Qatar Executive has signed a $1 billion with Gulfstream, which will see the US-based manufacturer deliver a further 14 G650ERs and four G500s.
Gulfstream confirmed in an email to Corporate Jet Investor that the order was originally attributed by Phebe Novakovic, chair of Gulfstream’s parent company General Dynamics, to an unidentified fleet customer, during its year-end 2018 investor relations call.
Although Novakovic would not expand on who the client was, she did say that the $1 billion order was by a current customer and that it is for different aircraft types.
A ceremonial signing for the new order was held at the White House on July 9 during the Amir of Qatar’s official state visit to the US.
“Qatar Airways is very pleased to confirm this landmark deal with Gulfstream. Our corporate jet division, Qatar Executive, goes from strength to strength and this commitment to new orders will allow us to offer our bespoke luxury service to even more passengers.” Said Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways Executive.
Delivery dates for the new aircraft were not announced, however Qatar Executive still has deliveries outstanding from two separate orders that were placed in 2014 and 2015.
The first order placed in 2014 was for a 20 aircraft mix or G500s and G650ERs, but the Doha-based operator added a further 10 aircraft to its order in 2015.
To date, six G650ERs and four G500s have been delivered.
The additional Gulfstream order comes shortly after Qatar Executive announced its global expansion. As part of its plans, it will open new offices in London, Moscow and Shanghai.
