Qatar Executive gains two G500s

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Qatar Executive, the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways Group, has received two brand new Gulfstream G500s. The all-new aircraft earned its US FAA type and production certificates in July 2018, and these were validated by the Qatar CAA in October.

Qatar Airways group chief executive His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker says: “Welcoming the ultra-modern G500 executive jet into our fleet is a commitment to the expectations of Qatar Executive clients. The truly advanced jet enables us to offer an unparalleled flying experience to our global clientele. We are proud of the strong relationship we have with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and we look forward to receiving further jets from them in the future.”

Entering service with Qatar Executive for the first time in early 2019, the G500 offers a quiet cabin and low cabin altitude pressure for passenger comfort, a Symmetry Flight Deck and is powered by next generation Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800 engines that are optimised for high altitude, fast and long range jets.

En route to FAA certification the G500 toured the world, flying nearly 130,000 nm and at the time setting 22 city-pair speed records, all in addition to the flying required for certification. In total, the G500 has now achieved nearly 30 city-pair speed records.

Qatar Airways became the international launch customer for the aircraft in 2014 and subsequently 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 G600. “Gulfstream and Qatar Executive have been good partners since we announced the G500 and the company’s intention to be its international launch customer,” says Gulfstream president Mark Burns. “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.”

The G500's 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 advanced technology including satellite communications, high speed internet, the Oryx One entertainment system, wireless local area network and Gulfstream's cabin management system, that allows passengers to use their own personal electronic devices to control audio, video, lighting, temperature, window shades and other cabin functions.

Qatar Executive currently operates a fleet of 15 private jets including five G650ERs, two G500s, three Challenger 605s, four Global 5000s and one Global XRS. In 2019 the company is set to receive an additional five G500s and one G650ER.