OREANDA-NEWS. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Qatar Airways for the purchase of up to 20 aircraft. The agreement was announced in conjunction with Gulfstream's introduction of an all-new family of business jets, the Gulfstream G500 and G600.

The Memorandum of Understanding establishes the initial agreement for Qatar Airways to order up to 20 Gulfstream aircraft, including firm orders and options for the all-new, wide-cabin G500 and the flagship G650ER. Today's Memorandum of Understanding marks the beginning of a new relationship between Qatar Airways and Gulfstream.

"This agreement is evidence of the industry-leading performance of Gulfstream's flagship aircraft, the G650ER, and of our commitment to deliver on the promises we have made for our new family of aircraft, which includes the G500," said Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream. "With their unmatched high-speed capabilities and class-leading cabin comfort, the G650ER and G500 will allow Qatar Airways to introduce a new level of service to their customers in the Middle East and abroad."

Said His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, group chief executive, Qatar Airways, "Qatar Executive has been on an accelerated growth path since its inception and is held to an exceptional standard of quality that is widely known by our global clientele. In order to keep pace with the future strategic growth plans of our private jet division, the fleet is being expanded with aircraft that meet the needs of our guests, providing a wide range of options. Today's announcement of the Memorandum of Understanding for G650ERs and G500s signals a next step for Qatar Executive's relatively young and buoyant history."

From its start in 2009, Qatar Executive has rapidly risen to become a leader in air charter services for individuals, families, businesses, corporations and governments. As part of Qatar Airways, one of the world's leading airlines, Qatar Executive's clients are assured an excellent charter experience.

The G500's all-new design optimizes speed, wide-cabin comfort and efficiency, and features new industry-leading safety technologies. The G500 can fly 5,000 nautical miles/9,260 kilometers at Mach 0.85 or 3,800 nm/7,038 km at Mach 0.90. The aircraft will link Doha, Qatar, nonstop with London, Geneva and Paris at Mach 0.90 and is expected to enter service in 2018.

The first flight of the G500 is scheduled for 2015. Gulfstream projects it will receive type certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency in 2017.

The G650ER, an ultra-long-range aircraft, can travel 7,500 nm/13,890 km at Mach 0.85 and 6,400 nm/11,853 km at Mach 0.90. The G650ER can fly nonstop from Doha to New York at Mach 0.90 and nonstop from Doha to Los Angeles at Mach 0.85. Announced in May 2014, the G650ER recently received FAA certification.

The G650ER and the G500 are also distinguished by their cabin environments. Designed with wide cross-sections that maximize passenger comfort and aircraft performance, both aircraft feature 100 percent fresh air and industry-leading cabin altitudes that boost mental alertness and productivity while reducing fatigue. Gulfstream's signature large oval windows allow natural light to pour into the cabins.

Qatar Executive was established as part of Qatar Airways' ongoing robust global growth strategy and continued commitment to the Middle East and global business travel community.

Headquartered at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar Executive's jet services are available for worldwide charter onboard the operator's wholly-owned fleet. Qatar Executive's service portfolio includes aircraft management, airliner charter, maintenance and FBO services.