Doha, Qatar, January 7, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Qatar Executive is excited to announce it has taken delivery of a further three Gulfstream G650ER aircraft, reaffirming its position as the largest owner-operator of the ultramodern jet, with a total of 11 in its fleet. All three aircraft will operate on strategic ultra-long-haul routes to Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Latest delivery brings the total number of Gulfstream G650ER aircraft in the private jet charter division fleet to 11.
Qatar Executive is also scheduled to take delivery of its twelfth Gulfstream G650ER before the end of 2021. The aircraft is one of the most coveted jets among the global travelling elite due to its remarkable range capabilities, industry-leading cabin technology, fuel efficiency and unparalleled passenger comfort. The state-of-the-art aircraft can fly at a faster speed for longer distances than any other jet of its kind, with its incredible 7,500 nautical mile range.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, we continue to invest in our fleet, operating the youngest, most fuel-efficient and technologically-advanced aircraft in the skies.
“We are excited to have taken delivery of three brand-new Gulfstream G650ERs and look forward to receiving our twelfth of the aircraft type in a couple of weeks, allowing us to meet growing demand, especially during the New Year period. This strategic investment in sustainable twin-engine jets has enabled us to continue flying during these challenging times. As global travel recovers, our customers can rely on us to fly greener and smarter.”
Qatar Executive’s G650ER aircraft can operate non-stop from Doha to New York in approximately 13 hours and from Doha to Seoul in just over eight hours. Flying faster and further than any business jet, the G650ER is ideally suited for those whose travel needs include flights halfway around the globe. Gulfstream’s innovative, clean-wing designs deliver a combination of record-breaking speed and range, exceptional comfort and better aerodynamic efficiency for a smaller carbon footprint.
Last month, Qatar Executive took an aircraft delivery flight, using drop-in certified Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), establishing another milestone for Qatar Airways Group and reaffirming its leadership to fly one of the most advanced fleets in the sky. As the global launch customer, Qatar Executive is excited for its planned deliveries of the brand-new Gulfstream G700 aircraft, which are capable of operating using 100 per cent SAF.
In August 2021, the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways Group showcased the world’s first Gulfstream G700 in Doha, Qatar. Equipped with the all-new Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and an advanced high-speed wing design, the G700 is able to fly at record-breaking speed and range with outstanding environmental efficiency, promoting sustainable business aviation. The G700 will be the latest addition to Qatar Executive’s state-of-the-art fleet of long-range and ultra-long-range aircraft. The executive charter service provider has ordered 10 of the world’s largest business jets and will take delivery of the very first aircraft off the Gulfstream assembly line in Georgia, U.S., in 2022.
In addition to the Gulfstream G650ERs, Qatar Executive’s fleet includes three Bombardier Global 5000s, one Bombardier Global XRS, one Airbus A319ACJ and another Airbus A319 Air Ambulance aircraft, making the current fleet 17 strong.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the average monthly block hours reserved in Qatar Executive grew by 76 per cent year-over-year and the booking enquiries increased by more than a 100 per cent. This sharp growth came as a result of the new strategies implemented by Qatar Executive, which includes offering tailored flight hour packages to suit customer requirements.
Qatar Executive remained agile, innovative and resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on its fundamental mission of taking people home safely and swiftly. Despite COVID-19 having a negative impact on the aviation industry and the business witnessing a global decline of approximately 48 per cent in block hours and flights in the ultra-long-range market, Qatar Executive stepped up to the challenge and used the pandemic as an opportunity to introduce operational and commercial changes that would minimise the business impact, while maintaining the same levels of luxury to which its customers are accustomed.
About Qatar Executive
Qatar Executive is the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways Group. Luxury jet services are available for worldwide charter on board the operator’s wholly-owned business jet fleet. Qatar Executive is the launch customer for Gulfstream’s G700, the world’s first commercial service operator of the Gulfstream G500 and largest commercial operator of the G650ER worldwide. Qatar Executive’s service portfolio also includes aircraft management, maintenance and Fixed Based Operator services.
About Qatar Airways
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was recently announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2021 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’. The airline continues to stand alone at the top of the industry having won the main prize for an unprecedented sixth time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021).
Hamad International Airport (HIA), the airline’s home and hub, was recently announced as the ‘World’s Best Airport’ in the Skytrax 2021 World Airport Awards. HIA has been steadily rising in the ‘World’s Best Airports’ rankings since the start of its operations in 2014.
Qsuite, a patented Qatar Airways product, features the industry’s first-ever double bed in Business Class, as well as privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room, a first of its kind in the industry.
Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 160 countries, with 14,250 daily departures.
Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system offers passengers up to 4,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, B777, A350, A319 and select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline’s on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.
Qatar Airways proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves. Qatar Airways, the official FIFA partner, is the official sponsor of many top-level sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, reflecting the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own brand message – Going Places Together.
Qatar Airways Cargo, one of the world’s leading international air cargo carriers, serves more than 60 freighter destinations worldwide via its world-class Doha hub and also delivers freight in the belly-hold deck of passenger aircraft to an extensive network. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet includes two Boeing 747-8 freighters, 26 Boeing 777 freighters and six B777-300ER mini freighters.
Qatar Executive is the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways Group. Luxury jet services are available for worldwide charter on board the operator’s wholly-owned business jet fleet. Qatar Executive is the launch customer for Gulfstream’s G700, the world’s first commercial service operator of the Gulfstream G500 and largest commercial operator of the G650ER worldwide. Qatar Executive’s service portfolio also includes aircraft management, maintenance and Fixed Based Operator services.