U.S.-based Gulfstream Aerospace, a division of General Dynamics, will grow production of its private jets through 2029, supported by strong U.S. demand and new aircraft models coming to market, President Mark Burns said.
The US is the world’s largest market for business jets.
Burns said he sees broader global strength, but U.S. trade tensions with Beijing have “definitely delayed some opportunities” in China, where the U.S. plane maker flies about 150 planes.
“It’s a good market for us,” Burns said. “But you know, obviously the trade tensions are causing some slowdown in that market. So I’m hopeful that something will be done in the near future.”
China and the United States have taken steps in recent days to ease tensions following a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Business jet manufacturers are seeing their order books increase after demand for private flights grew among wealthy individuals during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In the US, affluent consumers remain resilient even as lower-income customers scale back their purchases.
Gulfstream is also seeing higher demand from Fortune 500 corporate customers after quarters of strong results, Burns said. As of Nov. 7, more than 82 percent of 446 S&P companies exceeded third-quarter earnings estimates, compared to a long-term average of 67.2 percent, according to LSEG data.
Burns said Gulfstream could expect to increase its share of the growing private aviation market with the certification and entry into service of the company’s recently announced super-midsize G300 jets, which can carry up to 10 passengers and would compete with Bombardier’s Challenger 3500 jets. Gulfstream has not announced a date for certification and entry into service.
Burns said Gulfstream expected aircraft production to increase through 2029, following the company’s long-term plans, assuming demand remains robust and the supply chain has capacity.
“Our plans are to continue to grow,” he said. “The supply chain is currently supporting that ability to grow.”
Published on November 12, 2025
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