On 5 December 2025, Gulfstream Aerospace announced that its newest entrant in the business aviation market, the Gulfstream G300 super-midsize jet, had completed its maiden flight, signalling the formal launch of its flight-test programme and advancing the company’s strategic expansion in executive aviation.

The first prototype of the G300 took off from Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel at approximately 8:05 a.m. local time, where Gulfstream is collaborating with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) on assembly for this model. The aircraft remained airborne for around two hours and 25 minutes, climbing to an altitude of roughly 30,000 feet and sustaining a cruise speed around Mach 0.75. 

This milestone follows an extensive period of ground testing, with the programme completing over 2,000 hours of preliminary trials before flying. The successful maiden sortie represents a significant step forward for Gulfstream’s development process and sets a structured path toward certification, with additional test aircraft already in production to expand the flight-test regimen. 

Redefining the Super-Midsize Segment

The G300 was first unveiled publicly in September 2025 at Gulfstream’s headquarters in Savannah, Georgia, as a modern successor to the company’s long-serving G280 model. Designed to bridge the gap between traditional midsize and long-range categories, the G300 seeks to offer operators a blend of long-range capability, advanced technology, and superior cabin comfort that challenges conventional segment boundaries.

According to Gulfstream’s published performance figures, the G300 is capable of flying approximately 3,600 nautical miles (about 6,667 kilometres) at a long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.80, with a slightly reduced range of around 3,000 nautical miles at the higher Mach 0.84 cruise setting. These figures position the aircraft competitively in the super-midsize class, offering operators trans-continental capability while maintaining operational flexibility.

To put these figures into perspective, if you are considering acquiring the G300, it offers seamless journeys from London to Dubai’s desert luxury or even nonstop travel from London to New York.  

Technology and Comfort at the Forefront

A chief selling point of the G300 is its cabin environment, which Gulfstream claims is the largest in its class, capable of accommodating up to ten passengers across two living areas. The design incorporates Gulfstream’s signature panoramic oval windows, ensuring a bright and open interior, alongside systems aimed at improving passenger comfort, including a low cabin altitude and advanced air filtration technologies. 

The aircraft’s avionics and cockpit systems are equally forward-looking. The G300 features Gulfstream’s Harmony Flight Deck, which integrates intuitive touchscreen controls and synthetic vision displays designed to enhance situational awareness and reduce pilot workload. Combined with performance attributes such as short-field capability and robust climb performance, these systems aim to deliver a class-leading operational experience. 

Implications for the Business Aviation Market

The G300’s inaugural flight comes at a time of sustained growth in the business aviation sector, where demand for flexible, long-range private travel continues to rise. By introducing a new aircraft that blends range, comfort, and technological sophistication, Gulfstream appears poised to reinforce its competitive position in the super-midsize segment against both legacy models and rival manufacturers. 

Looking ahead, the successful first flight lays the groundwork for subsequent phases of testing and regulatory certification. If the programme progresses on schedule, Gulfstream may soon offer operators an aircraft that embodies next-generation performance standards, which further shape expectations around capability, efficiency, and passenger experience in business jet travel.

Source: AeroTime

© Lawrence Power 2025