Qatar Executive has welcomed its eighth Gulfstream G650ER. The ultra-long-range business jet performed its delivery flight from the OEM's factory in Savannah, Georgia in the US to the home base of Qatar Airways' private jet charter division in Doha, Qatar, using certified SAF. Receipt of this new jet further cements the private jet charter service provider's position as one of the world's largest owner-operators of the ultra-long-range G650ER.

The aircraft is a coveted jet due to its range capabilities, cabin technology, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER can fly at a faster speed for longer distances than any other jet of its kind, with a 7,500 nm range.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker says: “We are proud to be the first global business aviation operator to receive a delivery flight using sustainable aviation fuel. This reiterates our leadership and commitment to collaborate with the industry in supporting the deployment of new technology, drive innovation and encourage the use of SAF at a commercial scale that is affordable and certified.”

“We are honoured to deliver another G650ER to Qatar Executive and to do so while also demonstrating our commitment to sustainability,” adds Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “We value Qatar Executive's confidence in us and look forward to delivering on our promises as it continues to grow its Gulfstream fleet.”

Qatar Executive's G650ER aircraft can operate non-stop from Doha to New York in approximately 13 hours and from Doha to Seoul in just over eight hours. Flying faster and further than any business jet, the G650ER is ideally suited for those whose travel needs include flights halfway around the globe.

This first aircraft delivery flight using drop-in SAF establishes another milestone for Qatar Airways Group and reaffirms its leadership to fly one of the most advanced fleets in the sky. Qatar Executive currently operates eight of the aircraft type with four more to be delivered before the end of 2021. As the global launch customer, Qatar Executive is also excited for its planned deliveries of the brand-new Gulfstream G700 jet, which is capable of operating using 100 per cent SAF.

In August 2021, the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways Group showcased the world's first Gulfstream G700 in Doha, Qatar. Equipped with the all-new Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and an advanced high-speed wing design, the G700 is able to fly at record-breaking speed and range with outstanding environmental efficiency, promoting sustainable business aviation. The G700 will be the latest addition to Qatar Executive's state-of-the-art fleet of long-range and ultra-long-range aircraft. The executive charter service provider has ordered 10 of the world's most spacious business jets and will take delivery of the very first aircraft off the Gulfstream assembly line in Georgia, US in 2022.

In addition to the Gulfstream G650ERs, Qatar Executive's fleet operates three Bombardier Global 5000s, one Bombardier Global XRS, one Airbus A319ACJ and another Airbus A319 air ambulance aircraft, making the current fleet 14 strong.

Qatar Executive remained agile, innovative and resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on its fundamental mission of taking people home safely and swiftly. Despite COVID-19 having a negative impact on the business aviation industry and witnessing a global decline of approximately 48 per cent in block hours and flights in the ultra-long-range market, Qatar Executive stepped up to the challenge and used the pandemic as an opportunity to introduce operational and commercial changes that would minimise the business impact, while maintaining the same levels of luxury to which its customers are accustomed.