[Aviation News]

Gulfstream G700 Sets First International City-Pair Speed Records

An all-new Gulfstream G700, the largest aircraft in Gulfstream’s fleet, set its first ever city-pair speed records from Savannah to Doha, Qatar, and then from Doha to Paris.

The fully outfitted G700 production test aircraft connected Savannah to Doha, a distance of 6,711 nautical miles/12,428 kilometers, at an average speed of Mach 0.88 in 13 hours and 16 minutes. The aircraft then set another city-pair record from Doha to Paris, flying 2,953 nm/5,469 km in 6 hours and 15 minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.90.

The record-breaking flights also showcased Gulfstream’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. For the Savannah to Doha flight, Gulfstream fueled the G700 with a blend of sustainable aviation fuel. Carbon offsets are being applied for both flights.

“These were the first international flights for the G700, and it performed exceptionally well, setting two new records in the process,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “We are excited to introduce the G700 in person to customers in the Middle East and Europe and are proud that we can do so while also demonstrating our commitment to sustainability at the same time. Not only did the aircraft prove its speed and distance capabilities, the fully outfitted cabin is also receiving rave reviews with its impressive cabin size, environment, quality and flexibility.”

The G700 cabin, the most spacious in the industry, can be configured for up to five living areas with options for an ultragalley with 10 feet of counter space; a dedicated crew space; an entertainment and presentation area; six-place conference and dining area; and a grand suite with shower. Interior elements include the G700’s award-winning seat design and all-new ultra-high-definition circadian lighting system complemented by the Gulfstream Cabin Experience of 100% fresh, never recirculated air, the industry’s lowest cabin altitude, whisper-quiet noise levels and 20 panoramic oval windows.

Gulfstream’s sustainability goals encompass three pillars – energy and emissions, operations, and culture and learning – and are in line with industry goals established by the National Business Aviation Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and the International Business Aviation Council to reduce carbon emissions, improve fuel efficiency and pursue carbon-neutral growth.

Qatar Executive Showcases the World’s First Gulfstream G700 in Doha in Advance of Delivery in 2022

Qatar Executive welcomed the arrival of the world’s first Gulfstream G700 jet aircraft from Savannah, Georgia on 30 August 2021. The Gulfstream G700 visited Doha, Qatar, as part of a special demonstration by the manufacturer honouring Qatar Executive as the launch customer.

Qatar Executive is Qatar Airways’ corporate jet subsidiary that is headquartered at Doha International Airport. Qatar Executive’s luxury jet services cater to the global business travel community, and is available for worldwide charter on board the operator’s wholly-owned business jet fleet.

Qatar Executive is the world’s largest owner-operator of the Gulfstream G650ER and currently operates seven of the aircraft type with eight more to be delivered within the next 10 months in addition to the planned deliveries of the G700 fleet.

The fleet also includes four Global 5000s, one Global XRS, three Challenger 605s, and two brand new Gulfstream G500. The latest delivery follows Qatar Executive’s announcement in May 2015, to purchase up to 30 aircraft from Gulfstream Aerospace Corp, including firm orders and options that are a combination of both of Gulfstream’s new wide-cabin aircraft, the G500 and G600, and the flagship G650ER. Qatar Executive’s service portfolio includes aircraft management, airliner charter, maintenance and FBO services.

Equipped with the all-new Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and an advanced high-speed wing design, the Gulfstream G700 is able to fly at record-breaking speed and range with outstanding environmental efficiency, promoting sustainable business aviation. The G700 will be the latest addition to Qatar Executive’s state-of-the-art fleet of long-range and ultra-long-range aircraft. The executive charter service provider has ordered 10 of the world’s largest business jets, and will take delivery of the very first aircraft off the Gulfstream assembly line in Georgia, U.S. in 2022. The aircraft has been tailor-made exclusively with superior-quality cabins to meet Qatar Executive’s exacting standards.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We take great pride in the expansion of Qatar Executive throughout the ongoing pandemic. The arrival of the Gulfstream G700 in Doha emphasises our position as one of the leading business jet aircraft service provider in the Middle East and around the world. As the global launch customer for this technologically-advanced jet, we look forward to welcoming the G700 into Qatar Executive’s fleet in 2022 and continuing to set new standards in air travel for years to come.

“As a launch customer, we are also proud to reaffirm our commitment to addressing climate change and other environmental impacts through the addition of the technologically advanced G700 to our fleet.

“Qatar Executive grew exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the average monthly block hours reserved grew by 76 per cent year-over-year and the booking enquires increased by more than a 100 per cent. The sharp growth came as a result of the new strategies implemented by Qatar Executive and dynamic positioning of the services in the right market place, in addition to understanding their customer requirements and offering tailored flight hour packages.

“Today, we celebrate our strong ties with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, and look forward to forging an even closer relationship as we continue receiving new jets from them in the near future.”

“We are grateful for Qatar Executive’s continued confidence in Gulfstream,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “With their partnership, we are introducing the tremendous performance capabilities and cabin comfort of the G700 to their customers, and we look forward to their first G700 deliveries.”

The new state-of-the-art aircraft is designed for ultra-long-haul flights and can operate non-stop from Doha to New York, in about 12 hours and from Doha to Seoul in just over eight hours.

Gulfstream introduced the G700 in 2019 as the industry’s new flagship aircraft. It boasts business aviation’s most spacious cabin and can fly farther, and faster than any other competitor in the business-jet industry. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, the G700 can fly 7,500 nautical miles/13,890 kilometres at Mach 0.85 or 6,400 nm/11,853 km at Mach 0.90. It features the award-winning Symmetry Flight Deck with active control sidesticks and the most extensive use of touchscreen technology in the industry.

The aircraft delivers the most spacious, innovative and flexible cabin in the industry, offering an extra-large galley with lounge or crew compartment, up to five living areas and a spacious, unparalleled grand suite with en suite washroom. The jet also features an all-new, Gulfstream-developed revolutionary lighting system that mimics circadian rhythms. Along with 20 panoramic windows and the Gulfstream cabin environment of 100 per cent fresh air, low cabin altitude and whisper-quiet sound levels, the G700 promotes in-flight health and well-being and greatly reduces the physical impact of traveling halfway around the world non-stop.

Photo credits: Gulfstream and Qatar Executive