(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Qatar Airways (QA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gulfstream Aerospace for the purchase of up to 20 aircraft. The agreement was announced in conjunction with Gulfstream's introduction of an all-new family of business jets, the Gulfstream G500 and G600, said a press statement yesterday.
The MoU establishes the initial agreement for QA to order up to 20 Gulfstream aircraft, including firm orders and options for the all-new, wide-cabin G500 and the flagship G650ER. The agreement marks the beginning of a new relationship between Qatar's national carrier and Gulfstream.
Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of QA, said: "Qatar Executive (QA's jet service) has been on an accelerated growth path since its inception and is held to an exceptional standard of quality that is widely known by our global clientele. In order to keep pace with the future strategic growth plans of our private jet division, the fleet is being expanded with aircraft that meet the needs of our guests, providing a wide range of options. The announcement of the MoU for G650ERs and G500s signals a next step for Qatar Executive's relatively young and buoyant history."
From its start in 2009, Qatar Executive has rapidly risen to become a leader in air charter services for individuals, families, businesses, corporations and governments. As part of Qatar Airways, one of the world's leading airlines, Qatar Executive's clients are assured an excellent charter experience.
"This agreement is evidence of the industry-leading performance of Gulfstream's flagship aircraft, the G650ER, and of our commitment to deliver on the promises we have made for our new family of aircraft, which includes the G500," said Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream. "With their unmatched high-speed capabilities and class-leading cabin comfort, the G650ER and G500 will allow Qatar Airways to introduce a new level of service to their customers in the Middle East and abroad."
The G500's all-new design optimises speed, wide-cabin comfort and efficiency, and features new industry-leading safety technologies. The G500 can fly 5,000 nautical miles/9,260 km at Mach 0.85 or 3,800 nm/7,038 km at Mach 0.90. The aircraft will link Doha nonstop with London, Geneva and Paris at Mach 0.90 and is expected to enter service in 2018. Gulfstream projects it will receive type certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2017.
The G650ER, an ultra-long-range aircraft, can travel 7,500 nautical miles (nm) (13,890 km) at Mach 0.85 and 6,400 nm (11,853 km) at Mach 0.90.
The G650ER can fly nonstop from Doha to New York at Mach 0.90 and nonstop from Doha to Los Angeles at Mach 0.85. Announced in May 2014, the G650ER recently received FAA certification.
Qatar Executive was established as part of Qatar Airways' ongoing robust global growth strategy and continued commitment to the Middle East and global business travel community.
Qatar Executive's jet services are available for worldwide charter onboard the operator's wholly-owned fleet. Its service portfolio includes aircraft management, airliner charter, maintenance and FBO services.
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