Gulfstream G700 Sets Speed Record on Way to Paris Show

The Gulfstream G700 on display this week at the Paris Air Show set two city-pair speed records en route to Le Bourget Airport. Additionally, the legs were flown using a 30% sustainable aviation fuel blend, adding Sustainable Wings accreditation to the speed records from the National Aeronautic Association (NAA).

On Friday, the ultra-long-range business jet flew from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey to San Francisco International Airport, traveling 2,272 nm (4,208 kilometers) in 4 hours, 57 minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.91. It then flew the 4,947-nm (9,162 kilometers) route from San Francisco to Paris Le Bourget in 9 hours 26 minutes at the same average speed.

Scott Evans, the aircraft manufacturer’s director of demonstration and corporate flight operations, told AIN that the twinjet wasn’t nearly pushing the aircraft’s 7,500-nm range limit on the leg from California to France. “We could have easily made it to Dubai from San Francisco,” he said. “The G700 makes the world a smaller place, and the low cabin altitude—3,000 to 4,000 feet—means passengers arrived refreshed and relaxed.”

While the NAA allows at-altitude, point-to-point routes to count as record flights, Evans explained that Gulfstream’s attempts are based on normal operations, meaning takeoff to landing. Further, the company conducts speed-record flights with aircraft carrying a customer-typical load of fuel, passengers, and payload.

“Recognition from our partners at the NAA and these latest record-breaking flights further demonstrate Gulfstream’s industry-leading commitment to sustainability,” said Gulfstream Aerospace president Mark Burns. “We are excited for the G700 and our award-winning Gulfstream G600 to return to the International Paris Air Show this year and look forward to showcasing the compelling combination of advanced technology, performance, and comfort as increased demand for our next-generation aircraft continues in Europe.”