The annual Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) is the go-to event to explore the latest happenings in the world of aviation. At the 2019 iteration of the mammoth event, we spoke to Roger Sperry, Senior Regional Vice President of Gulfstream, to find out what we can expect from the luxury aircraft maker in the year to come.

What’s the highlight of Gulfstream at this year’s ABACE? 
Once again, we brought the Gulfstream fleet to be displayed to Shanghai for ABACE 2019. Our display this year includes five aircrafts – the ultralong-range Gulfstream G650ER, the high-performing Gulfstream G550, the all-new Gulfstream G500 and G600, and the super-midsize Gulfstream G280. 

ABACE is an important show for Gulfstream. Since 2014, we have seen our Asia-Pacific fleet grow by 24 percent, and in Greater China by 35 percent. In particular, Gulfstream large-cabin aircraft continue to do very well in this region thanks to their unsurpassed combination of speed and range. The G650ER is a great example of this. It just recently flew from Singapore to Tucson, Arizona in a record 15 hours and 23 minutes – 44 minutes faster than any competitor. This monumental feat proved our aircraft can get our customers farther, faster and in utmost comfort. 

You’ve also recently launched a new aircraft, the G500. How does it compare to its predecessors? 
In September 2018 we delivered the very first G500. Its sister aircraft, the G600, is expected to enter service soon. 

These two new models represent highly optimised speed capabilities, wide-cabin comfort and efficiency, and offer best-in-class performance with advanced safety features. Equipped with touch screens, the industry’s first active control side sticks and fly-by-wire technology, the advanced flight deck further allows for greater situational awareness and crew coordination, making the aircraft the most technologically advanced in the market. 

Providing best-in-class comfort, each aircraft offers the signature Gulfstream Cabin Experience: 14 panoramic windows, low cabin altitudes, a cabin designed to be the quietest in business aviation, high-speed connectivity and bespoke interior design tailored to each customer’s wishes. 

How long does it take to deliver? 

We work with our customers to design and customise an aircraft that is suitable to their unique needs and aircraft usage. That said, delivery times can vary. 

How many passengers can your aircraft carry? 
Gulfstream’s largest aircraft, the four-living-area G650ER, can seat up to 19 passengers and sleep 10. Each Gulfstream can be configured for enhanced productivity and comfort – depending on each customer need. 

How does Gulfstream ensure the safety of its aircraft? 
Our planes undergo thousands of hours of rigorous testing before they fly. Additionally, our aircraft are equipped with advanced and redundant features that enhance safety, including multiple touch screens in the flight deck, back-up flight controls and sensors.

Thank you.

Interview by: Dai Xuan