Community News.qxp_Layout 1 21/07/2021 12:32 Page 1
COMMUNITY
OEM Bites
Bell delivered a Bell 505 helicopter to W.A. Oil Factory and Distribution PLC in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – its first corporate customer in the country. With this latest acquisition, there are almost 30 Bell 505s in operation across six countries in Africa and the Middle East. www.bellflight.com
Final Commercial Gulfstream G550 Delivery Gulfstream Aerospace announced the final commercial Gulfstream G550 delivery to an international customer, further increasing the worldwide fleet of more than 600 G550s already in service.
W
ith the delivery being made on June 30, Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream reflected, “For nearly two decades, the G550 has been exceeding customer expectations.” The G550 set a high standard for performance and reliability, and continues to be popular within the preowned business jet market with its wide-ranging capabilities. Burns offered reassurances to existing operators of the G550, adding “we look forward to continuing to support all G550 customers around the world with Gulfstream Customer Support’s extensive network.” The G550 entered service in 2003 as the launch platform for the Gulfstream PlaneView flight deck, and was also certified with Enhanced Vision System — now known as Enhanced Flight Vision
116 Vol 25 Issue 8 2021 AVBUYER MAGAZINE
System (EFVS) — as a standard feature. The aircraft has a maximum range of 6,750 nautical miles, and has earned more than 55 speed records over the years. Lower G700 Cabin Altitude… In other Gulfstream news, the G700 will offer a lower-than-expected cabin altitude. Originally announced with a cabin altitude of 3,290 feet when flying at 41,000 ft, the G700 cabin altitude at the same flight level has been improved to 2,916 ft. With this enhancement, Gulfstream claims the G700 “retains its leadership position with the lowest cabin altitude in the Business Aviation industry”, and “will provide even more comfort for passengers over the ultra-long-range flights the G700 is capable of achieving.” More information from www.gulfstream.com
Bombardier received a firm order for 10 aircraft from an existing customer. For competitive reasons, both the order mix and the customer remain undisclosed at present, but the agreement represents a total value of US$451.8m. “We are filled with pride as we announce the year’s largest business jet order,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. https://businessaircraft.bombardier.com/
Dassault announced that a third Falcon 6X recently joined the flight test campaign, moving the “longrange, extra wide-body” twin-engine jet a step closer to its anticipated certification in 2022. Falcon 6X s/n 003 is fitted with a full interior and will be used for cabin design validation. www.dassaultfalcon.com
www.AVBUYER.com
w
