Aerospace

Gulfstream G800 makes First International Flight.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. revealed today that the brand-new Gulfstream G800 made its first international flight only a few weeks after the aircraft’s initial flight.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. revealed today that the brand-new Gulfstream G800 made its first international flight only a few weeks after the aircraft’s initial flight. In order to support Gulfstream’s participation at the Farnborough International Airshow, the G800 flew from Savannah to the Gulfstream Customer Support centre in Farnborough, England. On June 28, the G800 made its maiden flight. Shortly after, the Gulfstream flight test team completed additional testing requirements, including a long-duration flight of more than eight hours and operations above the aircraft’s maximum operating speed and cruise altitude of Mach 0.925 and 51,000 feet/15,545 metres, respectively.

Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream, noted that the G800’s transatlantic journey so soon after first flight was remarkable. “We are able to fly the G800 with exceptional efficiency and bring the aircraft directly to customers early in the flight test programme, as we have at Farnborough, because of our strategic planning and the investments Gulfstream has made in our new aircraft programmes. It’s appropriate that the G800’s international debut took place in the Gulfstream Farnborough Service Center, one of our newest and most advanced facilities.

The Gulfstream Farnborough Service Center has more than 200 employees and 30 international regulatory certifications since it opened in the summer of 2020. Up to 13 of Gulfstream’s bigger aircraft, including the G650ER, G700, and G800, can be housed in the 225,000 square foot/20,903 square meter facility, which also provides aftermarket modifications and maintenance, repair, and overhaul services.

The G800 is the longest-range business aircraft in the market, with a range of 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 km) at Mach 0.85 and 7,000 nm (12,964 km) at Mach 0.90. It has the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck, which uses the most touch-screen technology in the market and has active-control side sticks. The G800 cabin can be set up with up to four living spaces that can accommodate up to 19 passengers and 10 people in beds. The G800 has the lowest cabin height in the sector, plasma ionization purification, and 100% fresh, never recirculated air as additional features.

Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

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The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.