Gulfstream plans to deliver 139 green aircraft this year, with its large cabin family expected to account for nearly 80% of this tally. Speaking at the company's end-of-year earnings call on 23 January, Phebe Novakovic, chairman of Gulfstream's parent company, General Dynamics, said the airframer "showed notable growth in 2012. Revenue was up $800 million, while earnings were up $110 million".
Novakovic said demand for its large cabin line-up - the G450, G550 and G650 - remains very solid and the trio is expected to account for 113 of the delivery total this year. The midsize family - G150 and G280 - will make up the remaining 26.
"We're seeing the largest demand [for our business jets] coming from within the Fortune 500 companies as they replenish their fleets," Novakovic said. "But our order book is very diverse, including Europe, the Middle East and Asia as well as North America."
Overall, GD's aerospace division - which includes business aviation services provider Jet Aviation - "had a good year and delivered on all its promises", Novakovic said. Aerospace is expected to see "16% sales growth" this year while operating earnings are expected to climb by 19%, compared with 2012, GD predicts.
Source: Flight International
