Qatar Airways Group CEO Eng Badr Mohammed Al Meer (left) and Gulfstream President Mark Burns during the press conference.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Executive, the charter division of Qatar Airways, has become the first carrier to offer the ultra-modern Gulfstream G700 for private charters. The aircraft will enter service next month, June.
Qatar Executive has already received two G700 aircraft, with an additional two to arrive in the coming weeks. In total, there will be nine G700, and these will join the existing fleet of 15 Gulfstream G650 aircraft.
In an exclusive reveal yesterday, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, stressed the significance of this delivery. "Qatar Executive is the first Gulfstream customer worldwide to receive these ultra-modern aircraft. The G700 will enter service in June, and we are thrilled to be the first carrier to fly this aircraft commercially. With a range of 7,750 nautical miles and record-breaking speed, the G700 will connect major economies and key destinations in just one flight, such as Doha to New York or San Francisco to Tokyo."
The G700's capabilities include ultra-long-range flights between most major city pairs. For example, it can fly from Doha to New York in 13.5 hours and from Doha to Seoul in under eight hours.
The unique cabins have been precisely created to match the expectations of Qatar Executive’s most discerning customers. The passenger experience has been enhanced with a new lighting system, the industry’s lowest cabin pressure altitude, and natural light from 20 windows.
Engr. Al Meer continued: “For our customers, the global district community, the G700 represents the next chapter of private jet travel.” Equipped with new Rolls Royce Pearl 700 engines and an advanced high-speed wing design, this aircraft meets Qatar Airways Group’s sustainability goals by delivering exceptional environmental efficiency and promoting sustainable business aviation, he explained.
Onboard the G700, passengers will find bespoke luxury cabins designed to meet Qatar Executive’s highest standards, combined with world-class in-flight hospitality that ensures a unique private travel experience.
Gulfstream President Mark Burns expressed his gratitude and excitement over the partnership with Qatar Executive. "Qatar Executive and Gulfstream have been valuable partners for over 10 years. We are honored that this is the first international delivery of the G700 to our partner in Qatar. The G700 will join the fleet of G650 aircraft that Qatar Executive has operated for many years. We look forward to continuing to grow the delivery of G700s in the months ahead. We delivered the first two G700s to Doha, with several more pending in the next few weeks. We were able to deliver the first G700 on sustainable fuel, and we appreciate Qatar and Gulfstream's shared commitment to sustainability in aviation."
Burns also highlighted the G700's remarkable features: "The G700 has the world's most spacious cabin in the industry, the lowest cabin altitude, 100% fresh air, whisper-quiet noise levels, and 20 panoramic Gulfstream oval windows. The test airplanes have set 15 speed records around the world, offering a range of 7,750 nautical miles and high performance at .90 Mach."
The G700's maximum operating speed of .935 Mach makes it the fastest Gulfstream in the fleet. "The Middle East is home to more than 100 Gulfstreams and is a critical region for us. High-speed, long-range, high-performance aircraft are essential here, for routes like London to Doha to Singapore, where speed matters. We've been delivering aircraft to this region for over 40 years, and we look forward to a continued partnership with Qatar Executive."
Qatar Airways unveiled its order for the G700 at the Paris Air Show last year. The private jet, costing $75 million, can carry up to 15 passengers and includes a bedroom, offering unmatched luxury and performance in private aviation.
Qatar Executive experiences surge in demand for private charters: Al Meer
As the aviation industry rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar Executive (QE), the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways, is also experiencing this significant growth.
Engr. Al Meer, highlighted the strong demand for private charters: "We have very high demand on Qatar Executive and this is the reason we already have an existing fleet of 15 [Gulfstream] 650 and we went basically to have [an] extra nine G700 — this is to cater to the demand that we see," he said in a press conference.
He noted that the demand for private jets surged during the pandemic as people sought other travel options: "The demand has increased big time during the pandemic. People were prepared to fly on private jets, and once they experience what private aviation is all about, I think they got addicted to it and they continue to fly on our fleet."
Qatar Executive operates flights to over 400 airports worldwide, serving both rural and urban destinations. According to the Qatar Airways Group's annual report for the fiscal year 2022/2023, QE has achieved remarkable year-over-year growth, with a 49% increase in commercial sales revenue and a 22% rise in live flying hours.
This strategic expansion has led to significant growth in Europe, the USA, and Asia, broadening QE’s global client base.
A recent report by consulting firm Oliver Wyman indicated that, despite the pandemic's impact, commercial aviation is set for substantial growth over the next decade. The global commercial aviation fleet is projected to expand by 28%, from 28,400 aircraft today to 36,400 by 2034. In the Middle East, the fleet is expected to grow by 51%, from 1,472 to 2,227 aircraft.
Oliver Wyman Partner and Head of Transportation and Services for India, the Middle East, and Africa, André Martins, said: “Over the next decade, there will be shifts in the regional composition of the global fleet, with the Middle East gaining a larger share. Many factors are contributing to this growth, including the region’s central location, the strength of the well-established players in the market, and the addition of new players.”
“The bold economic diversification plans across the GCC are also a strong factor: these visions will bolster many industries that will be key to fueling the growth of the region’s aviation industry.”
