Qatar Executive has just taken delivery of the first two of nine G700s – A7-CHA and A7-CHB – which it unveiled at an event in Doha this week. As the worldwide exclusive commercial operator, Qatar Executive will be the first carrier to offer the aircraft to charter customers. Expressions of interest are growing fast and the new G700 fleet will be ready to begin commercial operations within the next fortnight, according to Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, group CEO, Qatar Airways. 

“Today we welcome the industry’s highest performance, ultra-long-range business jet to the Qatar Executive fleet,” said Al-Meer. “We are proud to enhance our existing fleet of 15 Gulfstream G650ER aircraft to include the pinnacle of business aviation excellence and look forward to seeing our guests on board soon.”

The G700 is fitted with Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, bringing with it greater efficiency and more range than its predecessors. It’s originally quoted range of 7,500nm was upgraded to 7,750nm in September 2023. It is the fastest Gulfstream business jet ever produced with a top speed of Mach 0.935. The aircraft also boasts a balanced field length take-off distance of 5,995ft (1,827m) and a landing distance of 3,150 ft (960m) at sea level. 

‘Aircraft delivered using SAF’

The G700 is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) ready. In fact the first G700 was delivered to Qatar Executive from Gulfstream’s HQ in Georgia, US fuelled by a SAF blend. “From our vantage point, sustainable aviation fuel is one of the key points that will help us achieve industry sustainability goals,” Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream told CJI. “We are offering all new customers of the G700 the chance to have their aircraft delivered using SAF, just as we fly it as part of our test programme.”

Inside, the G700 features the industry’s lowest cabin pressure altitude making flights at 41,000ft feel like 2,840ft. The cabin itself is split across four individual living areas including a private rear stateroom with a permanent fixed bed – all naturally lit via 20 trademark oval windows. Also, an ionising system for cabin air and 100% fresh air replenishment every three minutes provide the highest air quality ever in a business jet, according to Gulfstream. 

“Qatar Executive has been a valued Gulfstream customer for nearly 10 years,” said Burns. “We are honoured to have them as our international partner for the launch and first deliveries of the all-new G700. We look forward to growing their fleet in the months ahead.”

The G700 joins Qatar Executive’s fleet which includes 15 Gulfstream G650ERs, two Bombardier Global 5000s and an ACJ CRT. Keen to emphasise the growth outlook of Qatar Executive, the new aircraft are an addition not a replacement, according to Al-Meer. In addition to A7-CHA and A7-CHB, two further aircraft are in the final stages of acceptance and expected to arrive in Qatar in the coming weeks. Once all nine deliveries have been completed, Qatar Executive’s Gulfstream fleet will comprise 24 aircraft.

Fifa World Cup

Numerous airlines have tried before – including Delta and Lufthansa – to establish an executive division. Most have failed. But 15 years on from launching at the Paris Air Show in 2009, Qatar Executive says it is going from strength to strength. After seeing huge increases in traffic as a result of the 2022 Fifa World Cup, the subsidiary reported a 49% year-on-year increase in commercial revenue growth in 2023. 

“I want to be as humble as possible,” said Al-Meer. “But especially when it comes to high-level customers we understand this better than other businesses because we have been working with high-level customers for a very long time. We understand their needs. 

“We also have a base of very loyal returning customers, who often travel with the same cabin crew and who in turn understand their needs and requirements,” he added.

One of Qatar’s G700s (A7-CHB) will be on display at next week’s European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2024) in Geneva. It will be the only Gulfstream aircraft exhibited at the show this year after the OEM decided to pull out.

“Every two to three years we assess the most effective use of our marketing,” explained Burns. “We have decided on a strategy that includes more personal shows in regions like here in the Gulf, the wider Middle East and Asia.”

The G700 was due to be delivered in 2023, but delays with the FAA certification programme saw deliveries pushed out to this year. However, good things come to those who wait. Doha’s main airport Hamad International was six years overdue when it opened in 2014. Now, the third busiest airport in the Middle East, it just took the tile for World’s Best Airport 2024 at the World Airport Awards.

