DC Aviation Orders Gulfstream G400 for European Charter

At a recent event held at Gulfstream’s Farnborough Centre, the renowned private jet manufacturer announced a significant milestone: Stuttgart-based DC Aviation has placed an order for the groundbreaking Gulfstream G400 aircraft. This marks the first sale of the G400 specifically for European charter operations.

On September 12, 2024, Mike Swift, Gulfstream’s Vice President of Sales for the EMEA and APAC regions, confirmed the news to media representatives, including AeroTime. Swift expressed gratitude for DC Aviation’s confidence in the G400, highlighting its role in filling a crucial gap in the European charter market. “On behalf of Gulfstream’s more than 12,000 employees globally, I would like to thank DC Aviation for bringing this category-leading aircraft to European charter operations,” Swift stated. He praised the G400 for its exceptional combination of speed, efficiency, and cabin space.

Swift also provided an update on the G400’s development, noting that the flight test program is progressing well. The aircraft took its inaugural flight on August 15, 2024, during which it achieved speeds of Mach 0.85 and reached an altitude of 41,000 feet in a flight lasting just under three minutes. The test flight successfully concluded at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV).

Svenja Wortmann, Managing Director of DC Aviation, commented on the new acquisition, saying, “This G400 aircraft model exemplifies our commitment to delivering top standards of safety, cabin comfort, and reliability to our clients.”

The Gulfstream G400, first introduced in October 2021, is priced at approximately $34.5 million. This advanced business jet boasts Gulfstream’s high-speed wing and winglet design, which were first introduced on the G500 and G600 models, enhancing overall efficiency. It is equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812GA engines and has a range of up to 4,200 nautical miles at Mach 0.85.

During the ceremony, DC Aviation’s Stuart Burrows expressed his appreciation for the Gulfstream team’s efforts, stating, “I would like to personally thank everyone behind the scenes at Gulfstream. We look forward to the future and the potential for acquiring more Gulfstream aircraft.”

The G400’s introduction to European charter operations underscores Gulfstream’s expanding influence in the global private jet market and DC Aviation’s commitment to enhancing its fleet with cutting-edge aircraft.