Qatar Executive has taken delivery of three Gulfstream G650ER aircraft, bringing its fleet total of the type to 11. It was also scheduled to take delivery of its 12th before the end of 2021. All three aircraft will operate on strategic ultra-long haul routes to Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker says: “Despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, we continue to invest in our fleet, operating the youngest, most fuel-efficient and technologically-advanced aircraft in the skies.

“We are excited to have taken delivery of three brand new Gulfstream G650ERs and look forward to receiving our 12th of the aircraft type in a couple of weeks, allowing us to meet growing demand, especially during the New Year period. This strategic investment in sustainable twin engine jets has enabled us to continue flying during these challenging times. As global travel recovers, our customers can rely on us to fly greener and smarter.”

The G650ER aircraft has a 7,500 nm range and can operate non-stop from Doha to New York in approximately 13 hours, and from Doha to Seoul in just over eight hours. Gulfstream's clean-wing designs deliver a combination of speed and range, comfort and better aerodynamic efficiency for a smaller carbon footprint.

As the global launch customer, Qatar Executive is excited for planned deliveries of the G700 aircraft, capable of operating using 100 per cent SAF. In August 2021 it showcased the world's first G700 in Doha, equipped with all new Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and an advanced high speed wing design. It has placed an order for 10 jets and will take delivery of the very first aircraft off the Gulfstream assembly line this year.

In addition to the G650ERs, Qatar Executive's fleet includes three Global 5000s, a Global XRS, an A319ACJ and another A319 air ambulance aircraft, making the current fleet 17 strong.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the average monthly block hours reserved in Qatar Executive grew by 76 per cent year-over-year and booking enquiries increased by more than 100 per cent. This sharp growth came as a result of the new strategies implemented by the company, such as offering tailored flight hour packages to suit customer requirements.

Despite COVID-19 having a negative impact on the aviation industry and the business witnessing a global decline of approximately 48 per cent in block hours and flights in the ultra-long range market, Qatar Executive used the pandemic as an opportunity to introduce operational and commercial changes.