Mark Burns

Spear’s Review

Mark Burns became the president of Gulfstream in 2015, following a long tenure at the company which began in 1983 when he was an illustrator and worked in computer aided design (and enters our inaugural power list in his 40th year at the aviation company). Over that time, he has worked in multiple roles across the business, first as an engineer and technician and later in the firm’s customer support division. 

In addition to overseeing the leading aviation business, Burns acts as an adviser to the US’s National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), and sits as a board member on the National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. 

Before devoting his career to the field of aviation, Burns studied mechanical engineering at Georgia Southern University. He told BJT Online that he first ventured onto an airplane aged 17.

Power List Profile

During his 40-year career with Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., Mark Burns has experienced almost every facet of the business aviation industry. From completions engineering to Customer Support and now as Gulfstream president, he has led the company through a period of significant investment in innovation and growth.

Burns has a robust dedication to customers, spending each morning reading feedback surveys and many days traveling around the world to meet with them in person. This customer-focused, results-oriented leadership style and affable demeanour have made him a favourite among employees and customers alike. Burns is often overheard saying that service sells aircraft — and he supports this commitment with action. During his tenure, he has overseen significant investment in worldwide customer support facility expansion and business growth to meet Gulfstream’s growing customer demand.

Bringing the future forward underpins Gulfstream’s commitment to sustainability. The company’s dedication to increasing sustainable manufacturing and operations is key to its continued leadership to meet the industry’s goal of net-zero emissions. Gulfstream was one of the early adopters of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and was business aviation’s first original equipment manufacturer to fly on 100% SAF. ‘Gulfstream aircrafts help people travel farther faster and more efficiently than ever before. Add to that our commitment to the industry’s pledged goals of carbon-neutral growth — business aviation has a clear pathway to net-zero emissions while fuelling business growth across continents,’ says Burns. 

Gulfstream’s vision is to create and deliver the world’s finest aviation experience while propelling the industry forward. Under Burns’ leadership, the company is making this vision a reality.