Business Aviation
Gulfstream G300 Completes First Flight Launching Test Program
Gulfstream’s G300 completes maiden flight in Tel Aviv, starting test campaign with advanced performance and cabin features.
This article is based on an official press release from Gulfstream Aerospace.
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has officially initiated the flight test campaign for its newest aircraft, the Gulfstream G300. On December 5, 2025, the super-midsize business jet successfully completed its maiden flight, departing from Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. This milestone marks a critical transition for the program, moving from ground validation to active flight testing.
According to the company’s announcement, the aircraft took off at 8:05 a.m. local time and flew for 2 hours and 25 minutes. During this initial sortie, the G300 reached a top speed of Mach 0.75 and a cruising altitude of 30,000 feet (9,144 meters). The successful flight follows more than 2,000 hours of ground testing, signaling the maturity of the platform as it heads toward certification.
The G300 is positioned to replace the G280, introducing significant upgrades in range, cabin size, and avionics technology. By leveraging the manufacturing partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Gulfstream aims to solidify its standing in the competitive super-midsize market.
The first flight serves as a preliminary validation of the aircraft’s handling qualities and systems. Gulfstream reports that the aircraft performed as expected, meeting initial targets for speed and altitude. The flight test program will now expand to include two additional test aircraft currently under production.
Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream Aerospace, emphasized the strategic importance of this aircraft in a statement following the flight:
“With its combination of safety, technology, performance and cabin comfort, the G300 is a game changer for the super-midsize category. This investment, designed to exceed our customers’ expectations for large-cabin features in a mid-cabin aircraft, brings another category leader to our next-generation fleet. Achieving first flight at this stage in the program is an achievement.”
, Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream Aerospace
The G300 is designed to bridge the gap between mid-cabin efficiency and large-cabin capabilities. Key performance specifications released by Gulfstream include: Gulfstream has equipped the G300 with features typically reserved for its larger, long-range jets. The cabin can accommodate up to 10 passengers and includes two distinct living areas, a galley, and a large baggage compartment. Notably, the aircraft features the signature Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows, 10 in total, providing abundant natural light.
Passenger comfort is further enhanced by the cabin environment. The G300 boasts the lowest cabin altitude in its class, maintaining a “felt” altitude of 4,800 feet while cruising at 41,000 feet. The environmental system delivers 100% fresh air and utilizes a plasma air ionization system to ensure air quality.
In the cockpit, pilots will utilize the Gulfstream Harmony Flight Deck. This system includes six touchscreens equipped with Phase-of-Flight intelligence, a Synthetic Vision-Primary Flight Display, and a Predictive Landing Performance System, aimed at increasing safety and situational awareness.
The successful first flight of the G300 in Tel Aviv underscores the enduring industrial relationship between Gulfstream and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). While Gulfstream has moved much of its large-cabin manufacturing to Savannah, Georgia, the super-midsize segment (previously the G200 and G280) remains deeply tied to IAI’s production facilities.
From a market perspective, the G300 enters a crowded arena occupied by the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and the Embraer Praetor 600. By promising “large-cabin features in a mid-cabin aircraft,” Gulfstream is aggressively targeting operators who require transcontinental range but are hesitant to incur the acquisition and operating costs of a heavy jet. The inclusion of the Harmony Flight Deck and the specific focus on cabin altitude suggests Gulfstream is competing on passenger wellness and pilot technology, rather than raw speed alone.
When will the Gulfstream G300 enter service? What engines power the G300? Where is the G300 manufactured?
Gulfstream G300 Completes First Flight, Launching Test Program
Flight Test and Performance Metrics
Technical Specifications
Cabin and Avionics Innovations
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
While Gulfstream has not confirmed a specific delivery date in the immediate press release, industry analysis based on typical flight test durations suggests a potential entry into service around 2027.
The aircraft is powered by two Honeywell HTF7250G engines.
The aircraft is manufactured in Tel Aviv, Israel, through a partnership between Gulfstream and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Sources
Photo Credit: Gulfstream