Qatar Executive has agreed to purchase up to 30 Gulfstream aircraft as part of a memorandum of understanding originally announced in October 2014. The original agreement involved the purchase of up to 20 Gulfstream aircraft, including the new G500. The final agreement consists of 30 firm orders and options that are a combination of both of Gulfstream’s new clean-sheet aircraft, the G500 and G600, and the flagship G650ER.
“Qatar Executive continues to expand its operations, and the incoming addition of these new aircraft will enable us to widen the range of services available to our clients seeking bespoke and tailored travel services,” said His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways group chief executive.
The first flight of the G500 occurred on May 18, 2015. Gulfstream projects will receive type certification from the FAA and EASA in 2017. The G600 flight-test program is expected to begin approximately 12-18 months after the G500’s, and entry into service is projected to be in 2019.
Gulfstream announced the G650ER in May 2014, and the aircraft received type certification from the FAA five months later. Qatar is scheduled to take delivery of its G560ER in the fourth quarter of 2015.
May 29, 2015
