DOHA, Qatar −Qatar Executive is pleased to announce that it is officially the world’s first commercial service operator of the Gulfstream G500 jet, which embarked on its inaugural flight on Monday 14 January.
The private jet charter division of Qatar Airways Group received two brand-new Gulfstream G500 executive jets last month, both of which received Operations Specification approval from Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, entitling them to commercially operate.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Our new G500 jet will offer a remarkable flying experience to many of our loyal passengers who are already keen on experiencing this avant-garde jet. With two of these technologically-advanced aircraft in our fleet already, we are excited to be receiving an additional five G500s, to offer our passengers much more of an elite choice and flexibility.”
The G500 jets are one of the fastest and most advanced aircraft types in the Qatar Executive fleet. The state-of-the-art jet sets a new industry benchmark by offering one of the quietest cabins, as well as having the best cabin altitude pressure, allowing for unparalleled passenger comfort.
The G500 is powered by the next generation Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800 engines, optimised for high-altitude, fast and long-range jets. In addition to being one of the most efficient jets in the industry, the aircraft’s remarkable range makes it capable of travelling non-stop from Istanbul to Cape Town; Los Angeles to London; and San Francisco to Tokyo.
The cabin contains the most advanced technology including satellite communications, high-speed internet, the Oryx One entertainment system, wireless local area network and Gulfstream’s Cabin Management System, which allows passengers to use their own personal electronic devices to control audio, video, lighting, temperature, window shades and other cabin functions.
The brand-new executive jet was first unveiled by Qatar Executive on the opening day of Farnborough International Airshow 2018.
Qatar Executive currently operates a fleet of 15 state-of-the-art private jets, including five Gulfstream G650ERs, two Gulfstream G500s, three Bombardier Challenger 605s, four Global 5000s and one Global XRS. In 2019, Qatar Executive is set to receive an additional five G500s, as well as one G650ER jet, for which it is the largest commercial operator worldwide. The expanding fleet allows the private jet charter division to serve all crucial markets efficiently and in a way that VVIP customers can enjoy an unparalleled level of service and product from any global destination.
Qatar Airways is one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, with a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft flying to business and leisure destinations across six continents.
Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’.
Qatar Airways first announced at the Paris Air Show in 2009 the formation of a corporate jet subsidiary – Qatar Executive – as part of the airline’s ongoing robust global growth strategy, and continued commitment to the Middle East and global business travel community.
Headquartered at Hamad International Airport, luxury jet services are available for worldwide charter on board the operator’s wholly-owned business jet fleet. The fleet comprises four Global 5000s, one Global XRS, three Challenger 605s, five Gulfstream G650ER and two brand new Gulfstream G500. The latest delivery follows Qatar Executive’s announcement in May 2015, to purchase up to 30 aircraft from Gulfstream Aerospace Corp, including firm orders and options that are a combination of both of Gulfstream’s new wide-cabin aircraft, the G500 and G600, and the flagship G650ER. Qatar Executive's service portfolio includes aircraft management, airliner charter, maintenance and FBO services.
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is celebrating more than 20 years of Going Places Together with travellers across its more than 160 business and leisure destinations on board a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft. The world’s fastest-growing airline added a number of exciting destinations to its growing network including Gothenburg, Sweden; Da Nang, Vietnam; and Mombasa, Kenya in 2018, and several new destinations are due to be launched in 2019, including Isfahan, Iran and Valletta, Malta.