If there has been murky economic news recently, nobody told the private aviation industry. Gulfstream has released its first quarter revenue figures for 2008 and sales are up 17 percent over the same period last year, effectively increasing the company’s order backlog to over $200 million. The Georgia-based jet manufacturer delivered 37 green planes, aircraft with unfinished interiors, off of its assembly lines to customers during the first part of this year, up from 30 jets for first quarter 2007.

Gulfstream’s strong sales and production figures do not include orders taken for its recently announced G-650, a model that will be the company’s flagship jet. When it comes into production in 2011, the G-650, will have the longest range and highest speed of any general aviation aircraft, and its announcement has been met with an enthusiastic reception. Gulfstream also recently released its criteria for buyers looking to get a coveted early place in line for the jet. The first two G-650’s will sell for $56 million, and be delivered in the third quarter of 2012. The price will rise incrementally first to $57.25 million for the next three planes, $58.5 million for the next four, before settling at $59.5 million there after until an inflation-based price hike scheduled for 2014.

The rise in prices reflects an understanding that owners of the first planes off the assembly lines risk dealing with a few more mechanical issues than later models. Gulfstream suggests that only buyers who own several planes, participate in Gulfstream’s service programs, and have previous experience with an early serial number aircraft, consider purchasing one of these first planes.

Interested in the G-650? The purchase process begins with a refundable $500,000 deposit to guarantee a buyer a place in the delivery queue. The next payment of $2.5 million is due when the sales contract is signed, and buyers will pony up $5 million each for when the plane first flies and receives FAA certification. A year before receipt of the plane, buyers must pay another $15 million, followed by $20 million six months later. The last $10 million or so is due upon delivery.