Gulfstream upbeat about the future

Gulfstream Aerospace president Larry Flynn
said that the company had been sustained in a challenging market by
international orders and has continued to grow and invest throughout the
period.

Flynn became president on 1 September 2011,
succeeding Joe Lombardo, who continues to oversee Gulfstream and Jet Aviation
as executive vice president of Aerospace for General Dynamics, Gulfstream’s
parent company.

“Businesses that were once regional are now
global,” Flynn said. “And their leaders need long-range transportation. They
recognize Gulfstream as the leader in technology, performance and product
support; and that has translated into strong sales.”

The company has an $18 billion backlog,
which grew by more than $400 million in the second quarter. The delivery window
for most products is an 18-24 month “sweet spot,” according to Flynn. G650
orders extend into 2017.

“Our focus at the moment is to complete two
certification programs, for the G650 and G280. We’re on track to do that and
deliver on time as promised,” Flynn said. “We are also intently focused on
ensuring a smooth entry-into-service for both products and are positioning
people and resources accordingly.”

Gulfstream is on track for green deliveries
of 80 large-cabin models and 15-20 mid-cabin models. In addition, the company
plans to make green deliveries this year of 10 to 12 of its new G650
ultra-long-range jet.

The Gulfstream Product Support organization,
which continues to receive category-leading marks by industry publications, is
expanding to keep pace with the fleet, with new facilities or expansions
accomplished or announced for Savannah; Westfield,; Luton, England; Madrid;
Singapore;
and elsewhere.

“We are acutely aware that superior service
and support sells airplanes, and we will continue to devote all the resources
necessary to lead in this area,” said Flynn.

Gulfstream has more than 11,500 employees
worldwide today. Growth has come in all sectors of the company – especially
production, engineering and product support.

International markets are the key drivers
behind that growth, Flynn said, noting that 70 percent of orders in the past
year were from outside North America.

“About a year ago we announced a $500
million, seven-year facilities expansion program,” remarked Flynn. “We said we
would add 1,000 jobs over that period. Since then we have added more than
1,300.”