Qatar's Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has awarded Qatar Executive, a branch of Qatar Airways, its own Air Operator Certificate, independent of its parent company.

The move will offer the Doha-based firm greater flexibility, along with the scope to expand its global reach and fleet of jets.

Qatar Executive had used Qatar Airways' AOC for its first four years of operations. This latest development will still allow it to have the support of the five star group, while also further developing its corporate division. Furthermore, it is an indication of its robust safety provision and high operating standards.

Qatar Airways ceo Akbar Al Baker, responsible for the company's private jet division, says: “The accreditation of Qatar Executive's own AOC by Qatar's Civil Aviation Authority is a testament to our group's high standards of safety, security and attention to detail in all operational aspects. This accomplishment is a proud moment in Qatar Executive's relatively short history and will open up extensive business opportunities for our growing business aviation service portfolio on a global scale.”

The Qatar Executive fleet currently boasts three Challenger 605, two Global 5000 and one Global XRS, all of which will enjoy greater operational flexibility under the new certificate thanks to the security offered by the QCAA. Next on the radar for Qatar Executive is to seek international audits in line with the International Operational Safety Audit standards, in addition to the regular audits carried out to the specifications of Qatar Airways and the QCAA. Such developments will provide a firm basis for expanding the fleet and the business at large.