Qatar Executive has agreed to purchase up to 30 Gulfstream aircraft as part of a memorandum of understanding originally announced in October last year.

The original sale called for the company to purchase up to 20 Gulfstream aircraft, including the all-new Gulfstream G500. The recently signed final agreement increases the purchase to 30 firm orders and options for a combination of the G500, G600 and G650ER.

Ceo Akbar Al Baker comments: “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.”

Executive vp Dave Edwards says that the Gulfstream product has been a subject of internal discussion for some time. “It's a project we've been working on for a long time and talking about at great length. We know what we are getting and we know what a great product it will be for our customers.

“The first 650ER is due in Q4 this year and the G500 and G600, that we are the joint launch customer for, will begin deliveries in 2018 so our fleet continues to be Bombardier currently and that fleet will continue to be there into the foreseeable future.”

Edwards says that the current strategy falls in line with the group's vision to offer their customers the very best products on the market. “We focus heavily on the service we provide on board, and that's clear with the way we have kept our current fleet updated, for example with the latest inflight connectivity systems. There comes a time where you have to move to the next generation though, and clearly when you look at the 500 and 600 and the technology incorporated in them, it is a generational difference. Gulfstream told us what they would offer, and that is what they are delivering in these products.

“With the 650 the cabin layout will be similar to what we already have but will be an enhanced, lighter design incorporating more tech-nology. You will be able to control everything from your PED when you get on board as a passenger; it is not just the crew giving you a controller, it's your device controlling individual aspects of the customer experience, from the volume of the sound system to the temperature and even individual cabin window blinds.”

Edwards adds: “Our operations are worldwide and we've recently been awarded FAA Part 129 approval so we can fly into the United States. We also have Australian operations approval which opens up that growing market to our passengers, and the Far East and south east Asia continue to be popular too. The Middle East obviously remains very important to us, so we look after that market well, but we really are everywhere and with the Gulfstream fleet we'll see continued and substantial growth to the service that Qatar Executive can offer its passengers.”