Qatar Airways is purchasing a Bombardier Challenger 300 super midsize business jet for regional and transcontinental on-demand travel.

The Qatar Airways Challenger 300 is scheduled for delivery in March 2005 and will be operated by the Amiri Flight Division of Qatar Airways from its base at Doha International Airport. It will join the airlines’ growing vip fleet, which will soon include a second Global Express ultra long-range business jet.

“We selected the Challenger 300 after a thorough analysis of all aircraft in this category and determined

that the aircraft is the superior offering,” stated Akbar Al Baker, chief executive officer, Qatar Airways. “We strongly believe the Challenger 300 with its large cabin, outstanding reliability and proven range will be an ideal complement to our longer-range Global Express aircraft.”

Over the past 18 months, Qatar Airways’ fleet has grown from 18 aircraft to 33 with further

increases predicted.

“Qatar Airways is recognised worldwide for superior quality and service, and this positive develop-ment underlines the suitability of the new Challenger 300 aircraft for charter operations in the Gulf region,” stated Mike Fahey, regional vice-president, sales, Middle East and Africa, Bombardier Aerospace, Business Aircraft.

Fully certificated by the European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA), the Challenger 300 offers a top speed of Mach 0.82 and a maximum non-stop range of 3,100 nautical miles with eight passengers.