Despite rumors to the contrary, Gulfstream Aerospace has stressed its commitment to its G280 super midsize jet and is investing in enhancements to the aircraft, company executives told reporters on March 30.
Asking prices in the COVID-19 era are getting soft. So, potential buyers can afford to shop for deals. Patience and perseverance could make the G280 a best buy.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Gulf stream Aerospace's G280 set two speed records in April on flights to and from the 2017 Avalon Airshow. The aircraft flew 3,332 nm from Singapore to Melbourne, Australia, in 7 hr. and 21 min., at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.81. It then flew from Singapore to Dubai's Al Maktoum Airport, 3,177 nm, in 7 hr. and 18 min. at Mach 0.82.
It's a bona fide buyers' market for the IAI Galaxy/G200 in mid-2016. According to Informa's (formally Penton's) Aircraft Bluebook, selling prices for early 2001 models are approaching $3 million and late model 2011 aircraft are going for less than $8 million.
Israel Aircraft Industries invented the super-midsize business aircraft in the mid-1990s when it launched its IAI 1126 Galaxy. These aircraft can fly eight passengers 3,200 nm and land with NBAA IFR reserves. They offer nearly Gulfstream GII cabin dimensions, but with the fuel consumption of a standard midsize jet. On a 1,000-nm trip, for instance, the aircraft actually burns slightly less fuel than a Hawker 750 or Cessna Citation Sovereign. IAI earned FAA certification for the Galaxy in December 1998, and 53 units were delivered from 1999 to 2001.
