Qatar Executive eyes Russia, Asia for growth

Qatar Airways' corporate jet division, Qatar Executive, is set to target Russia and emerging markets in Asia for growth in 2012. After seeing "significant" earnings growth this year, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said expansion was on the cards next year. Al Baker said in a statement: "Looking to the future, we will expand into existing markets like Russia and other high-demand European countries, as well as the rapidly emerging markets of Asia." Commenting on 2011, he added: "Even in the current economic conditions, Qatar Executive has shown a dynamic performance and significantly increased earnings compared to 12 months ago. "Qatar Airways' premium customer segment offers enormous potential for Qatar Executive, which the private jet division is continuously looking to capitalise on," Al Baker said. "There is a natural synergy for Qatar Airways to transfer its First and Business Class passengers, who plan to connect from the commercial airline's network to remote destinations, onto its private jet service. "This is a market we are progressively tapping into, and distinguishes our service significantly from other operators." According to the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), the number of private aircraft operated in the Arab World will increase to 1,300 by 2020 with the addition of more than 800 units over the next 10 years. The personalised service for passengers includes the convenience of booking an aircraft in as little as four hours before departure, access to premium airport lounges, and check-in 10 minutes prior to take off, Al Baker said. During the summer, Qatar Executive added three new Bombardier aircraft to its fleet, and now operates a total of six jets, a number set to increase in line with the expansion plans Qatar Executive has set in its pursuit of growth in key markets.