The Gulfstream G800 is one of the most highly-anticipated business jets ever to hit the market and is scheduled to enter service in the near future. Offering industry-leading range and exceptional economics, the G800 will enable long-haul international travel at high speeds of Mach 0.85-0.925. While its initial entry-to-service date of 2023 has been pushed back, the G800 is still expected to enter service in 2024.

With its cousin, the G700 – which shares engines and other design features – receiving type certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last month and deliveries starting this week, it seems only a matter of time until the G800 is cleared for service.

G800 certification backstory

The G800 was first announced in 2021, two years after the G700 was unveiled at the 2019 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention. The plane completed its maiden flight in June 2022, only ten months after it was announced, with Gulfstream initially targeting a 2023 entry-to-service date.

However, certification delays have pushed this timeline back. In the wake of the Boeing 737 MAX groundings in March 2019, the FAA enhanced its certification standards, leading to a roughly 18-month delay in getting the G700 certified. Gulfstream has reiterated that it expects the G800 to receive type certification “in early 2024” – given that we are already approaching the end of April, this can be read as the first half of 2024. Once this happens, the company will soon be able to make its first deliveries.

Photo: Gulfstream

Following delivery, the jet won’t enter service right away, as there are more steps that need to be completed before it can take to the skies. This includes additional certifications, such as production and interior supplemental type certifications, as well as crew training – generally speaking, it takes at least another 3 months following type certification for a jet like the G800 to enter active service, if not longer. With this in mind, the G800 is likely to enter service towards the end of 2024, but any further delays could push this back to early 2025.

Fuel-icing exemption

In January, the FAA granted the G700 and G800 a temporary exemption from an issue related to fuel-icing regulations. This three-year exemption will allow both jets to receive type certification despite not complying with the requirements.

Photo: Gulfstream

As per a FlightGlobal report, regulations stipulate that engines must be able to operate in cold temperatures using fuel that contains minute quantities of water. Gulfstream points to other jets, including the G400 and G650, which use similar fuel systems, as proof that the G700 and G800 are safe.

Engine certification last year

The Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engine was granted FAA certification in September 2023, edging both the G700 and G800 jets closer to certification.

Related

Rolls Royce Pearl 700 Receives FAA Type Certification

The Pearl 700 is the exclusive engine for the Gulfstream G700.

With a takeoff thrust of 18,250 lbs, this is 8% higher than the Rolls-Royce BR725 engines on the G650ER. Notably, the Pearl 700 will be up to 18% more efficient than the BR725, enabling considerable operational savings and reduced emissions.

G800 specs

The G800 will be able to seat up to 19 passengers – featuring a high-speed wing design and special winglets, the jet will boast a max range of 8,000 NM at a cruise speed of Mach 0.85.

Photo: Gulfstream

For example, from London, the jet can fly anywhere in the US and also reach the majority of South American and Asian destinations, including Buenos Aires, Singapore and Beijing. From New York, it can reach anywhere in South America, Europe, the Middle East and a good chunk of Asia too.

On the flight deck, the G800 will incorporate Honeywell’s Symmetry avionics – interestingly, this system will eventually feature on all of Gulfstream’s larger business jets, with the commonality making it far easier for pilots to transition between types.

What to expect from the G800

With the same interior dimensions as the G650ER, the G800 will have a smaller cabin than the G700, but it will still be very spacious and comfortable compared to current in-service competition – passengers can expect a serene onboard experience thanks to the Pearl 700 engines’ low noise and an efficient airframe design.

Photo: Gulfstream

When the jet does enter service, US-based charter broker Air Charter Advisors has estimated it will start at approximately $16,500 per hour to charter. This is slightly cheaper than the expected starting price to charter the Global 8000, which is estimated at $17,250 per hour.

Related

How Much Does A Gulfstream G800 Cost?

The Gulfstream G800 will be one of the most expensive business jets in its class.

For customers wanting to purchase a G800 outright, it comes with a list price of $72.5 million, but this can go up depending on options and configuration. As for annual fixed costs, owners will likely be shelling out somewhere around the $1.4 million mark each year for this jet, without including operating costs, which are estimated at around $8,000 per hour.

While marketing itself as the longest-range business jet in the world, the upcoming Global 8000 will give the G800 a run for its money. The Global 8000 comes with a higher list price of $81 million but will also be capable of flying up to 8,000 NM at a cruise speed of Mach 0.85.

What are your thoughts on the Gulfstream G800? Let us know what you think in the comment section!