2022 Was A Record Year For Qatar Airways’ Private Jet Division

Qatar Executive, which serves as the private jet subsidiary of oneworld member and national carrier Qatar Airways, recently announced that 2022 had been a record year for the business. It saw growth in terms of both its fleet and aircraft movements, as well as advancements in the field of sustainability.

Booming traffic

While Qatar Airways itself operates out of Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar Executive is based at Doha International (DIA). While this facility has typically been rather quiet in recent years, with Hamad International being Doha’s primary airport, Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup last year saw its activity ramp up.

Indeed, operating out of its exclusive premium terminal at Doha International Airport, Qatar Executive saw record year-on-year growth of 595% in terms of arrivals in November and December last year, when the tournament was capturing the world’s imagination. In the same period, departures were up 574% compared to the previous year. Commenting on this, Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker stated:

“Qatar Executive’s operations grew significantly during the World Cup, demonstrating the division’s robust FBO services, while offering the most advanced flying solutions to valued customers. Qatar Executive’s continuous growth trajectory reflects the trust of our clients and is also a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence.”

Photo: Qatar Airways

Facilitating the growth

The period immediately after last year’s World Cup Final was a particularly busy one for Qatar Executive, with 296 departures across December 18th and 19th, 2022. Of course, Doha International Airport was not accustomed to handling such heavy traffic before the tournament. As such, it required certain upgrades.

With this in mind, Qatar Executive worked to help renovate the facility’s existing terminal. Previously scheduled for retirement and demolition, the refurbished building played a role in “offering customers a seamless journey both on the ground and onboard.” Further detailing the nature of the renovation, Qatar Executive adds:

“This included upgrading their F&B and baggage handling services, training additional staff members, and renovating on-site facilities. Qatar Executive also deployed the latest WiFi and streaming capabilities, both within the terminal and onboard [its] fleet.”

Photo: Markus Mainka/Shutterstock

Steps also made in fleet growth and sustainability

In order to facilitate its busy year, Qatar Executive expanded its fleet in 2022. Indeed, last year saw the carrier receive three more examples of the Gulfstream G650ER, taking its total number of this type to fifteen. The G650ER is the dominant force when it comes to Qatar Executive’s operations, as its overall fleet size is nineteen.

The other four aircraft at its disposal are a pair of Bombardier Global 5000s and two VIP Airbus A319s. One of these A319s functions as an air ambulance, while the other is used for luxurious passenger transportation purposes.

With the deliveries last year, Qatar Executive became, as the carrier explains, “the world’s largest owner and single commercial operator of the G650ER.” This also represented a step forward in terms of sustainability at Qatar Executive, given that these aircraft are said to be capable of operating on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It will be interesting to see if this momentum continues in 2023.