Story ID: 764_Qatar Executive.doc
Qatar Goes Firm on Gulfstreams
By: James Wynbrandt
Caption: A day after its G500 made its first flight, Gulfstream gets another boost with Qatar order for 30 aircraft.
Word Count: 283
Qatar Executive confirmed firm orders for up to 30 Gulfstream G500, G600, and G650ER business jets worth some $1.5 billion. The purchase agreement signed on the first day of the EBACE 2015 is part of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed last October for the purchase of up to 20 aircraft, divided between the G500 and G650ER. Under the updated MOU, Qatar Executive will buy as many as 19 G500, five G600 and six G650ER business jets, taking delivery of the first G650ER in Q4 of this year. The G500 and G600 are scheduled to enter service in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

“The increased order of Gulfstream aircraft confirms Qatar Executive’s confidence in the G500, G600 and G650ER and in the world-class experience their customers will have,” said Gulfstream Aerospace president Larry Flynn.

“Qatar Executive continues to expand its operations, and the incoming addition of these new aircraft will enable us to widen the range of services available to our clients seeking bespoke and tailored travel services,” said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways group chief executive.

In preparation for the Gulfstream deliveries, Qatar Executive is currently recruiting type-rated captains and first officers for G650ER, according to the charter company.

Qatar Executive (Booth C023) currently operates nine aircraft, including four Bombardier Global 5000s–among them two Global 5000 Visions–three Bombardier Challenger 605s, a Global XRS, and an Airbus A319.

Qatar Executive also operates a third party maintenance operation, a Bombardier-authorized service facility, in Doha, which has grown significantly in the past year. Meanwhile a new FBO is under construction at the Hamad International Airport in Doha, scheduled to open later this year.