Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. earlier this week celebrated the 25th anniversary of the GIV. The Gulfstream GIV is one of the best-selling large-cabin, long-range business jet in the world.
Gulfstream IV Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence
“The GIV was the aircraft that launched a thousand Gulfstream aircraft,” said Gulfstream president Joe Lombardo. The Gulfstream IV formed the foundation for designing and building the G300, G400, G350, and G450. The aircraft’s first flight was a significant turning point and set a new standard for technology for the company. Over 520 of the 536 jets produced in the GIV series are still in operation today. The ultra long-range and unprecedented speed set a milestone for the Gulfstream aircraft. Jim Gallagher, director of the company’s large and mid-cabin sustaining program, said “there is no other aircraft that came close, companies relied on it to travel worldwide; it helped push global commerce.”
The first GIV flight took off from Savannah International Airport on September 19, 1985. It was reported that more than 80 orders were taken while the aircraft was still in development. The pre-orders at that time were one of the largest for a single aircraft in business aviation history. After being certified by the Federal Aviation Administration on June 8, 1987, the GIV was able to officially enter service. From there on the GIV has become the aircraft of choice for business-jet customers, private individuals, and air charter companies worldwide.
