Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NYSE-listed General Dynamics, engaged in design and development of advanced business jet aircraft, has stepped up its efforts in India riding on its sustained growth momentum in the Asia-Pacific region. The Asia-Pacific market is the company?s fastest growing region in recent years, accounting for 27% of its aircraft order backlog. The region has seen a growth of 350% in the last five years.
Gulfstream has 20 business jets based in India and 175 in the Asia-Pacific region, up from just 27 a decade ago.
Roger Sperry, regional senior vice-president, international sales for South America and the Far East, told FE that Gulfstream has been part of the India market for more than two decades. ?We have been moving more product support resources into the region to support today?s operators and position ourselves for growth,? he said.
?Out of our 84 mid and large business jet cabins, Gulf Stream has 20 flying in India and we are targeting a bigger business,? he added. ?We see an increasing demand for long range jets. In the year 2001 the total sales from US contributed to 83% with 1,000 jets. However, the percentage has now come down to 68% with 2,000 jets. This proves that the other international markets are poised for growth,? he said.
Gulfstream has $1.2 billion worth of parts and materials available through 13 distribution centres around the world. Aircraft prices range from $15.6 million for the G105 to $64.5 million for the G650, two of its high selling models. Nearly 40 countries operate the aircraft and, of that, 27 use them to transport their heads of state.