Qatar Airways’ corporate jet subsidiary Qatar Executive is showcasing one of its two Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft at the first Bahrain International Air Show.

Bahrain Air Show, set up in partnership between Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) and organisers of the prestigious Farnborough International Air Show, opened today (January 21), and will run up to January 23 at Sakhir Airbase.

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.

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.

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 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.

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,” said Al Baker. – TradeArabia News Service