Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

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Qatar Executive’s decision to refresh its charter fleet with the Gulfstream G700 flagship appears to have been vindicated, with the company reporting strong growth in demand since the first delivery was made in May. The Qatar Airways subsidiary now has four of the ultra-long-range business jets in service, with <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-05-24/qatar-executive-becomes-first-g700-commercial-operator">six more to come</a> from the launch order it placed in October 2019.
“We have seen a strong growth trend for charter services by Qatar Executive, and our market share is growing overall,” Trevor Esling, the operator’s commercial vice president, told AIN. “All our customers are seeking increased privacy, security, safety, and convenience, in addition to the unmatched personalized service that we offer.”
The company chose the G700 not only for its 7,750-nm intercontinental range, but also for the operational flexibility that Esling said allows it “to fly direct to unique destinations, using the smaller, more private airport locations that we can fly our passengers into.” In this respect, Qatar Executive is looking to complement the 170 destinations worldwide connected by its scheduled airline parent out of its hub in Doha.
According to Esling, the “fly when you want, and where you want” on-demand charter service has become a strong product differentiator to set Qatar Airways apart from other leading airlines, including Gulf rivals such as Emirates and Etihad. Apart from the close connections between Delta Air Lines and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-06-17/wheels-refreshes-membership-and-charter-packages">Wheels Up</a>, few scheduled carriers have sought to offer a private aviation option to passengers.
In October, Qatar Airways started offering reciprocal benefits between <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-10-10/qatar-executive-offers-airline-loyalty-program-benefits">its Privilege Club loyalty program</a> and the Qatar Executive charter services. Frequent flyers now earn four Avios points for every dollar spent on charter flights, and these can be redeemed for private jet trips, either in full or on a cash-plus-Avios-points basis.
“So far, we’ve seen strong interest from our existing and potential clients for the Privilege Club program,” Esling said. “The introduction of this initiative has been to reward our loyal clients while creating further synergies within the Qatar Airways group. We are looking forward to potentially delving deeper into this offering to ensure Qatar Executive provides a seamless and rewarding journey at every touchpoint for our clients.”
<h2>Global Reach and Big Airline Backing</h2>
According to Esling, Qatar Executive benefits from the global infrastructure and operational bandwidth of its parent company. The Qatar Airways 258-strong fleet includes a mix of Airbus and Boeing widebodies, including the A350, A380, 777, and 787 types, as well as some 737s and A320s. The private charter fleet also includes 15 Gulfstream G650ERs, as well as a pair of Bombardier Global 5000s and an Airbus ACJ319 bizliner.
“Overall market demand has stayed at a more or less constant level since the beginning of 2024, and we see that trend continuing into 2025,” Esling concluded. “In saying this, we see many market opportunities and areas offering significant growth opportunities for Qatar Executive and we are looking forward to the year ahead.”
One of the G700s is on display this week at MEBAA Show, where Qatar Executive has a chalet adjoining the static display at Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport. “The Middle East region is very important to us, and attending MEBAA this year was most certainly high on the agenda,” Esling said.
Qatar Executive received the first three of 10 G700s on order in May, and the fourth aircraft arrived a few weeks later. The operator had expected to have seven of the Rolls-Royce Pearl 700-powered twinjets in service by year-end, but its remaining six aircraft are still pending delivery from Gulfstream’s Savannah, Georgia headquarters, where supply chain and production issues have <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-10-04/reports-gulfstream-g700-deliveries-lag-dozen-q3">caused delays</a>.
The aircraft can carry up to 13 passengers in four cabin zones, with sleeping accommodation for up to eight people.

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