DC Aviation is taking to the skies in style! The German-based aircraft management and charter group has placed an order for a Gulfstream G400, making it the first of its kind to join a dedicated charter fleet in Europe. The deal was sealed with some fanfare today during a contract-signing ceremony at Gulfstream’s customer support facility at Farnborough Airport in the UK.
Although this isn’t the first G400 ordered by a European owner, it’s certainly the first to be available for charter flights. DC Aviation, already flying high with a fleet of 34 aircraft, will now boast five company-owned jets. They’re no strangers to the Gulfstream family either, with a G280, a G550, and a couple of G650s already in their hangar—and another G650 on the way!
The G400, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812GA engines, is in the midst of flight testing and is poised to secure FAA certification soon. With a top speed of Mach 0.85 and a range of 4,200 nautical miles, this beauty can zip from Munich to Mumbai or Zurich to New York with ease. Plus, it’s decked out with Gulfstream’s Symmetry flight deck, making it as tech-savvy as it is sleek.
Passengers will enjoy a luxurious ride, with options for 9, 11, or 12 passengers and room for five to sleep comfortably. Add in the plasma ionization clean air system, 10 panoramic oval windows, and the lowest cabin altitude in its class, and it’s clear why the G400 is stealing the spotlight.
DC Aviation’s managing director Svenja Wortmann noted that demand for charter flights remains strong post-pandemic, and this new G400 will only enhance their offerings. With bases in Stuttgart, Munich, Malta, Dubai, and Nice, DC Aviation is ready to cater to high-flying clients across the globe.
Gulfstream’s Scott Neal, Senior VP of Worldwide Sales, couldn’t hide his excitement either: “We’re thrilled to see DC Aviation bringing the G400 to European charter customers. It’s the perfect blend of speed, efficiency, and space—ideal for this market.”
Gulfstream Expands Its Sales Team
As if things couldn’t get busier, Gulfstream has also bolstered its international sales team with some key hires. Benoit Defforge, formerly of Airbus Corporate Jets, will oversee Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, while David Taylor, a veteran from Burrows Aerospace, takes charge of the Asia-Pacific region. Both report to Mike Swift, Gulfstream’s VP of International Sales.
In Northern Europe, Jack McGowan joins as regional VP of sales, while Gavin Thompson moves up to Senior Regional Sales Manager. Gulfstream is also beefing up its team in Europe with new hires like Scott Butcher as regional sales manager and Jessica Gagen as a sales engineer.
On the sustainability front, Smitha Hariharan has stepped in as VP and Chief Sustainability Officer, guiding Gulfstream into its second five-year sustainability plan, focused on eco-friendly operations like recycling and sustainable aviation fuel.
Things are looking up for Gulfstream and DC Aviation—literally!
(Source: ainonline.com)