The post Qatar Executive takes first deliveries of ‘highly anticipated’ Gulfstream G700 appeared first on Corporate Jet Investor.

Making its debut at the 54th Paris Air Show, the G700’s flight from Savannah, Georgia to Paris established a new city pair record of Mach 0.90 in a time of seven and hours 19 minutes. The first G700 of 10 ordered G700s will be delivered later this year. The aircraft will join the fleet of Qatar Airways’ private jet charter division Qatar Executive.

“The G700 represents the pinnacle of business jet travel and will provide Qatar Executive customers with an unsurpassed experience,” said Al Baker. “The technological advances, innovation, flight instruments, cabin configurability and environmental performance make the G700 a genuine game changer and we look forward to introducing the first G700 into Qatar Executive’s fleet in 2023.” Qatar Executive became the international launch customer for the G700 in October 2019.

Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream Aerospace added: “Gulfstream has a long-standing partnership with Qatar Executive and we are honored to have them as our international partner for the launch of the G700. This aircraft has the most spacious, innovative and flexible cabin in the industry and we look forward to its certification and entrance into Qatar Executive’s impressive fleet.”

Powered by two Pearl 700 engines developed by Rolls-Royce, the G700 and has a range of 7,500nm (13,890km) at Mach 0.85 or 6,400 nm (11,853km) at Mach 0.90.

The G700s will join Qatar Executive’s fleet pf 19 business jets. Earlier this year it revealed the acquisition of three more Gulfstream G650ER, with the aircraft type making up 15 of the wholly-owned fleet. Its other aircraft include: two Bombardier Global 5000s, two Airbus ACJs, including air ambulance VIP configuration with two medical stations. The aircraft operate from a dedicated FBO service in Doha, Qatar.

The Paris Air Show runs from June 19th to June 25th at Paris–Le Bourget Airport. Meanwhile, pictured (L to R) are Burns from Gulfstream and Al Baker from Qatar Airways.

The post Gulfstream G700 lauded by Qatar Airways at Paris Air Show appeared first on Corporate Jet Investor.

The FBO, located at Doha International Airport, saw an increase of 595% year-over-year (YoY) for arrivals and 574% for departures between November and December. Of the departures, more than half (296) took off between December 18-19th, after the final World Cup match.

“Qatar Executive’s operations grew significantly during the World Cup period, demonstrating the division’s robust FBO services, while offering the most advanced solutions to valued customers,” said Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways. “Qatar Executive’s continuous growth trajectory reflects the trust of our clients and is also a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence.”

The charter company renovated the existing terminal in Doha ahead of the World Cup, including upgrading baggage handling services and training additional staff. In addition, the company added three Gulfstream G650ER aircraft to its now 19-strong fleet, 15 of which are G650ERs. This made the firm the largest owner and biggest single commercial operator of the aircraft. The remaining four jets are two Bombardier Global 5000s, an Airbus A319ACJ and an Airbus A319 Air Ambulance aircraft.

The World Cup drove an uptick in demand of 24% YoY for business jet travel in the Middle East, according to a report by WINGX in December.

The post Qatar Executive achieves record year in flight activity appeared first on Corporate Jet Investor.

Vision will release the film to video-on-demand in North America on October 6th, 2020, with a special-edition DVD and Blu-ray available later the year. International licensing rights to film are available now.

The One More Orbit film celebrates the achievement of an international team led by Action Aviation chairman captain Hamish Harding and former commander of the International Space Station, astronaut colonel Terry Virts in a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER aircraft.

Guinness World Record-breaking flight

Designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, the world-record breaking flight launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Taking off on July 11, 2019, the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, the Guinness World Record-breaking flight was completed in 46 hours and 40 minutes, at the average speed of 465 miles per hour.

The mission covered 24,962 miles and beat the previous 11-year old world record by five hours and 52 minutes. Refuelling pit stop-style stops took place in Kazakhstan, Mauritius, and Chile.

‘Future of space exploration’

The international team, comprised of nine nationalities, made the flight as “a tribute to the past, present, and future of space exploration”, according to the organisers. The film One More Orbit is an Untitled, Inc. production directed by Virts.

