The results of this year’s AIN Product Support Survey took some interesting turns, but Gulfstream Aerospace once again retains the top spot in the Aircraft Survey, in the combined, newer and older aircraft ratings. The results of the Product Support Avionics Survey will be published in AIN’s September issue, followed by the Engines Survey in the October issue.

In first place, Gulfstream saw its rating climb this year, to 8.2 from last year’s 8.0, a 2-percent improvement. Embraer’s 13-percent jump to 8.1 from 7.2, the greatest change among all the manufacturers, propelled it to second place. Last year, Embraer received many fewer ratings and came in last. Embraer’s improved performance is likely due to continual improvement of its product support efforts, which is reflected in many positive comments provided by survey takers; the fact that most of its business jets are fairly new and thus under warranty; and an improved response rate now that many more of its business jets are in service. Boeing Business Jet operators helped boost the company’s rating by 4 percent over last year to 8.0 and third place.