to hire at the unit. Future growth of the network is planned for the western U.S., as well as Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. FAST is part of the OEM’s broader customer support network, which represents more than a quarter of Gulfstream’s total global workforce of more than 5,500 employees.
Growth of the FAST network comes after the announcement earlier this month that the company’s long-range G800 had achieved type certification through EASA and the FAA. The G800 boasts a maximum range of 8,200 nm at Mach 0.85, exceeding initial performance expectations. With these certifications, Gulfstream is set to commence customer deliveries and enter the aircraft into service across the U.S. and Europe.