Qatar Airways and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation announced a new order for three new G650ERs on the opening day of the 2016 Farnborough International Airshow in the UK yesterday.
The order adds to the three G650ER aircraft already in service and available for charter with Qatar Executive and is part of a 30-aircraft sales agreement announced in May 2015 between the two companies. This order makes Qatar Executive the largest dedicated G650 operator in the world.
The announcement signals a “strong economic outlook” for the fast-growing private charter arm of Qatar Airways and comes on the same day that the Qatar Airways Group published its financial report for FY2016, showing a growth rate of 28%.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker said, “Gulfstream’s commitment to delivering the world’s finest flying experience has made them world leaders in private aviation, which in turn makes them the perfect partner for Qatar Executive. Their focus on performance, efficiency and innovation mirrors our own, and is the key to our growing and successful affiliation.”
Of the new order, al-Baker said, “The demand and desire for private air travel continues to grow and our strategy to offer only the newest and best private jets in the world to our loyal customers is paying dividends. We are seeing increasing bookings and a desire for longer range journeys – now, as the largest dedicated G650 operator in the world, we are able to respond to this need.”
Al-Baker made the announcement alongside Gulfstream President, Mark Burns, at the Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER on static display at Farnborough International Airshow.
“Gulfstream is honoured that the G650ER has made such a positive impression on Qatar and its customers,” Burns said.
“The response to the G650ER solidifies the aircraft’s prestigious standing in the marketplace as the only aircraft capable of delivering worldwide city pairs in world-class comfort. From the technology in the flight deck to the comforts in the cabin, the G650ER delivers on its promises.”
A Qatar Airways release said, “The G650ER is undoubtedly one of the world’s most technologically advanced next-generation aircraft. For Qatar Executive and our customers it truly represents the future of private air travel, offering a superior flying experience with unrivalled design, comfort and class. The G650ER has the longest range at the fastest speed, travelling 7,500nm/13,890km at Mach 0.85 and 6,400nm/11,853km at Mach 0.90. The aircraft has the largest purpose-built business-jet cabin and offers passengers wider seats, more aisle room, 16 panoramic windows, the lowest cabin altitude of any business jet and quiet cabin sound levels.”