Saudi Aramco Sells Two Gulfstream IVs
- Pipeline
- Saudi Aramco News
- Industry News
Author: Aramco ExPats
Released 29 September 2007
N107A on the maintenance ramp just prior to departing for Wilmington, Delaware.
After many years of faithful service, Aramco Aviation bids farewell to a regal pair of Gulfstream Aerospace G-IVs.
When Aramco first acquired them, these aircraft sported cutting edge technology and unmatched reliability. The G-IV was considered the elite of the private jet industry and set multiple international records for speed and distance during around-the-world flights.
N107A and N765A were built in 1988 and have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles while globetrotting for Aramco. During their service they regularly departed Saudi Arabia for exotic destinations like Zurich, Lugano, London, Amsterdam, Innsbruck, Geneva, Vienna, Beijing, and New York City. They carried dignitaries, ambassadors, princes, oil ministers, and Aramco CEOs to OPEC conferences and World Economic Forums.
The G-IVs were admired and respected by the Aramco pilots who flew them, even if the planes did fly themselves for the most part. They flew high and fast and far. Sadly, N107A and N765A are no longer top-of-the-line. Gulfstream Aeronautics has improved upon their formula to make the G-IV fly higher, faster, farther, and more fuel efficiently. The result is the G550, and Saudi Aramco already bought two last year.
N765A at the run-up area at Gulfstream Aeronautics in Savannah, Georgia.
This changing-of-the-guard meant that trusty N107A and N765A needed to be sold. Expat Jay Holland, who just finished a three month temp job for Aramco Associated Company, was tasked with watching out for Aramco's interests during the Pre-Buy inspections of both aircraft. He was the last Aramcon to fly on N765A before a contract crew delivered it to Nassau, Bahamas for sale and delivery to the new owner.
He also took the last flight on N107A along with new AAC Manager, Ed McManus and new ASC President, Greg Dickinson when they delivered the jet to Wilmington, Delaware where the sale was completed.