Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has made the first international deliveries of the new Gulfstream G500 aircraft. Qatar Airways received two G500s at Gulfstream’s Savannah headquarters.

The latest G500 aircraft will join the five Gulfstream G650ER aircraft already in service with Qatar Executive, the airline’s executive charter business.

The G500 received 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.

“Gulfstream and Qatar Executive have been good partners since we announced the G500 and their intention to be its international launch customer,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “We are proud to deliver these aircraft just four years later and after the most rigorous flight-test programme 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.”

Launch customer

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, added: “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.”

Upon becoming the international launch customer for the G500 in 2014, Qatar Airways established an agreement for up to 30 Gulfstream aircraft, a combination of firm orders and options that includes the G650ER, the G500 and the Gulfstream G600.

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