General Dynamics' aerospace division recorded a hike in its first-quarter revenues to $1.78 billion. The figures mark a $155 million hike on the previous year, based on a strong performance by Gulfstream.

In the first three months of the year, the airframer - base in Savannah, Georgia - delivered 30 green jets (25 large-cabin G450s, G550s and G650s and five midsize G150/G280s), compared with 26 large-cabin and two midsize business jets a year ago.

Gulfstream G650

 Billypix

First-quarter deliveries of completed aircraft rose from 19 in 2012 (17 large-cabin, two midsize) to 25 large-cabin and four midsize types.

Phebe Novakovic, chairman of General Dynamics, indicated during the company's earnings call on 24 April that the completion backlog for Gulfstream's top-of-the-range G650 is abating. "Retrofit rework" on the ultra-long-range types produced before Gulfstream received full certification last year should be completed by late June, she said.

Order intake for the G450 and G550 was "holding up nicely", Novakovic said, adding that there is "considerable" customer interest in the new super-midsize G280.

Source: Flight International