New Gulfstream G700 makes debut in Vietnam

The G700 joined a G600 and G650ER at a private air show held at Van Don International Airport in the northern province of Quang Ninh, home to world heritage site Ha Long Bay, late last week.

En route to Vietnam, the G700 set the speed record for a pair of cities from Istanbul to Van Don, traveling 4,573 nautical miles in nine hours and two minutes, or an average speed of nearly 600 miles per hour.

This record is pending verification by the Federation of International Aviation (FAI).

"Vietnam and Southeast Asia are strong developing markets for Gulfstream," said Gulfstream President Mark Burns, as cited by Aviation International News.

Gulfstream G700, which has the longest, widest, and highest cabin and can accommodate up to 19 passengers, is the market leader in the business jet segment.

The aircraft is designed for five flexible areas, including large rooms, kitchens and comfortable bathrooms.

According to Wayne Oedewalt, vice president of Gulfstream Asia Pacific, Vietnam has the potential to grow both in terms of business aviation as well as aviation in general.

"That is why Vietnam was chosen as the first destination in introducing the G700 to the Asian market," Oedewalt said.