OREANDA-NEWS. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today held a signing ceremony with Dallas-based Flexjet LLC following Gulfstream's announcement of the all-new Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600. Flexjet is a leading provider of fractional aircraft ownership services, operating a fleet of more than 150 business jet aircraft.

The ceremony recognized Flexjet's order for up to 50 Gulfstream aircraft. The sale includes firm orders and options for G450, G500 and G650 aircraft, and a long-term service support agreement.

"We are thrilled to be starting a new relationship with Flexjet, and we are proud that they chose to be a launch customer for the all-new Gulfstream G500," said Scott Neal, senior vice president, Worldwide Sales and Marketing, Gulfstream. "This agreement represents a significant milestone in the history of our two companies and ushers in a new era of fractional ownership for our G450, G500 and G650 aircraft. Gulfstream works hard to provide the world's finest aviation experience, and this order is a testament to that commitment. For the first time, Flexjet will offer its customers our industry-leading aircraft. We are pleased that Flexjet will be able to provide the Gulfstream travel experience for its customers who desire its performance, comfort and safety."

In addition to the aircraft order, Flexjet and Gulfstream announced a Product Support Services Agreement by which Gulfstream will maintain the Flexjet Gulfstream fleet over the next 10 years. Given the global capability of these aircraft, Flexjet customers can be assured of the highest-quality maintenance and service from the Gulfstream worldwide service support structure.

Flexjet entered the fractional jet ownership market in 1995 and operates one of the industry's youngest fleets. Today's announcement adding the Gulfstream G450, G500 and G650 aircraft to the Flexjet fleet expands the company's portfolio of long-range, large-cabin planes to meet client demand for aircraft with intercontinental flight capabilities. The purchase, Flexjet's first from Gulfstream, also partners it with a worldwide brand known for offering aircraft with state-of-the-art technology and advanced flight capabilities.

The G450 can accommodate 12 to 16 passengers and travel 4,350 nautical miles/8,056 kilometers with eight passengers at Mach 0.80. It features the PlaneView cockpit and Enhanced Vision System II with optional Synthetic Vision-Primary Flight Display. The G450 can connect passengers from Dallas to London at Mach 0.80.

The G500's all-new design optimizes speed, wide-cabin comfort and efficiency, and includes new industry-leading safety technologies. The G500 can fly 5,000 nm/9,260 km at Mach 0.85 or 3,800 nm/7,038 km at Mach 0.90. The G500 is capable of cruising from New York to Geneva at Mach 0.90 and New York to Buenos Aires at Mach 0.85.

The first flight of the G500 is scheduled for 2015. Gulfstream projects it will receive type certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency in 2017 and begin deliveries in 2018.

The G650 can travel near the speed of sound. Its range is 7,000 nm/12,964 km at Mach 0.85 or 6,000 nm/11,112 km at Mach 0.90. The G650 can travel nonstop from Los Angeles to London at Mach 0.90 and Los Angeles to Shanghai at Mach 0.85. Depending on its interior configuration, the aircraft can seat up to 18 passengers.