Middle Eastern VIP operator Qatar Executive has firmed up its earlier memorandum of understanding for 20 Gulfstream business jets and added an extra 10 aircraft to the order.
Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar Al Baker signed the deal today at EBACE in Geneva.
The 30 firm orders and options cover a combination of Gulfstream’s new G500 and G600 jets, as well as its existing 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,” says Al Baker.
Gulfstream carried out the first test flight of the G500 on 18 May. US FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification is expected in 2017. The G600 flight-test programme is expected to begin 12-18 months after the G500’s with entry-into-service scheduled for 2019.
Qatar Executive will take delivery of its first G650ER in the fourth quarter of this year.
Source: Flight Daily News
