The private jet charter division of Qatar Airways continues to expand its fleet, becoming the first international customer to take delivery of the G500 executive jet.
Qatar Executive, the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways Group, received two Gulfstream G500 executive jets in late December, becoming the first international customer to take delivery of the new PW800-powered bizjet.
The G500 — which can seat up to 19 passengers and offers a range of 9,630km — received validation of its type certificate from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority on the eve of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) airshow held on 10th-12th December in Dubai. FAA type and production certificates were awarded in July.
Qatar Executive currently operates a fleet of 15 private jets, including five Gulfstream G650ERs, two Gulfstream G500s, three Bombardier Challenger 605s, four Global 5000s and one Global XRS. In 2019, Qatar Executive is set to receive an additional five G500s and one G650ER.
The G500, which entered service in September, was first unveiled by Qatar Executive on the opening day of Farnborough International Airshow. The cabin is equipped with satellite communications, high-speed internet, the Oryx One entertainment system, wireless local area network and Gulfstream’s Cabin Management System, which allows passengers to use their own personal electronic devices to control audio, video, lighting, temperature, window shades and other cabin functions.