Qatar Executive to display at Bahrain Air Show

Thursday 21 January 2010, Manama, KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN - Qatar Airways’ corporate jet subsidiary Qatar Executive is participating in Bahrain’s first ever air show hosted in the Kingdom this week.

Taking place from today until January 23 at the Sakhir Air Base under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the show attracts leading aviation industry companies from the region and around the world.

Doha-based Qatar Executive is showcasing one of its two Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft and is among many exhibitors comprising aircraft, engine, military jet and helicopter manufacturers at the event.

The two Bombardier Challenger aircraft, which are able to fly non-stop up to 4,000 nautical miles reaching destinations throughout Europe, Africa and Asia, complement a Bombardier Challenger 300, bringing Qatar Executive’s overall fleet size to currently three corporate jets.

The three-day air show, set up in partnership between Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) and organisers of the prestigious Farnborough International Air Show, is expected to draw large numbers of visitors from neighbouring countries, and delegations from across the worldwide aerospace industry.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who also presides over Qatar Executive, said the airline was delighted to take part in the first aerospace industry event of 2010 - and this, in the State of Qatar’s neighbouring Kingdom of Bahrain.

With two air shows happening in close proximity to each other - Dubai Air Show just two months ago and now the Bahrain International Air Show - the Gulf is clearly establishing itself as a key centre for the world’s aviation industry and functions as an important growth catalyst for the entire Middle East region, said Al Baker.

Since the creation of Qatar Executive, the subsidiary has received great response from customers to the new operation, well exceeding its expectations.

“We have experienced a steady stream of bookings and have, within the short time span we have been operating, already established a strong client base,” said Al Baker.

Driven by the robust economic climate in the Middle East, the region’s affluent and top executives of corporations have turned to corporate jet travel as a convenient and hassle free means of transport.

“Private jet travel is all about convenience, saving time and money, especially in the Middle East where economic activity is at a high. Efficient time management for top executives is a priority,” added Al Baker.

Qatar Executive enables corporate travellers to book an aircraft in as little as four hours before departure and check-in 10 minutes prior to take-off.

The personal onboard attention, comfort, fine dining and speed at which the aircraft flies ensures the experience is both rewarding and memorable. Furthermore, corporate jet travel offers privacy and confidentiality, which is a high priority for many executives.

The Bombardier Challenger 300 and 605 aircraft feature eight and 11 leather seats respectively, which recline into fully berthable sleeping compartments. The interiors have premium fittings with plenty of space for meetings. Qatar Executive customers will use the VIP Terminal for departures and arrivals at Doha International Airport.

Being a subsidiary of a well-established Five Star-ranked airline, Qatar Executive leverages on its extensive expertise and experience so VVIP travellers can be rest assured of the highest standards of comfort and reliability provided by highly trained and experienced flight and cabin crew.

Forecasts show that the corporate market in the Middle East has grown at an average of 13 per cent a year since 2000 and that this figure is expected to rise to between 15 and 20 per cent until 2012.

The trend towards using corporate jets is also fuelled through the growing number of secondary airports in less populated areas now available in the region, making travel to remote areas much easier, which is especially valuable to oil and gas companies.

“Tapping into this highly lucrative premium market segment and achieving growth is part of our long-term expansion strategy. The Middle East offers solid potential that will enable Qatar Executive to meet its ambitious targets,” highlighted Al Baker.

Qatar Executive can be contacted through selected agents or via its website www.qatarexec.com where prospective customers can make enquiries.
 
Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 76 aircraft to 85 diverse business and leisure cities across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, South Asia, Far East and North America, and Australasia from its hub in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar.

During 2010, Qatar Airways plans to add a wide range of exciting leisure and business destinations to its ever-growing network. Among them are Bengaluru (Bangalore), Ankara, Copenhagen, Tokyo, Barcelona, as well as Sydney.

Qatar Airways currently operates 39 flights a week between the Bahraini capital Manama and Doha.

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