Harding added: “The achievements of the One More Orbit mission prove that what appears ‘impossible’ and against the odds may actually be attainable. We hope our film will inspire viewers to reach never before heard of successes of their own.”

Lise Romanoff, CEO and MD of Vision Films, said: “Human ingenuity and our hunger to explore will always persevere. This diverse international crew shows us that by working together cooperatively, we can achieve what was once thought out of reach.”

Meanwhile, the film trailer is available to watch here.

One More Orbit Flight crew:

• -Captain Hamish Harding, chairman, Action Aviation (UK)
• -Colonel Terry Virts, astronaut and former commander of the International Space Station (US)
• -Cosmonaut Gennady Padalka, guest, (Russia)
• -Captain Jacob Bech, pilot, (Denmark)
• -Captain Jeremy Ascough, pilot (South Africa)
• -Captain Yevgen Vasylenko, pilot (Ukraine)
• -Magdalena Starowicz, flight attendant (Poland)
• -Benjamin Rueger, lead engineer, (Germany)
• -Jannicke Mikkelson, payload specialist and satellite live-streaming expert (Norway).

Top: Part of the record-breaking flight crew, with Terry Virts (centre

right) and  Hamish Harding (second from the right). Below: Flying into

the record books … at 465 miles per hour. Hamish Harding (left) and  

Terry Virts (right). 

The post World record-breaking business jet flight film set for release appeared first on Corporate Jet Investor.

Mark Hardman, acting executive VP, Qatar Executive, told Corporate Jet Investor’s Town Hall online meeting yesterday (July 22nd) the Diamond Agreement is an exciting new charter prospect: “Those that know me, know I don’t often use the word exciting. We have combined the ad hoc charter and the traditional jet card and formed a new product. Part of that has been the opportunity to allow clients to tailor to their needs. For me, what makes this second-to-none is that unused hours can be refunded at any time.”

The Diamond Agreement is tailored to the individual customer’s needs and requirements. To join, customers purchase a minimum of 50 hours flight time, without any associated membership fees. The all-inclusive and fixed-hourly rates cover both flight hours and taxi time.

Pre-purchased Diamond Agreement hours have no minimum annual usage and no maximum carry-over. Qatar Executive guarantees availability for reservations booked from just 72 hours in advance.

Hardman continued: “Where it really makes sense in today’s world is that it brings a very high degree of certainty in an uncertain world. We launched it on the 14th July and, wow, there has been a lot interest. We had been working on it for a little while and it has been ready for some time, but it was working out when to launch. We decided now was the right time.”

Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker, said: “As part of Qatar Airways Group, Qatar Executive offers an exceptional travel experience for private jet customers. With the Diamond Agreement, we can now offer even more flexible and bespoke travel options for Qatar Executive passengers, who can continue to expect our high levels of service and safety onboard our state-of-the-art aircraft.”

Meanwhile, you can listen to Hardman’s short presentation in Corporate Jet Investor’s Town Hall and the comments of other business aviation industry leaders here.

The post Qatar Executive launches new VIP charter programme appeared first on Corporate Jet Investor.

It takes place at 1500 UK time.

Jetfly donates 100 flying hours to medical flights

Jetfly, the European PC-12 fractional, and its client have agreed to provide over 100 free flight hours to transport care professionals and medical equipment around Europe.

“We want to help those saving lives by getting them to where they are needed the most and in the safest and quickest way possible,” says the company. “A first flight requested by Aviation sans Frontières to transport care professionals has been operated this morning from Grenoble to Ajaccio.”

The company has set up a dedicated 24h operational unit has been set up. Send your request to: medical@jetfly.com

Jetfly operates 22 PC-12’s, the largest Pilatus fleet in Europe. Based in Luxembourg the company employs 160 people.

Qatar Executive had record March due to repatriations

In March 2020 Qatar Executive saw a 26% increase in the number of hours flown compared to the same month in 2019. The average flight time for its Gulfstream G650ER aircraft was 7 hours 20 minutes. With one aircraft G650Er flying for 145 hours in the March – a new record for the operator. 

