Mark Burns

Executive VP & President of Gulfstream, General Dynamics

Search every verified Mark Burns interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream Aviation Corporation and a Vice President of General Dynamics, spoke at a Geneva luncheon in May 2019 about the company's approach to innovation and industry leadership. He noted that Gulfstream spent over 100,000 test hours on aircraft systems and 35,000 simulated flying hours before the first flight of a new model, describing this as a method to ensure technology is mature upon delivery. Burns also stated that the company was the first to certify an airplane using the Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) process, which he called "a very thorough process" that produced "some of the safest and most technologically advanced airplanes we've ever built." Burns discussed the industry's responsibility to advocate for sustainable aviation fuels, noting that Gulfstream had conducted a record flight from Savannah to Van Nuys using only alternative fuels. He acknowledged that supply and pricing remain challenges but said he believes there is demand for such fuels and that it is up to the industry to be leaders in this area. Burns emphasized the importance of leading with integrity, keeping promises on delivery times, and maintaining discipline in building, selling, and servicing aircraft, with a focus on understanding and evolving with the customer.