Qatar Executive welcomed the first Gulfstream G700 to the state of Qatar this weekend as part of a special demonstration flight by the aircraft manufacturer to honor the Middle East operator’s status as the G700 global launch customer. The executive air charter provider has 10 of the ultra-long-range jets on order and expects to take delivery of its first one next year, following FAA expected certification.

The aircraft that visited Qatar Executive is S/N 006, which is registered as N706GD and the first production example, including a full interior. It landed at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar on Saturday morning after flying nonstop from Gulfstream’s headquarters at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, covering the 6,430 nm in 13 hours 15 minutes, according to flight data from AirNav RadarBox. The G700’s advertised maximum range is 7,500 nm.

“We take great pride in the expansion of Qatar Executive throughout the ongoing pandemic. The arrival of the Gulfstream G700 in Doha emphasizes our position as one of the leading business jet aircraft service providers in the Middle East and around the world,” said Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker. “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.”