Qatar Executive says:

“This strong demand was fueled by the need for people to get home safely and in comfort. With a challenging operating environment due to airport closures and other restrictions, Qatar Executive has worked harder than ever take people back home.”

Qatar Executive has a fleet of 19 aircraft.

MedAire: Use this time to rethink safety

John Cauthen, Security Director, MedAire, says operators should use this time to reflect, review and prepare for when they can fly again.

Geneva Airpark still open

The post Covid-19 Live Blog: April 8 appeared first on Corporate Jet Investor.

Both aircraft were officially canceled from the US Civil Aircraft Register (USCAR) on June 4, 2019. They were previously registered on the USCAR during manufacture and flight testing.

The first aircraft was a Gulfstream G500 registered as A7-CGS (MSN 72029), the second was a G650ER registered A7-CGF (MSN 6366).

G650ER A7-CGF passed through Farnborough Airport in the UK on delivery on June 5, with G500 A7-CGS following two days later on June 7.

Qatar Executive now has four Gulfstream G500s and six G650ERs in its fleet, as well as a number of Bombardier-built aircraft.

The post Qatar Executive takes delivery of two new Gulfstream business jets appeared first on Corporate Jet Investor.

The all-new G500 earned its U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type and production certificates in July 2018 and entered service in September. The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority validated the U.S. type certificate in October.

En route to FAA certification, the G500 toured the world to give customers firsthand access to the aircraft, its Symmetry Flight Deck and class-leading interior. During the tour, the G500 flew nearly 130,000 nautical miles/240,760 kilometres and set 22 city-pair speed records, all in addition to the flying required for certification. In total, the G500 has already achieved nearly 30 city-pair speed records.

“Gulfstream and Qatar Executive have been good partners since we announced the G500 and their intention to be its international launch customer,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “We are proud to deliver these aircraft just four years later and after the most rigorous flight-test programme Gulfstream has conducted. Qatar Executive’s world-renowned executive charter service is gaining mature, high-performing aircraft that set new standards in safety and comfort.”

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said, “We are truly delighted to be the international launch customer for the all-new Gulfstream G500 jet. This state-of-the-art aircraft will set a new industry benchmark and will offer our passengers an unrivaled flying experience.

“Qatar Executive and Gulfstream share a special and strong relationship, one which has grown over the years based on confidence and mutual understanding. This relationship emphasizes Qatar Executive’s commitment to provide an industry-leading product and service.”

Upon becoming the international launch customer for the G500 in 2014, Qatar Airways established an agreement for up to 30 Gulfstream aircraft, a combination of firm orders and options that includes the flagship G650ER, the G500 and its sister ship, the Gulfstream G600.

The post Gulfstream makes first international deliveries of G500 appeared first on Corporate Jet Investor.

The Doha based operator placed an order for three additional G650ERs on the first day of the Farnborough Air Show.

The aircraft are due to be delivered in 2017, 2018 & 2019. Once delivered, Qatar Executive will be the largest G650 operator in the world.

Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar Al Baker says that operator will phase out its Bombardier Global fleet, and covert its remaining Challenger 605s from passenger usage to air ambulance roles.

The post Qatar Executive doubles up on G650ERs, drops Globals appeared first on Corporate Jet Investor.

Qatar Executive took delivery of its first Gulfstream G650ER in December last year as part of an order for up to 30 new market-leading business jets, including Gulfstream’s new G500 and G600, for which Qatar Executive is the global launch customer.

Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways group chief executive, said: “The G650ER allows our customers to reach the main business centres around the world in the shortest possible time, to travel in superior comfort, and to take more luggage along than on other jets in this category.”

The company’s second Gulfstream G650ER features an identical cabin interior as the first G650E. It has a two-cabin configuration and seats up to 13 passengers. Seats convert into fully-flat beds, so that seven guests can sleep on board, and also includes a three-seater divan in the jet’s aft cabin.

Facilities include satellite communications, high-speed internet, 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 post Qatar Executive takes delivery of second Gulfstream G650ER appeared first on Corporate Jet Investor.