Bizjet Sales Climbing at Gulfstream

General Dynamics has released its third-quarter financial report, which shows earnings at its Gulfstream Aerospace subsidiary up 15.3 percent from a year ago to $1.29 billion. Parent company chairman and CEO Jay Johnson attributed the gain at Gulfstream primarily to increases in order activity and service volume. He also noted that Gulfstream business jet orders in the third quarter were stronger than in any other quarter since 2008, and that backlog, while down slightly, is nevertheless valued at a "robust" $17.6 billion. The company expects to deliver 76 large-cabin and 21 midsize business jets this year. Johnson said increased business from Brazil, China, India and Russia should offset slower demand in the U.S. and Europe.