Qatar Airways’ execJet business eyes Russian opportunities

Qatar Airways’ corporate jet division, Qatar Executive, recently participated for the first time in Russia’s leading business aviation show held in Moscow.The three-day Jet Expo show was staged at Vnukovo-3 International Airport, a European business jet complex serving 95 percent of all corporate flights in and out of Russia.Qatar Executive, the Doha-based corporate jet business, claims to have received an exceptional response in the market since being formed two years ago – and is taking measures to meet spurring demand for business jet services in the Middle East and globally.Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said that the airline was delighted to take part in the key aerospace industry event in Russia – a country, which has seen spectacular growth in the corporate jet sector over the years.”We have been responding to strong regional demand for private flying, with Russia a key market where economic activity is strong and growing, fuelling demand for corporate jet services,” he said.”Tapping into this highly lucrative premium market segment and achieving growth is part of our long-term expansion strategy. Russia offers solid potential that will enable Qatar Executive to meet its ambitious targets.”Our participation in Jet Expo 2011 gave us a chance to interact with our most loyal clients and, of course new clientele. At the same time, it was a perfect opportunity to strengthen our business contacts and provided Qatar Executive with an opportunity to present services available for luxury flying,” added Al Baker.The corporate jet arm, which began operations in 2009 with two Bombardier Challenger 605s, now operates five all-Bombardier business jets.