Qatar Executive has welcomed the arrival of the world's first Gulfstream G700 jet aircraft to the State of Qatar, as part of a special demonstration by the manufacturer honouring Qatar Executive as the launch customer. Gulfstream introduced the G700 in 2019 as its flagship aircraft.

The G700 will be the latest addition to Qatar Executive's fleet of long-range and ultra-long-range aircraft, and can operate non-stop from Doha to New York in about 12 hours and from Doha to Seoul in just over eight hours. Equipped with new Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and an advanced high-speed wing design, the G700 is able to fly 7,500 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 or 6,400 nautical miles at Mach 0.90.

The private charter service provider has ordered 10 of the world's largest business jets, and will take delivery of the first aircraft off the assembly line in Georgia, U.S.A. in 2022.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, says: “We take great pride in the expansion of Qatar Executive throughout the pandemic. The arrival of the Gulfstream G700 in Doha emphasises our position as one of the leading business jet aircraft service providers in the Middle East and around the world. As the global launch customer for this technologically advanced jet, we look forward to welcoming the G700 into Qatar Executive's fleet in 2022 and continuing to set new standards in air travel for years to come.

“Qatar Executive grew exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the average monthly block hours reserved grew by 76 per cent year-over-year and the booking enquires increased by more than 100 per cent. The sharp growth came as a result of the new strategies implemented by Qatar Executive and dynamic positioning of its services in the right market place, in addition to understanding its customer requirements and offering tailored flight hour packages.”

Qatar Executive says the aircraft delivers the most spacious, innovative and flexible cabin in the industry, offering an extra large galley with lounge or crew compartment, up to five living areas and a spacious, unparalleled grand suite with en suite washroom. The jet also features an all-new, Gulfstream-developed revolutionary lighting system that mimics circadian rhythms. Along with 20 panoramic windows and the Gulfstream cabin environment of 100 per cent fresh air, low cabin altitude and whisper-quiet sound levels, the G700 promotes in-flight health and well-being and greatly reduces the physical impact of travelling halfway around the world non-stop.

The G700, the largest aircraft in Gulfstream's fleet, set its first ever city-pair speed records, flying from the OEM's headquarters in Savannah, Georgia to Doha, Qatar, and then from Doha to Paris.

The fully outfitted production test aircraft connected Savannah to Doha, a distance of 6,711 nm at an average speed of Mach 0.88 in 13 hours and 16 minutes. The aircraft then set another city-pair record from Doha to Paris, flying 2,953 nm in six hours and 15 minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.90.

The record-breaking flights also showcased Gulfstream's commitment to reducing carbon emissions. For the Savannah to Doha flight, Gulfstream fuelled the G700 with a blend of sustainable aviation fuel. Carbon offsets are being applied for both flights.

“These were the first international flights for the G700, and it performed exceptionally well, setting two new records in the process,” says Mark Burns. “We are excited to introduce the G700 in person to customers in the Middle East and Europe, and are proud that we can do so while also demonstrating our commitment to sustainability at the same time. Not only did the aircraft prove its speed and distance capabilities, the fully outfitted cabin is also receiving rave reviews with its impressive cabin size, environment, quality and flexibility.”