The 2023 business aviation calendar concluded with the Dubai Airshow in mid-November. As we turn into December and look forward to the new year, let’s look back at the key milestones of 2023 for the business aircraft industry.
Showcase of the first completed Gulfstream G700:
Making its debut at the 54th Paris Air Show, the outfitted G700’s flight from Savannah, Georgia to Paris established a new city pair record of Mach 0.90 in a time of 7 hours and 19 minutes. Qatar Executive, a subsidiary of Qatar Airways, has ordered a total of 10 G700 aircraft, unveiling the first of their G700’s during the show. This jet is considered one of the most luxurious planes in the world, a reputation elevated by the bespoke interior created by Qatar Airways. It offers a spacious and innovative cabin with an extra-large galley, crew compartment, and up to five living or office areas. The passenger experience is elevated by a revolutionary lighting system, larger windows, lower cabin noise levels, and a lower pressure altitude. The G700 is expected to get certified at the end of this year and should offer an unsurpassed experience in business jet travel, with advanced technology, cabin configurability, and environmental performance.
Meanwhile, Gulfstream has flown its new ultra-long range test G800 from Savannah to Geneva using a blend of traditional and sustainable aviation fuel. Later in the year, Gulfstream achieved another milestone by proudly announcing the inaugural transatlantic flight on a G600, powered entirely by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Certification of the Falcon 6X:
Dassault Aviation has completed flight testing of its Falcon 6X business jet and received EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) certification on 22nd of August 2023. This certification swiftly followed by approvals from the U.S., Canadian, British, and Chinese authorities. The Falcon 6X, with a range of 5,500 nautical miles, underwent 1,480 hours of testing over 580 flights since its first flight in March 2021. Dassault's Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) network is prepared for the aircraft's entry into service, with parts and training ready, and a full-flight 6X simulator available for pilot certification classes.
Evolution of the Cessna family
The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2, a variant of the CJ4 launched in 2010, marked its 400th delivery in April 2023. The Gen2 version, launched in February 2021, features a significantly redesigned cabin. The changes include a new cabin management system that allows control of light and temperature, USB ports on passenger seats, and an enlarged lavatory in the rear area with a Dassault Aviation-style skylight option. This milestone underscores the continued success and evolution of the CJ4 series since its introduction to the market.
During EBACE 2023, Cessna Citation also announced the launch of the new business jet in the 560XL series: the Cessna Citation Ascend. The Citation Ascend will have Garmin G5000 avionics, including autothrottle technology to improve operational comfort and awareness during flights. Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines designed to deliver improved fuel efficiency to the predecessor, also give the Ascend increased thrust and longer time-on-wing. The aircraft has a four-passenger range of 1,900nm at high-speed cruise power (with an estimated maximum range of 2,100nm) it can cruise at 441kts and climb direct to 45,000 ft. It will also include an unattended Honeywell RE100 Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) with self-management and added bleed leak detection.
Launch of the Phenom 100EX:
Embraer has unveiled the Phenom 100EX, its latest evolution from the Phenom 100 series. The series, launched in 2008, now has more than 400 aircr
