Savannah, Georgia — Gulfstream Aerospace delivered more business jets in the first three months of 2026 than in any previous first quarter, underscoring sustained demand for its premium large-cabin and midsize models.
The company handed over 38 aircraft during the period, consisting of 31 large-cabin jets and seven midsize models. This edged out the prior-year first-quarter total of 36 aircraft and marked the highest Q1 delivery tally in Gulfstream’s history. Production momentum continues to build on its flagship G700, which entered service in 2024, and the recently certified G800.
Parent company General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) reported on April 29 that its Aerospace segment, which encompasses Gulfstream and Jet Aviation services, generated $3.28 billion in revenue for the quarter. That represents an 8.4 percent increase from the year-ago period. Operating earnings climbed 14.1 percent to $493 million, pushing the operating margin to 15.0 percent from 14.3 percent.
The unit booked $3.84 billion in new orders, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2 times. Aerospace backlog stood at $22.27 billion at quarter-end, up from $19 billion a year earlier and $21.83 billion at the end of 2025. The healthy order book provides strong visibility for production through the remainder of the year and beyond.
Company-wide, General Dynamics recorded revenue of $13.5 billion, a 10.3 percent rise, with operating earnings of $1.42 billion and diluted earnings per share of $4.10, both up 12 percent. Total orders reached $26.6 billion, yielding a 2-to-1 book-to-bill, and total backlog swelled to $130.8 billion. Cash from operations was particularly strong at $2.2 billion.
“Our businesses had a very good start to the year, delivering strong operating results and excellent cash conversion,” said General Dynamics Chairman and CEO Phebe Novakovic. “We are positioned well to drive additional performance throughout the year.” The company raised its full-year earnings guidance following the beat.
Industry observers note that Gulfstream’s performance comes as the business aviation sector navigates geopolitical tensions, including in the Middle East, which have checked some order momentum. Yet underlying demand for long-range corporate jets remains resilient. The manufacturer continues to focus on increasing completions capacity at its facilities, identified as the primary constraint rather than market demand.
The results highlight the successful certification and entry-into-service milestones for Gulfstream’s newest offerings. The G700 received FAA approval in 2024, while the G800 secured certifications from both the FAA and EASA in April 2025. Early customer reception has supported further order flow for these ultra-long-range models.
With approximately 160 deliveries targeted for the full year 2026, Gulfstream appears on track to match or exceed its 2025 total of 158 jets. The combination of higher production rates, strong services revenue from Jet Aviation and a robust backlog positions the Aerospace segment favorably amid a competitive business jet market.