The visit of the Gulfstream flagship G650ER to Dubai World Central allowed Scott Neal, Gulfstream's senior vice-president of worldwide sales, the chance to show Dave Calderwood around the aircraft and explain why it is so vital to the Middle East. Gulfstream Walk up the airstairs to the entrance of Gulfstream’s flagship G650ER and you enter a world of calm, comfort and amazing space. There are four living areas, galley, bathroom, baggage area and, of course, the high-tech cockpit up front. And, remember, this $70 million aircraft is also the fastest, longest-range, biggest-cabin business jet available. “The G650 has been extremely well received,” said Scott Neal, Gulfstream’s senior vice-president of worldwide sales. “There are more than 200 G650s and ERs in service, and 25 of those are based here in the Middle East. It is a very popular aircraft in the region. “The G650 has helped grow Gulfstream. It’s one of the most successful programmes we’ve ever had. The next available aircraft we can deliver to a customer is in the middle of 2018, so we have a strong backlog and a strong customer commitment. “The Middle East is an extremely important market for Gulfstream and has been for 40 years. We have 120 aircraft based in the region.” Gulfstream and parent company, General Dynamics, have invested in Jet Aviation’s (also a GD company) maintenance facility at Dubai International Airport and also $22 million in a parts centre at Dubai South. “We want to make sure that we position support where our customers are based,” said Neal. “We want to be available and capable of supporting aircraft at their home base.” Two all-new aircraft are on the way from Gulfstream, the G500 and G600.

Embraer Brazilian airframer Embraer delivered 33 aircraft in the first quarter of 2017—18 commercial airliners and 15 executive jets. The figures announced on April 13 represented a 25 percent drop compared with the 44 aircraft delivered in the same period of 2016 (21 commercial jets and 23 executive jets). The 18 commercial airliners consisted of 16 E175 jets and 2 E195 jets that were delivered to operators in Europe, China and the U.S. Meanwhile, the 15 executive jets consisted of 11 light jets and 4 large jets. Embraer’s firm order backlog, as of March 31, was valued $19.2 billion, 12 percent down on the $21.9 billion figure for the first quarter of 2016. In the business aviation sector, Embraer's main achievement was the recognition by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association of its Phenom 300 as the best selling executive jet in the world for the fourth succesive year. While the Phenom 300 has amassed 266 deliveries since 2013, the first of the new Phenom 100EV model was delivered to an undisclosed U.S. customer during this quarter. During the first quarter of this year, Embraer achieved the rollout and first flight of the E195-E2 ahead of schedule. Azul Brazilian Airlines will be the launch operator of the E195-E2, followed by Scandinavian carrier Widerøe, in next year's first half. Source: Ainonline  

BBJ Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) is seeing unprecedented growth in Greater China, where the fleet has tripled over the last five years – with 29 BBJ aircraft in operation. The success of the BBJ fleet in Greater China is driving strong interest in the newest members of the BBJ family, the BBJ MAX 7 and the BBJ 787. “The Greater China BBJ Fleet continues to grow because our customers know Boeing Business Jets offer unbeatable versatility and reliability,” said Greg Laxton, vice president, Boeing Business Jets “We are very confident that strong growth will continue in Greater China. We expect the new BBJMAX family to be very popular in this market with additional cabin space and significant range increase.” The Greater China BBJ fleet will continue to expand this year with two BBJs, one BBJ 2 and one BBJ 787 entering into service in 2017. In 2018, two BBJ MAX 8s will be delivered to customers in the region. Boeing Business Jets recently signed an agreement with Ameco Beijing to serve as an official BBJ warranty service centre. The BBJ and Ameco agreement allows BBJ customers based in Greater China customised and fast support for their aircraft. “Boeing Business Jets is committed to offering world-class customer support. This deal with Ameco is another way that our customers based in Greater China can access support that is fast and customised to their specific needs,” said Laxton.