Lucas Mellinger
- 22/06/2023
Lucas Mellinger
22/06/2023
During the Paris Air Show 2023, Qatar Executive graciously invited us to explore the two aircraft they had carefully selected for exhibition. There were the Airbus A319 ACJ (Airbus Corporate Jet), previously belonging to the Emir of Qatar's fleet, and the eagerly anticipated Gulfstream G700, currently in the certification phase before commencing operations.
Our visit began with a captivating tour of the Airbus A319 ACJ, registered as A7-HHJ, which joined the Qatar Executive fleet approximately a year and a half ago after its departure from the Emir's fleet.
The cabin of the A319 has been meticulously redesigned and modified to best suit the specific requirements of Qatar Executive and its clientele, complete with the installation of onboard Wi-Fi. It is capable of carrying up to 19 passengers over 3,000 nautical miles non-stop, equivalent to a Doha-London flight. Although this range is well below that of the Gulfstream G700, which will also be certified to carry 19 passengers, we have identified several notable advantages in opting for an Airbus Corporate Jet over a conventional business jet.
The first advantage lies beneath the passengers' feet, under the floor. The A319's cargo capacity is greater than the capacity of a Gulfstream G700 or its competitor, the Bombardier Global 7000. This advantage offers the flexibility to transport oversized baggage, a convenience that may pose challenges in most business jets.
The second noteworthy advantage lies in the cabin itself. The A319 provides a significantly more spacious environment than a typical business jet cabin. This feature aligns perfectly with the aircraft's purpose: ensuring individual privacy for travelers accompanied by numerous colleagues or partners.
The cabin of the Airbus A319 ACJ is divided into three distinct sections, each serving a specific purpose.
The first section, located just next to the main door, features a private bedroom equipped with a double bed with a real mattress. Passengers can enjoy entertainment through an Apple TV connected to a high-resolution screen, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience.
Additionally, a private washroom with concealed toilets and a washbasin ensures utmost privacy throughout the entire flight. The presence of ample storage spaces is notable, catering to long-haul journeys or flights with fuel stops. These rooms provide complete privacy and intimacy for select passengers during their flight.
Moving to the second section, we encounter a versatile space suitable for dining or working. This area provides two large tables with four seats each, accommodating a total of eight passengers. All eight seats are designed to be used during take-off and landing, equipped with recliners and footrests to improve comfort. This section is perfect for business meetings group dinners or any activities that may require a calm and spacious environment.
The third and final part of the A319's cabin features 12 seats arranged in a standard 2-2 business configuration, featuring Collins Aerospace Diamond seats from the retired Qatar Airways A319LR fleet.
These seats can be fully reclined to a flat position and are equipped with tray tables. Notably, the seat design incorporates the Al-Adaam flag color to remind us of the Qatar flag.
An interesting choice was made to replace the conventional in-flight entertainment screens with iPads, providing passengers with greater comfort and flexibility, and reducing overall weight. These iPads feature a modified version of the Oryx One in-flight entertainment system from Qatar Airways, offering a comprehensive selection of over 6,000 entertainment options, including 1,100 movies.
At the rear of this section, a clean and elegant lavatory can be accessed, featuring marble accents. This part allows the other passengers or collaborators to fly in very good conditions and to relax during flight time.
By flying Qatar Executive, the customer will also be greeted by the Qatar Executive pajama which is the same as the Qatar Airways First Class Pajama, with slippers and a great amenity kit.
While the A319 ACJ offers an impressive array of amenities and spaciousness, it may be considered overkill for certain flight requirements. Particularly for flights lasting around 5 to 6 hours and with lower capacity needs, the per-hour flight cost of the A319 ACJ tends to be higher compared to other private jets, including those in the Qatar Executive fleet.
For individuals or groups who do not require the extensive capacity offered by the A319 or desire to travel longer distances without refueling, Qatar Executive presents alternative options. Among the current offerings is the Gulfstream G650ER, a reliable choice that will soon be complemented by the Gulfstream G700, which we had the opportunity to visit.
One of the latest additions to the Gulfstream family, the Gulfstream G700, was the choice of Qatar Executive to complement their offer. This airplane is not certified yet and is stills under development.
If the size may be less impressive than an A319, the passenger's experience is still very great in terms of comfort. In addition, several compelling characteristics make the G700 an attractive option compared to the A319 ACJ.
First and foremost, as previously mentioned, the operating cost per hour of flight is significantly lower for the G700 when compared to the A319. The A319's larger size incurs higher operating expenses, making it financially inefficient to choose the ACJ without adequate capacity requirements.
Furthermore, the G700 has a very long range. This aircraft can fly up to 7,500 nautical miles in long-range configuration (Mach 0.85 cruising speed). It's enough to fly from Doha to Los Angeles non-stop. This range surpasses that of the A319 by more than twice.
The Gulfstream can also go slightly faster with a cruise speed of Mach 0.90 in a high-speed configuration.
The Gulfstream G700 offers a spacious and inviting cabin, distinguishing itself from its competitors. Windows are very large, creating a bright and refreshing ambiance.
The cabin is equipped with a sofa that can allow up to 3 passengers to sit, in front of a screen which will surely give access to a modified version of the Oryx One entertainment system.
Adjacent to the sofa are two recliner seats equipped, positioned facing each other on opposite sides of the cabin. They are far enough to allow the passengers seated to stretch slightly their legs. Additionally, a tray table is available for use during the journey.
The cabin also features two working tables, one with four seats and another with two seats. The seats are the same as those found in the first rows of the cabin, ensuring consistent comfort throughout the aircraft. Both tables are foldable, allowing passengers to occupy them during take-off and landing.
And finally, we have a bedroom separated by a door. This room features a double bed and on the other side, two seats facing each other. This room is not something usual on planes of that kind. Allowing passengers to reach such a great level of privacy on a business jet is very significant.
Furthermore, we finished with the lavatory, with some great marble finish and a very clean look.
The cargo hold is just behind the door of the lavatory and provides a very large space for luggage which will be enough for most people. Notably, this cargo area remains accessible even during flight—an added convenience for passengers.
Here is the end of the visit of that very special bird. We were sadly not able to have any more information about the service start of the G700 with Qatar, but we are looking forward to seeing them take off!
The Gulfstream G700 stands out as an excellent choice for long flights with low-capacity needs, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin. On the other hand, in case of high-capacity needs and large cargo transportation, the A319 ACJ can allow you to fly with a lot more privacy and space. Both options have their strengths and are adaptable to individual requirements.
The visit to these cabins was a unique and enjoyable experience, showcasing the exceptional offerings of Qatar Executive. We extend our gratitude to Qatar Executive for providing the opportunity to explore these remarkable aircraft.
Featured image by Yann Arnould