Gulfstream Aerospace has made the first international deliveries of the Gulfstream G500.
Qatar Airways received two G500 aircraft at Gulfstream’s Savannah, Georgia, headquarters. The aircraft will join the five Gulfstream G650ER aircraft already in service with Qatar Executive, the airline’s executive charter business.
The G500 earned its US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type and production certificates in July 2018 and entered service in September. The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority validated the US type certificate in October.
Mark Burns, president at Gulfstream, said, “Gulfstream and Qatar Executive have been good partners since we announced the G500 and their intention to be its international launch customer. We are proud to deliver these aircraft just four years later and after the most rigorous flight test program Gulfstream has conducted. Qatar Executive’s world-renowned executive charter service is gaining mature, high-performing aircraft that set new standards in safety and comfort.”
Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group’s chief executive, commented, “We are truly delighted to be the international launch customer for the all-new Gulfstream G500 jet. This state-of-the-art aircraft will set a new industry benchmark and will offer our passengers an unrivalled flying experience.
“Qatar Executive and Gulfstream share a special and strong relationship, one which has grown over the years based on confidence and mutual understanding. This relationship emphasizes Qatar Executive’s commitment to provide an industry-leading product and service.”
Upon becoming the international launch customer for the G500 in 2014, Qatar Airways established an agreement for up to 30 Gulfstream aircraft. This makes up a combination of firm orders and options that includes the flagship G650ER, the G500 and the Gulfstream G600.
