Qatar Airways’ private jet activities have grown significantly this year. The airline group revealed that Qatar Executive sales had increased by more than a quarter this year as the carrier responds to a rise in family and group reservations to leisure destinations such as the Maldives and Seychelles.
A boost for business
Qatar Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, reported a 26% increase in income from its Qatar Executive private jet subsidiary in a recent interview with Bloomberg.
The increase was mostly due to the continued high demand for trips on smaller aircraft, particularly among families and groups such as sports teams and business delegations.
Qatar Executive operates a fleet of 24 planes that service clients globally. Demand for private travel increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has since tapered off as commercial air travel has returned to pre-pandemic capacity.
Expanding in Europe
London is one of the airline’s most popular destinations, and the group plans to extend its European operations even more in 2025.
All of Qatar Executive’s jets operate on a ‘floating fleet’ model, which means they are shifted throughout the world as needed to satisfy customer demand and reduce the amount of flying required to transfer from one customer to another.
The method of reserving a Qatar Executive jet is the same as purchasing any other Qatar Airways ticket.
According to Antinori, Qatar Airways is thinking about obtaining an air operator accreditation in Europe to deliver a more seamless experience to its passengers across the continent. This would allow it to provide flights that operate exclusively within the European Union.
The move comes after Qatar Airways confirmed the delivery of two additional Gulfstream G700 planes to extend its fleet further.
Growing the Gulfstream fleet
Qatar Airways has received its fifth and sixth Gulfstream G700 jets, both powered by a sustainable aviation fuel blend (SAF). The carrier has four more G700s slated for delivery in 2025 and early 2026.
Qatar Executive was the Gulfstream G700’s debut customer, with the first aircraft arriving in May 2024. The aircraft is also the fastest in the Gulfstream fleet, reaching a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.935. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, CEO of Qatar Airways Group, commented on the news today.
In addition to the new Gulfstream G700s, Qatar’s wholly-owned business jet fleet includes fifteen Gulfstream G650ERs, two Bombardier Global 5000s, and one Airbus A319CJ.
Get the latest aviation news delivered directly to your inbox:Sign up for our newsletter today.
One of the most interesting improvements to its fleet this year will be the installation of satellite WiFi. Qatar Executive has stated that the first five of its 15 G650ER aircraft would have Starlink fitted by May 2025. Over the next 18 months, the business will gradually implement the technology throughout its entire Gulfstream fleet.
FAQ
1: What is Qatar Executive’s floating fleet model?
A: It’s an operational strategy where jets are moved globally to meet customer demand without unnecessary repositioning flights, maximizing efficiency.
2: Which aircraft are part of Qatar Executive’s fleet?
A: Qatar Executive operates 24 aircraft, including:
Q3: What are Qatar Executive’s future expansion plans in Europe?
A: The airline plans to obtain a European Air Operator Certificate to operate intra-European flights seamlessly.
4: What is Starlink WiFi, and when will it be available on Qatar Executive jets?
A: Starlink WiFi is a satellite-based internet system. Qatar Executive will install it on five G650ER jets by May 2025 and expand it fleet-wide within 18 months.
5: How does Qatar Executive contribute to sustainable aviation?
A: The carrier uses Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends for its Gulfstream G700 jets, reducing environmental impact.
6: Which destinations are most popular for Qatar Executive clients?
A: Leisure destinations like the Maldives, Seychelles, and London are top choices for families, groups, and business travelers.
7: Why is the Gulfstream G700 significant for Qatar Executive?
A: The G700 is the fastest jet in the fleet, offering superior performance, comfort, and efficiency.